A Brief, Intensive Application of Multi-Family-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders

Eat Disord. 2015;23(4):315-24. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2015.1042318. Epub 2015 May 18.

Abstract

There is a continued need to improve upon the efficacy and availability of treatments for anorexia nervosa. Family-based therapy for anorexia nervosa demonstrates strong empirical evidence; however, trained treatment providers are limited and a subsample of participants receiving the treatment fail to respond. The intensive family treatment program is a brief, time-limited, multi-family program that trains families of adolescents with eating disorders to oversee their adolescents' recovery at home by providing psychoeducation, skills training, and immersive practice over the course of a 5-day period. This article provide a description of the program by summarizing underlying theoretical principles and key therapeutic components.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Anorexia Nervosa / therapy*
  • Family Therapy / methods*
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Parents / education
  • Patient Care Team
  • Patient Education as Topic