A Non-Randomized Comparison of the Addition of New Maudsley Model Workshops for Parents of Adult Women Receiving Multidisciplinary Care for Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Objective: The impact of the add-on of New Maudsley Model (NMM) training workshops for carers of individuals with eating disorders (EDs) on clinical outcomes in adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) undergoing enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E) remains unexplored. The outcomes of females with AN aged 18 and 35 years, treated with CBT-E, were compared between those whose parents agreed to attend NMM workshops and those whose parents declined participation. Method: Psychopathology was assessed up to 1-year follow-up. Baseline differences were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), while longitudinal changes were evaluated with generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs). Results: At admission, individuals in the NMM group had higher levels of ED psychopathology, body uneasiness, and alexithymia. At 1-year follow-up, both groups improved significantly, and between-group comparisons revealed significant effect sizes in favor of the NMM group. Discussion: Parental participation in NMM workshops was associated with more favorable treatment outcomes in adults with AN undergoing CBT-E. These findings suggest the potential relevance of integrating family participation into adult AN treatment.