Anorexia nervosa: a multidisciplinary treatment program for patient and family

Abstract

This paper estimates a multidisciplinary team approach to the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Beginning with a review of the demographic characteristics of seventy-five patients involved in this sample, a brief examination of diagnostic and etiological issues, and a description of treatment practices, the authors describe a five-year inpatient experience involving a team composed of social work, medicine and nursing. The importance of each role in treating this disorder is discussed and initial outcome data are reviewed. The social worker's responsibilities, experiences, and interventions with the families of patients are emphasized. Several general principles used in working with anorectic families derived from this five-year experience are also described.