RESUMO
AIM: Explore treatment response and effectiveness of virtual treatment for a paediatric eating disorder sample. METHODS: Twenty patients and their families who received either virtual or in-person family therapy were included in the study. Family therapy was informed by family-based treatment (FBT) principles. Patients' weight restoration at 1, 3, and 6 months after starting treatment was examined. Independent sample t tests assessed group differences and a Fisher exact test was used to evaluate the association between treatment group and weight restoration. RESULTS: Weight restoration did not significantly differ between treatment groups (virtual vs. in-person) at any time point and there was no association between group and remission weight at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Study results are considered exploratory. Future research addressing study limitations is needed. Results suggest that paediatric eating disorder patients may benefit from family therapy delivered via a virtual platform.
