(IFT schedule)

Intensive Family Therapy for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa:

Anorexia nervosa is often a chronic disorder, with symptoms lasting many years, or even a lifetime. Early intervention is associated with improved outcomes.

While it is often reasonable to provide inpatient or residential care for weight restoration, there is little in the way of evidence that such treatment reduces chronicity or symptoms. Even after successful weight restoration, it is common that individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) remain anxious, obsessional, perfectionistic, and have body image distortions, etc.

The purpose of this treatment is NOT to blame the parents. Rather we teach parents the tools necessary to understand and successfully manage their child with AN at home. In addition, we teach adolescents with AN how to understand the symptoms that they are having and develop more effective coping strategies.

A new therapy, Maudsley Family Therapy, has this focus and has shown to be effective in adolescents with AN. However, most communities do not have a therapist trained in this treatment.

This is a 5-day intensive treatment program lasts one week, from Monday through Friday and involves approximately 40 hours of treatment. Treatment takes place in our offices which are located in San Diego, CA. The participation of both parents, the individual with AN, and all siblings living in the home is optimal. While attending the program, families stay at the Marriott Residential Inn, located just next door.

The program consists of the following components:

• Comprehensive Medical and Psychological Assessment: including evaluation and recommendations for ongoing pharmacological treatment (if needed) and therapy
• Psychoeducation (AN-101): a course designed to teach the basics about this disease. Etiology, course, outcome, and treatment options are addressed extensively.
• Maudsley Family Therapy: One of our trained therapists will provide daily sessions of Maudsley Therapy, including family meals and parent coaching.
• Discharge Planning: includes communication with a home town therapist and an option of continuing consultation on the Maudsley approach by telephone or video conference.

Click the following links for more information:

• INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (IOP)
• PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION
• INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
• FAMILY THERAPY