Adolescent-Focused Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa: A Developmental Approach

From pioneering family-based treatment developer James Lock, this is the first comprehensive guide to adolescent-focused therapy (AFT) for anorexia nervosa (AN), an evidence-based individual approach.AFT is an effective alternative to family-based treatment that may be a better fit for some patients.Lock explains how AN serves as a maladaptive response to developmental challenges of adolescence.He presents a manualized framework for helping adolescents find more adaptive coping strategies, manage difficult emotions, and develop greater autonomy and a stronger sense of self, while reducing risky behaviors and restoring weight.AFT emphasizes the therapist-patient alliance and involves parents in a supportive role.Rich case material and sample dialogues illustrate how to implement each phase of the approach. AFT is recognized as a best practice for the treatment of anorexia nervosa in adolescents by the U.K.National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).