Assessing the Impact of Weighted Blankets on Anxiety Among Patients With Anorexia Nervosa and Avoidant- Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Interventions to reduce anxiety are needed for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoidant- restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Weighted blankets are one such intervention. To evaluate the impact of weighted blankets on anxiety for patients with AN and ARFID. Randomized controlled trial conducted between November 2018 and March 2019. Patients were randomized into the control group or the intervention group. Inpatient setting; medical stabilization unit. Patients (N = 23) diagnosed with AN or ARFID and experiencing moderate anxiety. The majority were female (91%), with a mean age of 26 yr (SD = 9.3), and the mean length of hospitalization was 22 days (SD = 17.3). Control group participants received usual care, which included occupational therapy services. Intervention group participants received a weighted blanketalong with usual care. Mixed-effects regression models were conducted. Primary outcomes included improvement in Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores by discharge. Intervention group patients had a greater, non-statistically significant decrease in BAI score over time (B = 1.16, p = .83) than control group patients. Weighted blankets may be an effective tool for reducing anxiety among patients with AN or ARFID. What This Article Adds: The use of a weighted blanket, in conjunction with occupational therapy interventions, is potentially a beneficial non-pharmacological option for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). The current study adds an additional modality to the multidisciplinary treatment approach for eating disorders.