An Integrated Treatment Program for Anorexia Nervosa

The use of behavior conditioning within the context of structural family therapy has proved effective in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. During the inpatient phase, a behavior paradigm made access to physical activity dependent on weight gain; in the outpatient phase, social activities on the weekend were made dependent on weight gain. The authors found that early direct involvement of the family promotes significant rapid weight gain, while continued involvement of the family in therapy during the outpatient phase facilitates the necessary restructuring of the family to prevent relapses.