Process evaluation of the Maudsley model for treatment of adults with anorexia nervosa trial. Part II: Patient experiences of two psychological therapies for treatment of anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE: This study is the second part of a process evaluation, embedded in the MOSAIC study, a large randomised controlled trial comparing two different psychological therapies, the Maudsley Model for Treatment of Adults with Anorexia Nervosa (MANTRA) and Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM). The study adopted a qualitative approach to examine patient experiences of the two treatments.

METHOD: Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified-Anorexia Nervosa type patients, and transcripts were analysed thematically.

RESULTS: Patient responses yielded five main themes: positive and helpful aspects, beneficial outcomes, less helpful aspects, possible improvements to the treatments, and the therapeutic and external environment. The findings show clear differences and some overlaps between patients' views on MANTRA and SSCM.

DISCUSSION: Both therapies were experienced by patients as credible and largely helpful, albeit in different ways. These results are in agreement with those of therapists' views on these treatments.