A Novel Approach to the Involvement of Loved Ones in the Treatment of Individuals with Eating Disorders: The Family Integration Model

The purpose of this study was to describe a novel approach to involving family members and support people in higher-level care treatment for patients with eating disorders (EDs) across the age spectrum, to examine outcomes on ED symptoms, depression, and anxiety, and to assess outcomes for patients presenting with high-severity symptoms. Family members also rated their satisfaction with family-specific programming. Participants were 137 adults and 61 adolescents receiving treatment at the intensive outpatient program and partial hospitalization program levels. Self-report measures of ED symptoms, depression, and anxiety were completed at admission and discharge. Adults and adolescents reported significant reductions on the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire Global Score and all subscales from admission to discharge (all ps < 0.001). Adults (t(90) = 9.21, p < 0.001) and adolescents (t(36) = 4.27, p < 0.001) reported significant reductions in depression from admission to discharge (ps < 0.001). Adults (p < 0.001), but not adolescents (p = 0.07), reported significant reductions in anxiety. Overall, similar results were found for patients presenting with high-severity symptoms. Family members reported high levels of satisfaction with family programming. Findings suggest that this novel approach to involving family members and support people for those with EDs across the age spectrum may result in favorable treatment outcomes.