Efficacy of a Phone-based Relapse Prevention for Anorexia Nervosa After a First Hospitalization

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a highly challenging disease which consequences are serious. Relapse rate is estimated between 38 and 41% during the year following hospitalization. The efficacy of patients' phone contact procedure on relapse has been assessed and has shown interest in numerous disorders. However, no study has ever used phone contact as a relapse prevention intervention tool in AN.

Objective: To evaluate efficacy of a phone contact procedure to increase body weight at 12 months after a first hospitalization for AN, by comparison to standard medical follow-up. Secondary objectives are to evaluate effect of phone contact procedure on: change in body weight at 6 month, general psychopathology disorder, psychopathology disorder specific to AN, rate of usual follow-up visit, and medico-economic impact.

Method: Prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial, for subject over 15 years old presenting with diagnosis of AN. Patients randomized in EATLINE group will be contacted by phone at 15 days, 1, 2, 4 and 9 months after discharge from hospitalization. Patients in control group will benefit from usual follow-up.

Expected outcomes and perspectives:that there will be a significant decrease in relapse due to phone contact procedure compared to control group. Results would justify additional devices at the end of hospitalization, until development of various connected tools allowing to "stay in contact" with patients in order to optimize the current therapeutic possibilities of AN.