Perceived outcomes of intensive family therapy or multi-family therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa and their families: A literature review

Introduction: Adolescents aged 15-19 years have the highest incident rate for Anorexia Nervosa (AN) in the United Kingdom. They lose meaningful occupations which are often replaced with unhelpful occupations, habits and behaviours. Occupational therapists working within a multidisciplinary team can help these individuals navigate the occupational changes. This study aimed to identify perceived outcomes of Family Based Therapy such as intensive family therapy and multi-family therapy for adolescents with a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa and their families. Methods: A systematic search of EBSCOhost was completed in December 2024. This review included qualitative studies that concerned perceived outcomes of family therapy for adolescents with AN and their families. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were quality appraised using Critical Appraisal checklists. The themes found were synthesised using the core elements of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). Findings: Four key themes aligned with MOHO were identified, focusing on the health and well-being of individuals with eating disorders and their families. Perceived outcomes were mainly self-awareness, motivation and hope. Role changes within families eased guilt and improved relationships. Areas needing further attention were early focus on weight restoration and neglected emotional needs, parents’ reparation for discharge and adolescents’ willingness to work on skills to deal with body image and eating disorder behaviours. Conclusion: Occupational therapists can work collaboratively with individuals and their families to uncover the occupations that sustain or reinforce the eating disorder. Through this process, they can facilitate the development of meaningful alternative occupations, restructure routines and rituals surrounding food, and enhance skills for managing emotional distress.