Family-Based Treatment

Definition

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a therapy approach where the whole family is involved in the process of helping a person recover from an eating disorder. It emphasizes the role of family members as a key part of recovery.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Family-Based Treatment (FBT), also known as the Maudsley Approach, is an evidence-based, outpatient therapy specifically designed to treat eating disorders in adolescents. It involves parents playing an active and supportive role throughout the treatment process, aiming to empower the family to encourage healthy eating habits and improve the emotional well-being of the patient.

Benefits

• Empowers families to actively participate in the recovery process.
• Can improve communication and support within the family unit.
• Has been shown to be effective in treating adolescent anorexia nervosa.

Examples

• FBT sessions involving family meal support.
• Parent-led nutritional rehabilitation.
• Therapy meetings with all family members present.

Additional Information

• Importance: Family-Based Treatment is important because it involves the support system of the patient and utilizes family dynamics to aid recovery, often leading to better outcomes than individual therapy alone for adolescents.

Related Terms

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Eating Disorders

References

• The Efficacy of Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa
• Family-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders