Daughters whose mothers have anorexia nervosa: a pilot study of three adolescents

In attempting to recruit mothers with anorexia nervosa and their adolescent daughters to participate in an interview study, we found that the majority of potentially suitable mothers refused to participate, fearing deleterious effects of the interviews on their relationships with their daughters. The three pairs who did participate were characterized by avoidant communication styles regarding the eating disorders, daughters focusing on what their mothers ate, mothers and daughters relating as close friends, and seemingly psychologically robust daughters. Additional research is needed to more carefully delineate the impact of maternal anorexia nervosa on the development of the children. As a matter of routine, clinicians should assess the children of patients with anorexia nervosa to institute preventive interventions, facilitate early case finding, and offer treatment where indicated.