Adolescents and eating disorders: An examination of a day treatment program

Objective: In this study, we report on our day treatment program (DTP) for adolescents and young adults with eating disorders (EDs). Method: Data for the 82 female patients in DTP were examined, compared across ED diagnosis and by age (adolescents vs. young adults). At admission, patients completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale- II (FACES-II). Results: Forty-nine percent of patients successfully completed the day program and 13% required hospitalization following day treatment. Overall, there were no significant differences between the adolescents and adults at discharge of the day program. Discussion: With shortened inpatient (IP) hospitalizations, DTPs can provide the long-term care required by many adolescent patients for psychological and physical recovery. This may be particularly important for the development of children and adolescents.