Helping children when and where they need it most

When a child has an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia, parents often feel powerless in the face of such a confusing, dangerous illness. But in the eating disorder treatment most experts recommend, it is parents — coached and supported by clinicians — who are the keys to the child’s recovery.

This week on childmind.org we offer expert insight into family-based treatment (FBT) for eating disorders, which can help kids return to a healthy weight faster than any other treatment. Daniel Le Grange, PhD, one of the founders of FBT, explains how parents guide their child’s recovery with a combination of empathy and “an environment in which not eating is not an option.” We also have tips on spotting eating disorders in boys and college students, two groups whose struggles merit more attention.

- Hannah Sheldon-Dean, Staff Writer | ✉

Family-Based Treatment for Eating Disorders

The parents’ role in helping children recover.

READ MORE ▸

What Is an Eating Disorder and When to Worry

Signs that your teen might be on an unhealthy path.

READ MORE ▸

Boys and Eating Disorders

They don’t fit the stereotype and may be overlooked.

READ MORE ▸

Eating Disorders and College

Why college students are at a higher risk of developing them.

READ MORE ▸

What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

How to help kids who feel they have disfiguring flaws.

READ MORE ▸

Join us

Manage your email

We have a lot going on at the Child Mind Institute! To keep you informed, we produce a variety of email newsletters about our clinical programs, our neuroscience research mission, new articles on childmind.org and upcoming events.

Get the information that works for you.

MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION ▸