What to expect using family-based treatment (FBT)

FBT is the gold standard for treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa. The eating disorder has interfered with normal adolescent development and FBT involves three phases of treatment to get the adolescent back on track. In Phase 1, Lynne coaches parents in the process of refeeding their adolescent by putting parents temporarily in charge of the child's eating. In Phase 2, the adolescent is helped to eat on her own and regains control of her own eating. Phase 3 involves exploring any adolescent issues that need attention due to the interruption of the eating disorder and to plan for continued recovery, such as ongoing support when the adolescent attends college.
What to expect at your first FBT appointment:
A thorough eating disorder assessment is conducted. Both parents and their adolescent are introduced to FBT, a family-based approach to treating adolescent eating disorders. Because an eating disorder is both a psychological disorder and a medical condition, you will work closely with a team comprised of your therapist, your family doctor, and your parents. If necessary, a psychiatrist, dietician, a school nurse, and others may also be involved.
What to expect at your first FBT appointment:
A thorough eating disorder assessment is conducted. Both parents and their adolescent are introduced to FBT, a family-based approach to treating adolescent eating disorders. Because an eating disorder is both a psychological disorder and a medical condition, you will work closely with a team comprised of your therapist, your family doctor, and your parents. If necessary, a psychiatrist, dietician, a school nurse, and others may also be involved.