Eating Disorders are a debilitating and serious mental illness. This illness is associated with medical complications, psychological and social impairment. Families of people with an eating disorder also report that they lack resources and have many unmet needs. Families often have insufficient information regarding the eating disorder, available treatment options and strategies for supporting the person with the illness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of two different family interventions for people with eating disorders and their family members (parents or partners) receiving treatment either in the inpatient or day treatment Eating Disorder Program at the Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network. Family supportive counseling consists of people with eating disorders and their family members meeting with a family therapist. Multi-family group therapy involves eight to ten families who meet as a group with two therapists. The investigators are conducting a study to assess the differences between these two different family interventions. This study will help us identify who benefits the most from participating in family supportive counseling or multi-family therapy. The investigators are also evaluating which intervention is more effective at helping the person with the eating disorder overcome their illness while helping their family members learn how to support the recovery process. Both family therapy interventions are delivered by experienced family therapy clinicians who work in either the Inpatient or Day Treatment Eating Disorder Program at Toronto General Hospital.
Age range
16 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Dropout
Timeframe: 3 months post enrollment
Change in Weight
Timeframe: Baseline, End of treatment(8 weeks for multi-family therapy/average 10 weeks for supportive family therapy)