Anorexia nervosa in a pre-adolescent girl: a multimodal behaviour therapy approach

A multimodal method of behavioural therapy was used in the case of a pre-adolescent girl with anorexia nervosa. This followed two previous admissions to a paediatric department. Three main conclusions emerged from pre and post therapy objective evaluations. Weight gain in anorexia is a necessary but insufficient basis for sustained improvement. Important interactive psychosocial factors have to be adequately addressed to improve the chances of effective therapy. A focused approach relevant to each of a number of important different, but overlapping, areas is likely to facilitate better potential for treatment effectiveness than a general ('non-specific') management approach.