Waiting list intervention for adolescents with anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa requires early intervention for optimal treatment outcomes, yet extended waiting periods for specialized care often delay treatment, as occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study evaluated the outcomes of a structured waiting-list intervention provided to adolescents awaiting entry into specialized eating disorder treatment. A retrospective analysis examined 56 adolescents (ages 10–18 years) who participated in the intervention between July 2020 and March 2022. The intervention included weekly nutritional monitoring and virtual psychoeducational support groups for parents. The study collected data on weight, BMI and treatment referral changes. Findings indicated that most patients remained clinically stable during the waiting period, and increases in weight and BMI were observed, particularly among those whose parents attended more group sessions. Additionally, 32% of participants had changes in treatment recommendations, and 23% were redirected to less intensive levels of care based on clinical assessment. In the absence of a control group, findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal effects. While limited by its retrospective design, findings suggest that structured support during the wait period may help mitigate deterioration and reduce the need for more intensive treatment. This model may help manage demand in eating disorder services during resource-limited periods.