Anorexia study investigates family-based therapy approach

According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, around 12,000 mostly young people in Germany were hospitalised for an eating disorder in 2023. Of these, a particularly large number suffer from anorexia. But even after a hospital stay, the disorder remains present for many sufferers. Around 42 per cent of those affected suffer a relapse after discharge.

23 clinics in Germany are researching new ways of treating anorexia. The study "FIAT - Family-Based Telemedicine vs. Inpatient Anorexia Nervosa Treatment" compares an alternative, family-based therapy for anorexia sufferers with traditional inpatient therapy. 100 adolescents receive the family-based therapy and a further 100 receive standard inpatient care.

The University Hospital of Würzburg (UKW) is participating in the study, for which those affected can currently be enrolled. Together with nine other health insurance companies, the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) is supporting the "FIAT" project. The study is being led by the Charité hospital in Berlin.

In Germany, anorexia is treated on an inpatient basis above a certain level of severity, i.e. in a clinic outside the familiar family environment. The study now aims to investigate whether family-based therapy in telemedical form represents an alternative treatment option to full inpatient clinical care for those affected and their families.

Closely involving the whole family

Professor Marcel Romanos, Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the UKW, explains: "With the family-based telemedical approach, the whole family is closely involved during the ten-month therapy. In regular therapy sessions via video call, for example, consultations take place to establish and consolidate new, healthy eating habits and behaviours in everyday life." If this is not successful, the doctors in charge support the immediate transition to regular inpatient care.

Dr. Gabriele Gonschor, Head of Regional Contracting at TK in Bavaria, says: "In countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, family-based therapy has already proven its worth and is considered a standard procedure for the treatment of anorexia nervosa. If the study shows that treatment via video and telephone works just as well as treatment in hospital, this would have many advantages for patients: they could stay in their familiar surroundings, continue to go to school and meet their friends. They would also not have to wait long for a treatment slot."

Participation in the study

Enrolment runs until the end of 2026 and is open to insured persons aged eight to 17 with anorexia nervosa that requires inpatient admission. As a rule, the insured persons are already undergoing treatment at the participating clinics or are on a waiting list.

Further information can be found on the TK website.

Further information on the study and participation can be found on the study website.