When a teen develops an eating disorder, parents are often cited as part of the problem. But rather than blaming parents, a new study shows that involving the family in eating disorder treatment is the quickest path to healing for all involved.
While individual counseling is a standard and necessary component of eating disorder treatment, a study published in Archives of General Psychiatry shows that family-based treatment for anorexic teens may be more effective in the long run.
The study followed 121 anorexic teens, ages 12 to 18, as they participated in either individual therapy or family-based therapy for one year. The researchers made the following observations:
- Both groups had the same remission rates at the end of treatment, but differences began to surface at the six- and 12-month follow-ups.
- At six months, 40 percent of the teens in family-based treatment were in full remission compared to 18 percent of teens in individual therapy.
- One year after treatment, 49 percent of the teens in family-based treatment were in full remission compared to 23 percent of those in individual therapy.
"The idea here is that the disorder is disabling and confusing to both the patient and to the family, and that the family actually needs to learn how to help directly solve the problem of the child eating and over-exercising, and find solutions at home where the child is living," said lead author Dr. James Lock.
The best eating disorder treatment programs for teens have emphasized the role of family in recovery for years. Family therapy, parent workshops and education about these life-threatening illnesses can help build mutual understanding and enhanced communication skills.
According to the researchers, family involvement in anorexia treatment can also help teens learn how to eat nutritiously and help parents provide any needed monitoring and support.
Anorexia is a devastating disease with nearly 6 percent of sufferers losing their lives to heart failure or suicide each decade. But it can be treated successfully, especially when the family is willing to do their part.
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