What is FBT?

Family-Based Therapy (FBT), also known as Maudsley Family Therapy, is a specialized approach for treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa. It involves the family as a central part of the treatment process and is based on the understanding that the family environment plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the eating disorder. Here’s how it typically works:

Key Components of Family-Based Therapy

Phase 1: Weight Restoration

Initial Focus: The primary goal is to restore the adolescent’s weight to a healthy level. Parents are given a central role in managing their child’s eating and ensuring they consume adequate nutrition.

Parental Involvement: Parents are actively involved in meal planning, food preparation, and monitoring their child’s eating habits. The therapist provides guidance on how to support the child in eating enough and managing weight restoration.

Therapist’s Role: The therapist works with the family to address any conflicts or challenges that arise during this phase and to support parents in their role.

Phase 2: Returning Control

Gradual Shift: Once the adolescent’s weight has been restored to a healthier level, the focus shifts to gradually returning control of eating and related decisions back to the adolescent.

Encouraging Independence: The therapist helps the adolescent and their family navigate this transition, addressing any concerns about managing eating habits and maintaining recovery.

Family Support: Families are guided in supporting their child’s developing autonomy while still providing encouragement and support.

Phase 3: Establishing a Healthy Family System

Addressing Underlying Issues: The final phase focuses on resolving any ongoing issues and strengthening family relationships. It also aims to address any underlying family dynamics that may have contributed to the development of the eating disorder.

Preparing for the Future: The therapist helps the family prepare for the adolescent’s continued recovery and eventual discharge from therapy, ensuring that the family has the tools and strategies needed to support their child in the long term.

Goals of Family-Based Therapy

Empower Parents: Equip parents with the skills and confidence to manage their child’s eating and recovery process.

Improve Family Communication: Enhance communication and problem-solving skills within the family to support a healthier home environment.

Support Recovery: Focus on restoring the adolescent’s physical health and
psychological well-being, and preventing relapse.

Effectiveness

FBT is considered the “gold standard” for the treatment of Anorexia. Research has shown that it can be highly effective for adolescents with anorexia nervosa, particularly when started early in the course of the illness. It emphasizes the involvement of the entire family in the recovery process and leverages the family’s support to achieve and maintain recovery. However, it’s important to recognize that each family and individual is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to meet specific needs.