Predicting Dropout and Remission in Family Therapy for AN

A team of clinicians at Stanford University has identified three main factors that may help predict dropout and remission among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) who are being treated with family therapy (Int J Eat Disord 2006; e-publication).

Dr. James Lock and colleagues at Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, found that comorbid psychiatric disorder and being randomized to longer treatment predicted greater dropout. The researchers used data from a randomized clinical trial comparing short-term and long-term family therapy for adolescents. In addition, the presence of comorbid psychiatric disorder, being older and problematic family behaviors led to lower rates of remission.

Reducing child behavioral symptoms, lessening problematic family behaviors and early weight gain were all treatment changes that increased the chance of remission from AN.