Struggles in Adolescents: Parents Shouldn't Bear the Blame - Adolescent Eating Disorders: Parents Can Overcome Feeling of Blame and Help Their Children Recover
Reduced Moms' Guilt Key to Anorexia Nervosa Treatment, Says German Psychiatrist
By Verena Carl
In a podcast discussion, renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist Professor Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann expressed the importance of alleviating guilt in mothers of children suffering from anorexia nervosa. The acknowledged expert in eating disorders suggested that this step could play a crucial role in effective treatment.
The concept of guilt often arises within families dealing with anorexia nervosa, especially among mothers. To address this issue, the family-based therapy (FBT) approach has proven effective. This method involves the entire family, placing emphasis on the parents' support as crucial for recovery. FBT encourages parents to understand their role and reduces feelings of guilt by promoting a collaborative effort to support their child's health.
Another essential aspect is education. Informing parents about anorexia nervosa helps them understand that the condition is a severe mental health issue, not a personal failing. This knowledge empowers parents to better support their children and themselves.
Support networks also prove vital in managing guilt and responsibility. Mothers are encouraged to join support groups or seek individual therapy to gain emotional support throughout the challenging journey.
Collaborative care is vital, ensuring that mothers feel empowered and less isolated in their role as their child's guardian. Integrating mothers into the treatment team can help them feel more involved and less responsible for their child's condition alone.
Professor Herpertz-Dahlmann's work in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry, including the treatment of eating disorders, emphasizes the importance of family involvement in recovery. While her specific views on alleviating guilt in mothers may not be thoroughly addressed in her public statements, her work highlights the significance of a supportive family dynamic in overcoming anorexia nervosa. For more detailed insights into her treatment approaches and views on family dynamics, consult her published research or interviews on the topic.
The following are some of the main problems that parents, particularly mothers, face in dealing with anorexia nervosa: mental-health issues, health-and-wellness concerns, and nutrition. Science plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing these issues, as the work of child and adolescent psychiatrist Professor Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann demonstrates, with her emphasis on family involvement, education, support networks, and collaborative care in the treatment approach.
