Up to 30% of children and adolescents with eating disorders do not benefit sufficiently from the first-choice treatment, family-based therapy (FBT). Through three tracks, project VIBUS investigates which characteristics of the child, the family and the treatment system are associated with poorer treatment response, and when in the process this can be assessed. The project will also enable changes and/or additions to the standard treatment for those who are otherwise at risk of not recovering after treatment.
VIBUS track 1: Characteristics and time patterns in the recovery processTrack 1 examines effect, time patterns and factors predicting treatment response in FBT in an uncontrolled, prospective design from start to end of treatment and long-term follow-up.
VIBUS track 2: Individualized FBT for anorexia in children and adolescents – when standard FBT is not sufficientTrack 2 will manualize and pilot-test an individualized variant of FBT (iFBT) in complex treatment courses with a risk of lack of benefit from the treatment. Project iFBT is based on a case formulation and adapted additional modules for FBT (so-called "add-in" modules). The research group wants to compare a case group receiving FBT with a comparable historical control group. The pilot test can form the basis for a later randomized trial. The first add-in module will be tested in autumn 2021, and new add-in modules will be manualized in parallel.
VIBUS track 3: Family ties and emotions before and after standard treatment for anorexiaTrack 3 examines how a course of treatment with FBT affects the family's relationships and the child's ability to handle emotions. The study stems from the concern raised by families and organizations that FBT can be so stressful that it has negative consequences. Track 3 is carried out in collaboration with the National Association against Eating Disorders and Self-Harm (LMS) and combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Track 3 points forward by elucidating which support needs are experienced, and forms the basis for testing initiatives that alleviate these needs.