Introduction

It is generally acknowledged that involving the families of adolescents with eating disorders is essential good practice. There is less certainty about the involvement of families of adults. The degree of involvement of parents and partners in outpatient treatment for adults depends on several factors:

• the interest of the patient and/or family member or close other • practical considerations such as whether the person with the eating

disorder lives with their family or close other or at least has close contact with them

• the progress of treatment • the level of risk.