The Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA): A Feasibility Case Series of an Integrated Group Based Approach.

Abstract BackgroundIndividuals with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) typically struggle to negotiate their social and emotional worlds. Yet, current NICE recommended psychological therapies do not provide sufficient opportunities for live, in situ, relational and emotional experiences that enable growth in these areas. An Integrated Group Based approach for the delivery of MANTRA - The Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults - could address this omission by augmenting the treatment with group processes and live experiential practice. A feasibility case series of the approach, delivered across three NHS community services is presented.MethodsA case series design, comprising four Integrated Group MANTRA treatments delivered across three NHS sites (N=29), was used. Preliminary feasibility data is reported regarding: retention, acceptability and effectiveness; alongside the use of qualitative methods to capture participant experiences of treatment.ResultsPrimary outcomes suggest that Integrated Group MANTRA treatment was acceptable. Participants remained committed to the treatment with only 2 dropouts. Quantitative outcomes suggested significant change with medium effect sizes for both eating disorder cognitions and symptoms (as measured by the global score on EDEQ) and BMI. Five core themes emerged from qualitative analysis of participant feedback, capturing the value of the relational aspect of the treatment, the incorporation of experiential methods, and of the opportunity to draw on the support of the group members to reduce shame and stigma.ConclusionsPreliminary indication is that an Integrated Group based MANTRA approach is a feasible and effective alternative intervention for community Eating Disorder services.