Perceived Outcomes of Intensive Family Therapy or Multi-family Therapy for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa and Their Families: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Adolescents aged 15-19 have the highest incident rate for Anorexia Nervosa in the United Kingdom. They lose meaningful occupations which are often replaced with unhelpful occupations, habits and behaviours. Occupational therapists working within a multidisciplinary team can help these individuals navigate the occupational changes.

Aims: To identify perceived outcomes of Family Based Therapy for adolescents with a diagnosis of AN and their families and its relevance to Occupational Therapy practice.

Methods: A systematic search of EBSCOhost was completed in December 2024. This review included qualitative studies that concerned perceived outcomes of family therapy for adolescents with AN and their families. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were quality appraised using CASP tool. The themes found were synthesised using the core themes of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO).

Key findings: Four main themes aligning to the MOHO were synthesised that focussed on health and wellbeing of those with eating disorders and their families. Perceived outcomes were mainly self-awareness, motivation and hope. Role changes within families eased guilt and improved relationships. Areas needing further attention were early focus on weight restoration and neglected emotional needs, parents’ preparation for discharge and adolescents’ willingness to work on skills to deal with body image and eating disorder behaviours.

Conclusion: Occupational therapists collaborate with individuals and families to identify occupations that serve the eating disorder. They find meaningful alternatives by addressing routines and rituals around food and build skills to deal with emotional distress.