The empirical and theoretical base of family therapy and multiple family day therapy for adolescent anorexia nervosa

There is growing empirical evidence that family therapy is an effective treatment for anorexia nervosa, particularly in adolescence. This is in spite of the fact that the theoretical model from which most of the empirically based treatments are derived appears flawed. This paper provides a brief overview of the research evidence from treatment studies and studies of family functioning. It suggests that the main limitation of earlier theoretical models is their focus on aetiology rather than on an understanding of how families become organized around a potentially life-threatening problem. An alternative conceptual model is presented, and its application to family therapy and multiple-family therapy for adolescent anorexia nervosa is described. The treatment approach focuses on enhancing the families' own adaptive mechanism and mobilizing family strengths.