Family-Based Therapy for Pediatric Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Family-based therapy is a recommended treatment for children and adolescents diagnosed with an eating disorder. Despite the promising results, this model is not without its challenges. Through literature review and treatment exemplars, this article provides a brief overview of family-based therapy and highlights the many challenges for clinicians and parents implementing this therapy. Noted challenges are barriers to clinical supervision, inadequate treatment options, time and finances, relationships, and parental adjustment. This article concludes with implications for research and clinical practice.