Eating Disorders Advanced Treatment (Family-Based Therapy)
Comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment for adolescent anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder
This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Psikiyatri department. Book Appointment →
What is Eating Disorders Advanced Treatment (Family-Based Therapy)?
Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa (restricting and binge-purge subtypes), bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and other specified feeding or eating disorders. They have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with combined medical and psychiatric complications. Comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment is essential, integrating medical stabilization, nutritional rehabilitation, psychotherapy, family involvement, and treatment of comorbidities.
Family-Based Therapy (FBT, Maudsley method), developed at Maudsley Hospital, is the evidence-based first-line treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa within 3 years of illness onset. FBT empowers parents to take charge of refeeding and weight restoration in their child, with three phases: (1) parental control of eating with weight restoration as primary goal, (2) gradual transfer of control back to adolescent as weight is restored, and (3) addressing developmental issues and termination of treatment.
Other evidence-based treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy enhanced (CBT-E) for older adolescents and adults with all eating disorder diagnoses, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for binge eating disorder, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation difficulties, and adolescent-focused therapy. Pharmacotherapy includes fluoxetine for bulimia nervosa, lisdexamfetamine for binge eating disorder, and treatment of comorbid mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders. Olanzapine in low doses may help in anorexia. Inpatient or partial hospitalization is reserved for medical instability, severe behavioral dyscontrol, or treatment failure.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Significant weight loss or restrictive eating
- Binge eating episodes
- Purging behaviors
- Body image distress
- Excessive exercise with weight loss
- Amenorrhea in adolescent
- Failure to gain weight in growing adolescent
- Cardiac symptoms (palpitations, fatigue, syncope)
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Type 1 diabetes with insulin omission
- Severe distress about eating or weight
- Family concerns
- Comorbid depression, anxiety, self-harm with eating concerns
- Failed prior treatment
Treatment Methods
Which Department to Visit?
You can visit our Psikiyatri department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.
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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.