Using group therapy to support eating disordered mothers with their children: the relevance for primary care

Despite substantial diversity in study design, sample size, and parental eating disorder definition, overall, existing research suggests that the children of parents with eating disorders exhibit compromised development: a greater risk of perinatal complications; a tendency toward extremes of growth at birth; greater problems in feeding and eating behaviors and greater incidence of eating disorder symptoms; more psychological and socioemotional difficulties; and more negative qualities to parent-child interactions. Data on children's cognitive outcomes is thus far inconsistent. Given the relatively high incidence of eating disorder history in individuals of childbearing age, research into its potential effects on children is necessary. However, the methodological shortcomings and a limited evidence base caution in drawing conclusions. Nevertheless, mental health services should address the possible problems that these children face and offer tailored programs.

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Parent-based prevention program for the children of mothers with eating disorders: Feasibility and preliminary outcomes

Sadeh‐Sharvit

Zubery

Mankovski

et al. 2016

Eating Disorders

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The children of mothers with eating disorders are at high risk of feeding and eating problems and broader developmental difficulties. The Parent-Based Prevention (PBP) of eating disorders targets risk factors and facilitates behavioral change in parents to mitigate potentially negative outcomes of their children. This pre/post uncontrolled study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of PBP. PBP was found to be a feasible intervention for mothers with eating disorders and their spouses, with satisfactory retention rates. A total of 16 intact families were assessed at three measurement points for parents' feeding practices, child outcomes, and maternal functioning. Both parents reported improved feeding practices as well as more positive perceptions of their children in comparison to baseline. These pilot findings suggest that PBP is linked with decreased risk of eating and mental problems among the offspring of mothers with eating disorders.

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Using group therapy to support eating disordered mothers with their children: the relevance for primary care

Abstract: Original article can be found at: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=PHC Copyright Cambridge University Press DOI: 10.1191/1463423606pc271o

Cited by 3 publications

References 34 publications

Eating Disorders: Breaking the Intergenerational Cycle through Group Therapy — the Effects of the Group Experience

Eating Disorders: Breaking the Intergenerational Cycle through Group Therapy — the Effects of the Group Experience

Children of Parents with Eating Disorders

Parent-based prevention program for the children of mothers with eating disorders: Feasibility and preliminary outcomes

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