A growing number of experts believe that parental involvement improves a teenager's ability to recover from an eating disorder. This philosophy represents a dramatic change from previous prevailing attitudes about teens and eating disorders.

The thinking about the causes of eating disorders and their treatment has come full circle, [Dr. Ovidio] Bermudez said. Many years ago, experts blamed eating disorders on controlling mothers and distant fathers, among other theories. But today they generally concur that the disorders are not due to those factors. (Source: KTVN News, Nevada)

A recent study involving 80 teens with bulimia found that recovery rates were twice as high among those who had family support. Other studies have found recovery rates as high as 75 in teenagers whose family supported them through their struggle with anorexia.

Labels: support, parents, teens

Posted By: Aspen/CRC