ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an innovative model for working with transition age youth (TAY) with anorexia nervosa (AN) and their families. This model builds on the empirically supported Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for Adolescents with AN and bulimia nervosa (BN). The chapter reviews the empirical evidence regarding FBT for adolescents and young adults with eating disorders. FBT is an adolescent-focused intervention that emphasizes parent involvement in addressing starvation and eating disorder symptoms and parental responsibility for ensuring that the youth adheres and complies with treatment. A number of barriers to a successful transition from pediatric to adult Eating Disorder Programs (EDPs) were identified through qualitative interviews with expert clinicians. Clinicians also reported that transition age youth often lack necessary skills to engage autonomously in adult treatment because prolonged starvation, malnourishment, and sustained weight loss disrupt neuro-cognitive development and psychosocial maturation of young people afflicted with EDs.
