Internet-based relapse prevention in anorexia nervosa - Long-term course in an intent-to-treat sample

Anorexia nervosa is a mental disorder associated with high premature mortality in females. While the efficacy of psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa is well documented, little is known regarding relapse prevention following psychotherapy. The present study reports on a randomised controlled study of internet-based relapse prevention over nine months after inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa and an additional nine months of follow-up. A large sample of 258 female patients was randomised to one of two treatment conditions (relapse prevention or controls). Intent-to-treat analyses over three assessment points (beginning and end of intervention, follow-up) were conducted. Primary outcome was body weight. Patients completing all nine modules of the program showed significantly more weight gain during intervention and in the nine months following the end of intervention. Course of weight in patients who completed less than all nine modules of the program did not differ significantly from controls. Controls showed a small decrease of weight during the intervention and a weight gain after the end of intervention till follow-up. Most patients reported the program as recommendable and helpful. The results of this study confirm the feasibility of internet-based relapse prevention in anorexia nervosa.