A Review of Family Therapy as an Effective Intervention for Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescents

This review examines family therapy as an effective intervention for Anorexia Nervosa (AN) in adolescents. An electronic and manual literature search was conducted. Studies pertaining to family therapy in the treatment of AN and specifically, the Maudsley Method/Family-Based Treatment were identified. A limited number of randomized control trials exist implicating family therapy. Of the existent studies, methodological limitations pertaining to small, homogeneous sample sizes are evident. Despite the limited number of studies, family therapy appears to illustrate probable efficacy. Additional research and funding are necessary to fully support family therapy in the treatment of AN in adolescents.