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).


Author: James Lock
Publisher: Guilford Publications
Published: 04/28/2020
Pages: 228
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.90d
ISBN13: 9781462542840
ISBN10: 1462542840
BISAC Categories:
- Psychology | Psychopathology | Eating Disorders
- Medical | Psychiatry | Child & Adolescent
- Psychology | Psychotherapy | Child & Adolescent

About the Author
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.