# The Effects of Intensive Residential Treatment for Feeding and Eating Disorders (FEDs) in Adolescence: The Case of an Italian Facility

## TL;DR

This study examines how intensive residential treatment at an Italian facility helps adolescents with eating disorders, showing improvements in both physical and psychological health.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the effectiveness of intensive residential treatment for adolescents with feeding and eating disorders, emphasizing early intervention.

## Key findings

- Patients showed biological recovery with increased BMI and restored menstrual cycles.
- Psychological improvements were observed, especially in those with depressive comorbidities.
- Earlier treatment was linked to better outcomes, as indicated by correlations with age and disease duration.

## Abstract

Background: Feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) represent a global health problem with an increasing incidence and a progressively earlier onset. Residential treatment is notable for its intensity and ability to provide multidisciplinary support to both patients and families. The objective of this study was to clinically characterize patients and to evaluate the impact of treatment at the “Orti di Ada” facility on the evolution of FEDs in adolescent patients. Methods: A cohort of 47 minors, treated in 2019–2024, was studied through longitudinal observation. Data were collected from medical records, and standardized questionnaires were administered at baseline (T0) and at the conclusion of treatment (T1). Comparisons between scores on the scales were made using paired t-tests for within-group changes from T0 to T1 or using Mann–Whitney tests for between-group comparisons. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between pairs of variables. Results: The sample consisted of female patients (mean age: 15 years). The mean body mass index (BMI) at T1 was 16.6 kg/m2. The majority of patients (74.5%) had been undergoing treatment for less than one year. Most patients had been diagnosed with restrictive-type anorexia nervosa (74.5%), while 53.2% had multiple concomitant psychiatric comorbidities. The mean BMI increased to 18.7 kg/m2, suggesting biological recovery, along with the restoration of the menstrual cycle. Conclusions: Psychological measures showed significant improvements in subjects with exclusive depressive comorbidity. The correlations of age and disease duration with changes in questionnaire scores suggest that earlier treatment leads to more favorable outcomes. The results provided insights into the appropriateness of intensive treatment that, when targeting specific psychological factors, improves biological and psychological recovery.