Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
When parents and loved ones first learn that their child has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, they normally go through a gamut of emotions, from fear and worry all the way to anger. It’s also normal to want the best possible anorexia nervosa treatment available and to want to learn how they can contribute to the recovery. Anorexia nervosa disorder is a very serious mental health condition that but it is treatable, and family-based treatment can be a huge part of that treatment.
While anorexia nervosa can affect people of all ages and genders, most develop the disorder during adolescence. In fact, anorexia nervosa statistics from national eating disorder institutions suggest that up to 10 million men and 20 million women will develop at least one eating disorder at some point in their lives. With these kinds of numbers, what is the best approach for families seeking anorexia nervosa treatment?
Anorexia Nervosa Quick Facts
- Children can begin showing signs of anorexia nervosa as early as 5 years old
- The average onset is 16 – 21 years old
- Between 1 and 3 percent of teens in the US show symptoms of anorexia nervosa each year
- While teen girls are diagnosed with anorexia nervosa most often, early adulthood (i.e. college years) is also a common time for the disorder to begin
What Advantages Does Family Therapy Have for Adolescents?
Family-based therapy or FBT is a treatment program to include those closest to a patient in the treatment process – often with great results. It’s especially effective for adolescent treatment, as the family is even more present than it is with adults. When used to treat an anorexia eating disorder diagnosis, FBT often begins during residential treatment and then continued during aftercare, or as a part of an outpatient program. Patients and their families can expect to complete around 20 sessions within 6 months. However, shorter courses are appropriate for some, while others may benefit from additional treatment sessions.
What Family-Based Therapy Consists Of
Before seeking out an anorexia treatment center near you, it’s best to get educated about what to expect from FBT and treatment in general. A stay at an eating disorder treatment center can be intimidating; teens especially are at a fragile age of development and should be ready for what comes.
Phase 1
During the first phase of treatment, parents are less involved than they will be later, while the expert anorexia nervosa counselors implement the intensive program promoting healthy eating patterns, helping to avoid calorie restriction and other disordered behaviors. While this stage is largely focused on clinical treatments, the parents must begin to plan out decisions surrounding food and mealtimes.
Phase 2
By the second phase of treatment, usually a few weeks later, the most intense symptoms of anorexia nervosa should have abated, making way for a new set of coping skills for the teenager to employ at home and school. Parents can now introduce a variety of different foods into their child’s diet and return control over their eating as well.
Phase 3
The last phase of FBT should come when the child’s disordered behaviors are no longer present, and they have reached at least 95 percent of the ideal weight for their age, height and build. It’s essential at this point to re-instill a regular eating schedule and nutritious meal plans. Treatment now shifts to focus on the emotional aspects of anorexia nervosa, their personal relationships, and their overall health, all of which are fundamental in avoiding relapses and repairing the body and spirit. Appropriate parental boundaries should also be set to help the child regain full control over their relationship with food.
Contact a Center to Treat Adolescent Anorexia Treatment Near You
Interested in learning more about adolescent eating disorder treatment at an anorexia nervosa treatment center? Anorexia nervosa is a serious disorder, and it’s not something you should try to treat yourself. A quality center for eating disorders will ensure that you’re involved in your child’s treatment – making for a long-lasting recovery.
