TL;DR Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is not just for teens; it can be effective for adults, too. Originally designed for adolescents with anorexia and bulimia, FBT involves parental support in meal planning and supervision, which is crucial for recovery. Recent evidence suggests its application extends to young adults and older individuals, with many successfully using it …
TL;DR Parenting a teen with an eating disorder during Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is challenging. Parents need to balance normal parenting with the unique demands of recovery, which often involves refeeding at home. It’s important to distinguish between behaviors stemming from the eating disorder (like defiance during meals) and typical teenage rebellion. During high-stress moments related …
TL;DR Excessive exercise is a common symptom in teens with eating disorders, potentially worsening their condition. During Family-Based Treatment (FBT), the approach to exercise is phased: Phase 1: Focus is on weight gain and stopping eating disorder behaviors. Exercise is typically halted for safety, as malnourished teens are at risk for serious health issues. Parents …
TL;DR Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a specialized, evidence-based therapy for children and teens with eating disorders, developed in the 1970s and 1980s. It’s important for parents to differentiate true FBT from general family therapy or other approaches, as not all treatments that claim to be FBT are fully compliant with its structured methodology. Key indicators …
TL;DR Early intervention is crucial in addressing eating disorders, which can lead to severe health issues if not treated promptly. Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is a leading, evidence-based approach tailored for teens, emphasizing parental involvement to support recovery. Despite its potential benefits, parents often hesitate to intervene due to uncertainty about the early signs of these …
TL;DR Transitioning to college can be exciting yet challenging, especially for those with a history of eating disorders. It’s crucial to prioritize your recovery during this time. Here are key strategies: Build a Support System: Reach out to family, friends, and potential new connections at college. Keep a list of contacts for support. Follow Your …
TL;DR In Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for teen eating disorders, experts discourage adding an individual therapist during Phase 1 (nutritional rehabilitation). Most teens do not require individual therapy at this stage, as it can undermine the family’s role and the focus on nutritional restoration. Experts agree that individual therapy should only be considered if there are …
TL;DR At the 2018 International Conference on Eating Disorders, experts discussed the low BMI threshold (18.5) often used to define recovery from anorexia nervosa, suggesting it’s inadequate for many individuals, especially those with higher weights or atypical anorexia. Many parents and practitioners advocate for a more individualized approach to recovery weights, emphasizing that a higher …
TL;DR Weight gain is a vital part of recovery from eating disorders for individuals of all sizes, including those with Atypical Anorexia and bulimia. However, there’s a lack of consensus on how to set appropriate recovery weights. Research shows that complete weight restoration is often essential for psychological recovery, as it helps alleviate eating disorder …
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Are You Struggling With Binge Eating or “Emotional Eating”? Maybe you begin each day determined to “be good” and stick to your “healthy eating” only to find that towards the end of the day, you are “ruining it.” You may be eating foods you didn’t intend to eat and feel out of control. Perhaps you …