Family assessment in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia nervosa

Abstract

The end of the 20th century emphasizes the inclusion of the family in the treatment of the patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Researches (Castro et al.,2000; Webster et al.,2000) determine as relevant to consider the family structure, the interaction pattern, and the "transgeneration bequest" - the legacy that goes from one generation to the next - as elements that might contribute in a significant way to the development or maintenance of the eating disorders. At the Bulimia and Eating Disorders Ambulatory and in the IPQ's Project for Attendance of Children and Adolescents, the great challenge for the family therapists has been to share with the families and patients their histories full of insecurity and anguish. The therapists must also overcome the difficulties of building a bridge that brings together the family and the multidisciplinary team so that the comprehension of the meanings, reflected by all, might be quickly transformed into new life contributions to these patients and their families.