Evaluation of a Skills-Based Program for Carers & Families of patients with Moderate to Severe Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

This study evaluated a specialist intervention for carers of adults with moderate to severe anorexia (MS-AN), where the individuals may have suffered from the illness for several years and/or experience additional complex mental or physical health diagnoses alongside their eating disorder. A 12-session online group programme was developed to target the specific needs of parents and partners in their role as carers for individuals with MS-AN. The programme provided an opportunity for carers to gain an in-depth understanding of MS-AN and their own iexperience of burnout through the lens of ‘parts’ of self, including coping mechanisms that emerge in response to unmet emotional needs. A range of therapeutic tools were incorporated to facilitate healthy coping and to enhance communication with the person with MS-AN. Baseline demographic information was collected from both patients and carers, as well as several self-report measures which were then completed again mid-intervention (6-weeks), post-intervention, and at 3-months follow-up. Carers also completed questionnaires pre- and post-session for each of the 12 sessions, which included self-report measures about quality of life, relationship with patient, and session helpfulness.