Equine-assisted Therapy and Anorexia Nervosa

Equine-assisted Therapy in the Management of Adolescent Patients With Severe Anorexia Nervosa: a Qualitative Study

Background: Severe anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric pathology with limited therapeutic tools to reduce morbidity and mortality. Equine-assisted therapy could provide additional therapeutic benefits.

Objectives : The investigators aimed to explore the effects of equine assisted therapy on the experience of adolescents with severe anorexia nervosa.

Méthods : Using a qualitative approach based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the investigators conducted semi-structured interviews with nine participants who had taken part in equine-assisted therapy sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• having participated in at least 2 equine-assisted therapy sessions
• being or having been hospitalised between 2016 and 2022 in the psychiatric hospitalisation unit of the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris (Paris)
• ICD 10 diagnosis F50.0/ F.50.1
• female gender
• age between 13 and 25
• fluent French
• consent (including parents if minor participant)

Exclusion Criteria:

• having been under the care of C. Lepy (resident) during hospitalisation at the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris (Paris)
• refusal to participate on the part of the participant or the holder of parental authority.