ABSTRACT
Adolescence is the most common period for the onset of anorexia nervosa (AN), which is most frequent in females (Kjelsas, Bjornstrom, & Gunnar Gotestam, 2004; Le Grange & Loeb, 2007). In recent years the disadvantages of inpatient treatment for anorexia have received attention. Research in adolescents with AN indicates adverse effects on self-esteem and self-efficacy (Gowers, Weetman, Shore, Hossain, & Elvins, 2000), a negative impact on family life and social support (Green, 2002), and the acquisition of new unhelpful illness behaviors (Boughtwood & Halse, 2010) following inpatient admission. Hospitalization also has a poor outcome (Gowers et al., 2007), and is more costly, compared to outpatient care (Meads, Gold, & Burls, 2001). The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (2004) now recommends specialized outpatient intervention for AN rather than inpatient treatment wherever possible.
