Name:	iMANTRA-R
Title:	Internet-based relapse prevention for in-patients with Anorexia Nervosa
Researchers:	Dr Lot Sternheim
Funding Body:	NIHR - Programme Grant
Funding Awarded:	£90,000
Start Date:	01/09/2008
End Date:	30/07/2010

 

Background

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a life-threatening illness. Relapse following treatment is common, especially within the first year after in-patient treatment. Thus there is a need to identify more effective ways to prevent relapse and assist patients on their way to recovery.

iMANTRA-R

The aim of the present study is to evaluate a novel internet-based intervention package for relapse prevention, consisting of a down-loadable workbook together with individual e-mail support from a therapist and access to a moderated bulletin board. The hypothesis of the study is that this intervention (added to treatment as usual) will be more effective and more cost-effective in preventing relapse than treatment as usual alone, which would typically consist of support from a Community Mental Health Care Team or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care Team. This hypothesis will be tested in a randomised controlled trial in adolescent and adult patients with severe anorexia nervosa.

Recruitment

Participants will be in-patients, who prior to discharge will be assessed and then will be randomly allocated to one of two groups:

1. The manualised web-based relapse prevention intervention, including individual e-mail support and access to a moderated electronic bulletin board for 9 months post-treatment in addition to treatment as usual
2. Or treatment as usual (TAU) only.

The efficacy of the interventions will be assessed at regular intervals post-discharge (up to 12 months) in terms of time to relapse, rates of relapse, body mass index, psychosocial functioning, treatment adherence, drop-out, satisfaction with services and service utilisation. All participants will be signed up for regular weighing and risk monitoring at their GP surgery.