Family-based treatment of children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa: Guidelines for the community physician

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious life-threatening illness that typically has its onset during the adolescent years. Evidence regarding the optimal treatment of AN in children and teenagers is growing; however, much remains unknown. Although current treatment approaches vary in Canada and elsewhere, the evidence to date indicates that family-based treatment (FBT) is the most effective treatment for children and teenagers with AN. A key component of the FBT model is that the parents are given the responsibility to return their child to physical health and ensure full weight restoration. An understanding of the basic principles and philosophy underlying FBT allows the physician to initiate elements of this evidence-based intervention to young patients with AN and their families.