Research project The EMARO-study is a clinical study conducted within the psychiatric clinic in Region Västernorrland. The aim of the study is investigate the feasibility and effect of a new form of psychological treatment - Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) on anorexia nervosa.
Participants in the study are offered RO-DBT, which is provided within the framework of psychiatric outpatient care (adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry) within Region Västernorrland. The study is being conducted in collaboration between Region Västernorrland and Umeå University. Recruitment of study participants have been closed since August -23.
Background
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is the most severe form of eating disorders (ED) with a high degree of chronicity (20-23% develop a chronic course) and the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric disorders except for untreated opioid abuse. There is currently a lack of evidence-based and effective treatments for adults. Therefore, it is very urgent to find new and effective treatment methods for AN.
Aim
We want to investigate the effect of a relatively new psychotherapeutic treatment (RO-DBT) for adolescents (16+) and adults with AN. We also want to investigate whether the treatment's focus on putative psychological mechanisms such as an overcontrolled way of functioning can influence known contemporary difficulties in AN such as obsessive-compulsive personality traits and emotional dysregulation.
Method
We aim to conduct a clinical, multiple baseline single case experimental study in which we investigate this new treatment method for patients with typical or atypical AN. Participants will undergo structured assessments regarding eating disorder symptoms and other psychiatric issues together with licensed psychologists. Participants will also complete questionnaires regarding eating disorder symptoms, personality traits and emotional regulation. Participants will then be offered RO-DBT and will undergo this treatment for 30 weeks. Afterwards, assessments will be conducted again to evaluate the effect of the treatment. Participants will also participate in a follow-up assessment 6 months after the end of treatment in order to examine long-term effects. During the course of treatment, biweekly questionnaires will also be completed to more closely examine the effect of the treatment.
Relevance
If the study can confirm the results of previous pilot studies on RO-DBT and prove to be an appropriate intervention for AN, we can contribute with an important first step towards an effective treatment for a psychiatric illnesses which is currently lacking efficacious treatments. We also hope to contribute to an expanded understanding of the disease mechanisms in AN and how these can be influenced in order to alleviate symptoms.
