Integrated CBTE improves outcomes for anorexia nervosa

Hospital treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) can be lifesaving, but it has poor outcomes and high relapse rates. To address these issues, the ‘Oxford pilot’ was developed in 2017,adapting an integrated CBTE treatment approach in NHS setting, building on Dalle Grave’s work in Italy.

We will share comparative long-term and short-term outcome data between the Oxford pilot and treatment as usual (TAU) elsewhere for people with AN from the Southeast of England (population of 3.5 million) between 2017-2020. Primary outcome measure: outcome at minimum one year after discharge (good, poor, readmission, death). Secondary outcomes were BMI on admission, discharge, and length of stay.

The workshop will consist of a detailed description of the I-CBTE treatment model and reflections by a former patient.

130 patients were admitted to Oxford with AN and 105 elsewhere in the UK. The mean age was 28.9 years. 25% of patients were detained. There were no significant differences on admission between the Oxford and TAU. Length of stay was shorter (mean: 98 days vs 119 days, p=0.01) and discharge BMI was

higher (18.3 vs 17 p=0.01). 69% of patients who received I-CBTE maintained good outcomes for minimum one year, in contrast with <10% TAU. Good long-term outcome was associated with normalising of BMI before discharge and ongoing I-CBTE in line with previous research.

Based on our data, the dissemination of I-CBTE would improve outcomes and reduce re admission rates.

Dr Lorna Collins & Dr Agnes Ayton

Lorna Collins an expert by experience. She works as a lecturer in Creative Health at University College London. She is also an artist, writer, journalist and public speaker.

Dr Ayton is a consultant psychiatrist in Oxford, and Chair of the Faculty of Eating Disorders RCPsych.