Predictors of Treatment Outcome in Anorexia Nervosa
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ambivalence in anorexia: The predictive validity of perceived advantages and disadvantages on treatment outcome
IRAS ID
216529
Contact name
Lucy Serpell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2016/12/06 health research, Data Protection Registration Number
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Can Pre-Treatment Patient Variables Predict Treatment Outcome in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is notoriously difficult to treat, and linked with detrimental physical and psychological effects, and even death in severe cases, and several studies have attempted to identify factors which may predict treatment outcome in order to inform and improve upon models of intervention. It has been suggested that one of the greatest hindrances to recovery may be the disorder's egosyntonic nature, meaning that individuals suffering anorexia nervosa often value the disorder and see it as serving important functions.
Determining patient variables which predict successfulness within therapy is important because knowledge of such variables can help tailor treatment and identify those who may be particularly resistant toward recovery at an early stage.
In this vein, the current study aims firstly to validate the P-CAN, a scale used to measure positive and negative attitudes to anorexia and secondly to determine whether patients' attitudes towards their own illness (the degree to which they view it as positive/negative) can predict their outcome in treatment.
Potential benefits of this study are improved models of intervention and better understanding of resistance to AN treatment.The study will employ a prospective, longitudinal design.
In the first part, participants will complete the P-CAN alongside other measures at a single time point in order to validate the measure. In part 2, participants will be asked to fill out a series of questionnaires aiming to capture key predictors of treatment outcome, and the study will be longitudinal in nature, with measures being taken at the beginning of treatment as well as 6 months post-treatment.
The study will be self-funded by the student conducting the study, and will be recruiting at the Eating Disorders Service, Truro Health Park in Cornwall and The Hope Wing, Porters Avenue Health Centre in London.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0250
Date of REC Opinion
22 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion