Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychosomatic illness which often follows a prolonged course. Recent long-term follow-up studies have indicated high mortality rates. It is therefore necessary to search for effective methods of treatment which could improve the outcome in anorexia nervosa. One controlled trial which evaluated the efficacy of different forms of psychological treatments has shown that family therapy is the superior treatment for patients with an early onset and short duration of illness. In this article I review the development of family therapy for anorexia nervosa with specific emphasis on the controlled family treatment studies at the Maudsley Hospital in London. The efficacy of outpatient family therapy for weight restitution in malnourished anorexia nervosa patients, and some effective ingredients of this treatment approach, are discussed.
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