Extrait

Background and study aims Eating disorders are serious psychiatric illnesses characterised by an abnormal attitude towards food that causes someone to change their eating habits and behaviour. Quality of life is also severely impaired in the family members of those affected, as these people often act as their main carers. The aim of this study is to help the carers of people with eating disorders in order to reduce their distress. It uses a self-management intervention for carers supplemented by coaching from experienced carers who have been trained in caregiving skills. Who can participate? Eating disorder inpatients aged 13 or older and their carers What does the study involve? Carers are randomly allocated to receive either the guided self-help intervention (in addition to treatment as usual) or treatment as usual only. Treatment takes about 3 - 6 months, and follow-up continues for one year. The outcomes measured are health and quality of life for carers and the person they care for at the end of inpatient treatment and for the following two years. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The information we will obtain from this study may help us to provide better services and treatment for future patients with an eating disorder. Where is the study run from? 15 specialised eating disorder centres in the UK When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? August 2008 to February 2012 Who is funding the study? National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (UK) Who is the main contact? Prof. Janet Treasure

Critère d'inclusion

• Anorexia nervosa

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp