A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Family-Based Treatment (FBT) Combined With Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Intervention Versus Online Supportive Psychological Intervention for Reducing Caregiver Burden Among Caregivers of Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a chronic and relapsing course. Caregivers of individuals with AN often experience substantial caregiving burden, emotional distress, and impairment in family functioning due to their ongoing responsibilities in meal supervision, treatment support, and symptom management. Despite the critical role of caregivers in treatment and recovery, evidence-based interventions specifically targeting caregiver burden remain limited in China. This study aims to develop and evaluate an online intervention integrating Family-Based Treatment (FBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for caregivers of individuals with AN. FBT emphasizes empowering caregivers to support nutritional rehabilitation and recovery, whereas DBT provides skills in emotion regulation, validation, and effective communication. The integration of these approaches may help caregivers reduce distress, improve caregiving skills, and enhance family functioning. This study will employ a randomized controlled trial design. A total of 80 primary caregivers of individuals with AN will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an online FBT-DBT intervention group or an online supportive psychological intervention group. Both interventions will be delivered in a group format over 12 weeks. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, post-intervention (12 weeks), and at 1-month and 3-month follow-up. The primary outcome will be caregiver burden. Secondary outcomes will include psychological distress, negative emotional experiences, and the impact of eating disorder symptoms on the family. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of the online FBT-DBT intervention in reducing caregiver burden and psychological distress and to evaluate whether it provides greater benefits than supportive psychological intervention. Findings may contribute to the development of accessible and evidence-based caregiver interventions for families affected by AN in China.
• Primary caregiver of an individual diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) by a qualified clinician.
⁃ The individual with AN is between 10 and 20 years of age. The individual with AN does not have a severe comorbid physical illness or severe psychiatric disorder.
⁃ The caregiver lives in the same household as the individual with AN. The caregiver has at least a primary school level of education and is able to complete study procedures and questionnaires.
⁃ All participating caregivers from the same family are willing to participate in the intervention and assessment procedures.
⁃ Able and willing to provide informed consent.