Family therapy for anorexia nervosa

Studies suggest that a specific form of family therapy may be particularly effective in treating children and young teens with anorexia nervosa who still live at home.¹ All family members who interact with the young person are expected to attend the counseling sessions.

In the first phase of this type of family therapy, parents are helped to temporarily take control over their child's eating to help the child gain weight. Once a reasonable amount of weight has been gained, control over eating is gradually given back to the child, and more general family issues are dealt with during counseling sessions.

Citations

1. Lock J, et al. (2000). Treatment Manual for Anorexia Nervosa: A Family-Based Approach. New York: Guildford Publications.