Family life and caregiving during family-based treatment (FBT) for anorexia nervosa: parent, patient, and clinician perspectives.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Family-based treatment (FBT) is the treatment of choice for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN). Although effective, caregivers often experience significant emotional strain, uncertainty, and distress whilst undergoing FBT. This study aims to explore how parents, adolescents, and clinicians experience challenges of family life and caregiving during FBT.

Method

A qualitative design was employed using focus groups with parents (N = 10), individuals recovered from adolescent-onset AN (N = 4), and clinicians (N = 8). Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to identify themes.

Results

Four overarching themes were identified: 1) AN as an intrusive force disrupting family life, 2) shared experiences of guilt, doubt, and isolation, 3) the evolving parental role within

SUBMITTER: Waage D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12502378 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature