The Transformative Power of Family Involvement in Anorexia Nervosa Treatment
How does the Maudsley approach to treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa emphasize family involvement?
A. Family should be actively involved in each phase of treatment.
B. Parents should be prohibited from involvement in helping their child eat more because there are often control issues.
C. Adolescents need to work on developing healthy self-identities before they can begin to gain weight.
D. Individual psychotherapy is the most effective treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
Answer:
The Maudsley approach to treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa emphasizes the active involvement of family members in every phase of treatment.
Explanation:
The Maudsley approach to treatment of adolescents with anorexia nervosa suggests that family members should be actively engaged in all phases of treatment. This method stems from the belief that family involvement is crucial to both understanding the underpinnings of the disorder and helping the individual on their journey toward recovery. It's essential to note that anorexia nervosa is a multifaceted disorder characterized by extreme weight loss and a distorted body image, often arising from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
The adoption of the biocultural approach highlights that societal and cultural ideals of beauty, particularly in Western societies, can inform and exacerbate eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. The Maudsley approach aims to leverage the authoritative knowledge of family members, recognizing that they can provide key insights and support to the therapeutic process. Far from being excluded, parents are included in the process to help their child re-establish healthy eating habits, debunking the notion that this involvement might exacerbate control issues.
While individual therapy can play a role in treatment, the view that it is the most effective modality for adolescent anorexia nervosa is not a concept advanced by the Maudsley approach. Instead, it centers on integrating family collaboration in the process, ensuring that all members understand the nature of the disorder and how they can contribute to the recovery process.