FAMILY-THERAPY FOR BULIMIA-NERVOSA IN ADOLESCENTS - AN EXPLORATORY-STUDY

Family therapy has only rarely been reported as a treatment for bulimia nervosa and not specifically for adolescents. This account describes family therapy with eight adolescents who suffered from bulimia nervosa. Change was measured by assessing symptomatic behaviours and global measures of family and social function prior to treatment and again one year later. At reassessment there was a significant reduction in bulimic behaviours although many had some continuing symptoms. Some aspects of the therapy are described and implications for further study of treatment for adolescent bulimia are discussed.