Specialized, integrative treatment for long-standing eating disorders: early insights and implications

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2026年6月10日

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Fernando Fernández-Aranda,
Nuria Jaurrieta,
Karla Fernández de Betoño,
Gara Alías,
Alberto García-Ruiz,
Carlos Ruiz-García,
Anna Montalban,
Rosa Fontana,
Eva Martín-Martín,
Isabel Sánchez,
Jessica Jimenez de Toro,
Jessica Sánchez,
Laura Gálvez,
Alexandra Ruiz,
Leslie Lavarello,
Elisabet Serantes,
Alba Jiménez-Gasulla,
Juan Manuel Perez-Horcajo,
Anna Esteve-Gibert,
Pilar Herrero,
Santi Bernades,
Cristina Artero,
Guillem Diego-Esteve,
Susana Jiménez-Murcia,
Carlos Franquelo,
Maria Teia Plana,
Gloria Trafach,
Gina Badia,
Eulalia Loran,
Anna Aranda Reig,
Ignasi Garrido-Ribas,
Eduardo Serrano-Troncoso,
Mar Carceller,
Vanessa Sánchez,
Zaida Agüera,
Josep Tristany,
Stephen Touyz

摘要

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) are severe and multifaceted psychiatric conditions. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, a substantial gap persists in evidence-based interventions specifically designed for individuals with enduring EDs.

Objective

To address this critical clinical need, a specialized residential unit dedicated exclusively to the care of adults with long-standing EDs was launched within the Catalan Public Health System in January 2024. This study introduces the unit’s innovative therapeutic model and presents preliminary outcomes related to patient satisfaction, body mass index (BMI), and quality of life.

Method

This preliminary investigation included 18 participants diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) or other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED/AN), according to DSM-5 criteria. Each participant underwent a structured clinical interview and completed a comprehensive battery of quantitative and qualitative assessments. These measures evaluated clinical status, psychopathology, personality traits, quality of life, and satisfaction with the treatment received over an average stay of 3–4 months.

Results

Participants had a mean illness duration exceeding 12 years and had previously undergone at least three treatment attempts that did not result in sustained clinical or functional improvement. Despite having 22% high educational attainment, 94% were unemployed. High rates of psychiatric comorbidity were observed. Post-treatment analyses revealed significant improvements in quality of life (p < 0.001) and BMI (p < 0.001). The mean satisfaction score was 85.3 out of 100, aligning with the positive qualitative feedback provided by participants.

Discussion

Preliminary findings suggest that this novel residential approach yields meaningful improvements in quality of life and psychopathological symptoms, while fostering greater autonomy among individuals with enduring EDs. These results underscore the potential of specialized, long-term care models within public health systems for this underserved population.