Adolescent Development in Family-based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: Patients' Narratives

Abstract

Family-based treatment (FBT) is a well-supported intervention for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). While supporting return to healthy adolescent development is a key aim in the latter phases of FBT, little is understood regarding to what extent patients view this treatment as addressing their developmental needs. The present research thus aimed to: 1) evaluate qualitative studies exploring family interventions for AN from the patient’s perspective, and 2) investigate the perspectives of young people and their parents regarding the developmental impact of AN, and the role of FBT in facilitating return to a health developmental trajectory. Two studies were conducted. The first was a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies investigating patients’ perspectives on family interventions for AN. Findings suggested patients view family treatment as integral to their recovery, while at the same time often neglecting underlying difficulties. The second study was a qualitative investigation of patients’ and parents’ views regarding the impact of AN on development, and the function of FBT in addressing developmental challenges. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people (N =12) and their parents (N = 12), and data were analysed using narrative inquiry. Analysis revealed that patients experienced a pervasive developmental impact of AN, and found phase one to often accentuate this. Post-phase one, three trajectories toward developmental recovery were identified: Supporting return to adolescent pursuits, facilitating autonomy, and providing freedom to develop post-FBT. This research represents a first step in improving our understanding of the varied ways in which FBT supports development, as well as ways in which clinicians may be able to improve this.