Eating Disorders: Why Do I Recommend Considering the Maudsley Approach for Anorexic Adolescents?

Eating Disorders: Why Do I Recommend Considering the Maudsley Approach for Anorexic Adolescents?

The Maudsley approach to treating adolescent anorexics is gaining increasing attention in the United States. Many people have strong opinions about it and not everything is positive. I went through my own “growing pains” before fully embracing Maudsley, and I’ll talk about that a little here.

Any time something unknown gains traction in a particular area, eyebrows are raised and the gloves can come off for an all-out battle. There are those who want to hold on to what they know at all costs. some who are open to new approaches; and some who are willing to dive in and do the research.

I was somewhere in the middle category when I started learning about Maudsley. The nutritionist who helped me with all my ED girls heard about it and suggested I take care of it. She just told me that the approach puts feeding in the hands of parents and shows promising results in adolescents.

I was all for giving parents more power. It was just intimidating to think about a new approach. I've been doing this for a long time and the more I researched it, the more I realized it would be a complete change in my thinking and treatment.

Was I prepared to commit to the rigors of research and training? How about all the preconceived ideas I was taught and have been using for years? Was I really ready to embrace this new approach?

Luckily for my clients, I love learning new things. The more I learned about Maudsley, the more excited I became. I jumped in with both feet and have been learning ever since.

I would encourage you to do the same. If you have a teenager with an eating disorder; My recommendation is to consider the Maudsley approach first. Then go from there. It's not for every family; No treatment is for everyone. But it's a great place to start!

Inspired by Lynn A Moore