2 - (SYM 35) Virtual-based Family-based Treatment for Older Age Youth and Young Adults with an Eating Disorder

Background: Thirty million people will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders are associated with a myriad of medical, physical, and psychosocial consequences yet only 50% of those receiving treatment recover. Thus, innovative treatments are needed. Family-based treatment (FBT) is the standard of care for children and adolescents with an eating disorder. Here, we evaluate early treatment outcomes for FBT for older age youth and young adults with an eating disorder. Consistent with the conference theme to expand treatment access via technology, FBT was delivered virtually. 

Methods: We examined early treatment outcomes of patients aged 16-24+ at a virtual eating disorder treatment program. Patients received FBT with a multidisciplinary team. Mental health change and weight for patients requiring weight restoration were evaluated at 8-weeks of treatment. Descriptive analyses and multilevel models were used to evaluate change over time.

Results: Patients (N=670) had a mean age of 17 (SD:2.0); 79% identified as cisgender girls and 70% identified as white. Seventy-six percent had anorexia nervosa, 14.5% ARFID, 3.4% bulimia nervosa, with the remaining patients diagnosed as BED or OSFED. The majority of patients had a biological mother or father involved in treatment. By week 8, patients on weight restoration gained, on average 6.76lbs (SE = .29, p< .001). Mental health outcomes decreased over time (eating disorder symptoms: b = -5.71,SE = .41, p< .001; depression: b = -2.58, SE= .38, p< .001; anxiety: b = -1.81, SE= .33, p < .001).



Conclusion: FBT delivered virtually is effective for older age youth and young adults with an eating disorder. Given CBT is generally considered the first line of treatment for adult eating disorders, FBT may serve as a valuable alternative for young adults with participating caregivers. Virtually delivered FBT represents an effective eating disorder treatment that may simultaneously improve access to care and recovery rates for adult eating disorders.