Family-Based Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa (FBT-AN)

Description

Family-Based Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (FBT-AN) is recognised as the first line, evidence-based model of care for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN. FBT was first developed at the Maudsley Hospital in the UK in the 1980s, with further research conducted worldwide and the publication of a treatment manual in the US in the early 2000s.
FBT-AN is a specific type of family therapy that incorporates a number of family therapy approaches in a structured way. The focus is on directly supporting both physical and psychological recovery of the adolescent, within an attachment rich framework. FBT-AN is organised into three phases of treatment. The initial phase of treatment empowers parents to take charge in the nutritional renourishment of their child. In the second phase, the adolescent is supported to gradually return to developmentally appropriate independence around food and exercise. The final phase focuses on exploring adolescent issues, and helping both the adolescent and family get back on track with their lives.
CEED has developed and delivered FBT-AN training over more than a decade to provide workforce development in this model to suit Victorian Service conditions.

This training has been approved by NEDC as meeting the requirement of Evidence-Based Treatment Model (FBT) training as required for the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential.