A controlled comparison of family versus individual therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of behavioral family systems therapy (BFST) with that of ego-oriented individual therapy (EOIT) as treatments for adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

Method: Thirty-seven adolescents meeting DSM-III-R criteria for anorexia nervosa were randomly assigned to receive BFST or EOIT, in addition to a common medical and dietary regimen. In BFST, the family was seen conjointly, the parents were placed in control of the adolescent's eating, distorted beliefs were targeted through cognitive restructuring, and strategic/behavioral interventions were used to change family interactions. In EOIT, the adolescent was seen individually, with an emphasis on building ego strength and uncovering the dynamics blocking eating; parents were seen collaterally. Measures administered before, after, and at 1-year follow-up tapped body mass index, menstruation, eating attitudes, ego functioning, depression, and family interactions.

Results: BFST produced greater weight gain and higher rates of resumption of menstruation than EOIT. Both treatments produced comparably large improvements in eating attitudes, depression, and eating-related family conflict, but very few changes occurred on ego functioning.

Conclusions: BFST and EOIT proved to be effective treatments for adolescents with anorexia nervosa, but BFST produced a faster return to health.