The Maudsley model of anorexia nervosa treatment for adolescents and emerging adults: A multi‐centre cohort study

Sartirana

et al. 2023

ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT‐E) on patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) aged 14 to 25 treated in a real‐world setting.MethodOne hundred and fifteen patients with AN (n = 61, age <18 years) were recruited from consecutive referrals to a clinical eating disorder service offering outpatient CBT‐E. Body Mass Index (BMI), BMI centiles, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Clinical Impairment Assessment scores were recorded at admission, at the end of treatment, and at 20‐week follow‐up.ResultsThe seventy‐two patients (62.6%) who finished the programme showed considerable weight gain and reduced scores for clinical impairment and eating‐disorder and general psychopathology. Changes remained stable at 20 weeks. A comparison between adolescent and adult patients indicates similar improvements in eating‐disorder psychopathology.ConclusionsThe benchmark data yielded by this study suggest that CBT‐E is a well‐accepted and promising treatment that could be adopted to ensure continuity of care across the transitional age.

Effectiveness of enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy for patients aged 14 to 25: A promising treatment for anorexia nervosa in transition‐age youth

Sartirana

et al. 2023

Effectiveness of the Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults: A systematic review

Fernández García,

Quiles Marcos

2024

BackgroundMaudsley Model of Anorexia nervosa (AN) Treatment for Adults (MANTRA) is recommended by NICE for the treatment of adults with AN. However, despite this fact, the approach remains relatively understudied. The aim of this study was to systematically update the research evidence regarding the use of the MANTRA in the treatment of Eating Disorders (ED).MethodThe databases used were Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycInfo, including studies up to 31 May 2023. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and Cochrane tools were used to assess the risk of bias. The search focused on identifying published articles that discussed the usefulness of MANTRA as a component of treatment for ED, following PICO criteria.ResultsNine studies spanning the period from 2011 to 2023 were included. Findings suggested that MANTRA was effective in improving body mass index (BMI), eating symptomatology and emotional state. There were generally no significant differences compared to other treatment conditions. Limitations to interpreting this systematic review include the methodological quality of included studies and the elevated risk of bias.ConclusionsThis review was the first to examine the effectiveness of MANTRA. The results indicate that MANTRA has shown effectiveness similar to other treatments for adults AN patients in addressing key clinical variables. It has been used in different populations (adolescents, males, inpatients) and formats (group, online) However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

Exploring neurocognitive features in adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa: Evidence from a longitudinal study

Wittek,

Zeiler,

Truttmann

et al. 2024

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in set‐shifting and central coherence in a predominantly adolescent cohort with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to explore whether these factors predict long‐term eating disorder outcomes.MethodNinety‐two female patients with AN (mean age: 16.2, range: 13–21 years) completed neurocognitive tests (Rey Complex Figure Test, Adapted Version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) before and after 12 months of psychotherapeutic treatment (n = 45 Maudsley AN Treatment, MANTRa; n = 47 standard psychotherapy; groups not randomised). Eating disorder severity was assessed at baseline, after 6, 12 and 18 months.ResultsCentral coherence (indicated by an increase in the Rey Figure Style Index) and set‐shifting (indicated by a reduction in the percentage of perseverative errors) significantly improved over the course of treatment, with similar outcomes across groups. Lower central coherence was associated with higher eating disorder severity. Individuals with lower baseline set‐shifting ability tended to have worse eating disorder outcomes in the long‐term. However, this trend did not reach statistical significance in a multilevel linear mixed model.ConclusionsNeurocognitive difficulties in adolescents and young adults with AN can improve after treatment. Interventions specifically addressing flexibility in thinking and behaviour may contribute to treatment success.