[Family therapy aspects of ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease]

Comparing 55 families of adolescents suffering from either colitis/ileitis or asthma/neurodermatitis the following aspects have proven characteristic for the interactional processes of the gastroenterologically sick group: Strong family cohesion (binding). Fusion within the family, isolation from the environment. Low development potential (rigidity). The treatment of the whole family thus follows a strategic approach characterized by hypothesizing circularity, neutrality and systems changing interventions.