Objective: This study aimed to synthesize the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on body mass index (BMI), body dissatisfaction, depression and anxiety among individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN).
Methods: Published studies in English were searched using seven databases (such as PubMed). Grey literature was searched using ProQuest and Scopus. Studies were screened, appraised and extracted by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed and standardized mean difference was used as an effect measure. Heterogeneity was determined by I2 statistics and Cochran χ2 test. Publication bias was appraised using funnel plots. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also conducted.
Results: Nineteen RCTs from eight different countries were included in this review. Behavioral family system therapy (BFST) was found to enhance BMI while conjoint family therapy (CFT) was more effective in ameliorating depression. Studies implementing combined family and individual therapy and those with longer therapeutic durations produced larger effect sizes.
Conclusion: This review provided evidence to support BSFT, CFT and combined family and individual therapy for adolescents with AN.
Practical implications: Healthcare professionals may offer the two interventions to adolescents with AN in clinical settings. Future research may further investigate the effectiveness of BSFT and CFT on BMI and depression.
Keywords: Anorexia nervosa; Anxiety; Body dissatisfaction; Body mass index; Depression; Non-pharmacological interventions; Systematic review.
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