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).
 

James Lock, MD, PhD, is Professor of Child Psychiatry and Pediatrics in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is also Director of the Stanford Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders Program. The author of numerous scientific publications on eating disorders in youth, Dr. Lock is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is a recipient of awards including the Agnes Purcell McGavin Award for Distinguished Career Achievement in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from the American Psychiatric Association, the Price Family Foundation Award for Research Excellence from the National Eating Disorder Association, the Leadership Award in Research from the Academy of Eating Disorders, and Early and Mid-Career Development Awards from the National Institute of Mental Health.
 

Introduction
1. What Is the Problem?: Anorexia Nervosa
2. What Is AFT and Why Should You Use It?: An Overview
3. A Primer on Diagnostic Assessment for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa
4. Overview of Adolescent Development to Guide Case Conceptualization in AFT
5. AFT Toolbox for Therapists
6. Phase I of AFT: What’s Going On Here?
7. AFT for Adolescents with Anger and Control Issues
8. AFT for Adolescents with Depressive Symptoms and Poor Self-Esteem
9. AFT for Adolescents with Deficits in Identity Formation
10. AFT for Adolescents with Fears of Growing Up
11. Concluding Comments: Challenges in Disseminating and Implementing AFT for Anorexia Nervosa
References
Index