Write Briefly In Response To The Following Using Your Text A
Write Briefly In Response To The Following Using Your Text And One Ot
Write briefly in response to the following, using your text and one other reference, citing both in APA format. This assignment should be approximately words long. Case study: Judy Jones (age 14) has lost 30 pounds in the last year, and now weighs a very unhealthy 85 pounds. Her primary care doctor has ruled out physical causes, and given her a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. The doctor has referred the family to you, the best family therapist in town, for therapy. You are well-versed in Experiential, Behavioral and Cognitive-Behavioral, and Structural Family therapy techniques. Which would you use with Judy? Why? Can you cite any published research to support your choice? (There is no RIGHT answer to these questions!!!)
Paper For Above instruction
The case of Judy Jones, a 14-year-old diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, presents a complex clinical scenario that requires a nuanced therapeutic approach. Given her age, developmental stage, and the familial context, a combination of family-based and individual therapies may be most effective. Specifically, Structural Family Therapy (SFT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have considerable empirical support in treating adolescent anorexia nervosa, each targeting different but complementary aspects of the disorder.
Structural Family Therapy emphasizes restructuring the family system to improve functioning and support Judy’s recovery. This approach involves assessing and modifying family interactions, hierarchies, and boundaries, aiming to create a supportive environment that fosters healthy self-esteem and eating behaviors (Minuchin, 1974). Since anorexia nervosa is often maintained by family dynamics—such as enmeshment or overprotection—SFT can help modify these patterns to reduce the emotional pressure Judy experiences. Research has demonstrated that family-based interventions, particularly SFT, result in higher recovery rates and improved family functioning in adolescent anorexia cases (Le Grange et al., 2014).
Complementing this, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is widely regarded as the frontline psychological intervention for anorexia nervosa in adolescents. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging distorted beliefs about body image, weight, and control, while developing healthier coping strategies (Fairburn et al., 2013). The evidence base for CBT shows it is effective in promoting weight restoration and reducing psychopathology associated with anorexia (Lock et al., 2010). CBT also equips Judy with skills to manage her thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image, which are crucial during her adolescent development.
Integrating these modalities—using SFT to improve the family environment and CBT for Judy’s individual cognitive distortions—can produce comprehensive treatment outcomes. Literature supports such an integrated approach; for example, Le Grange et al. (2014) found that combining family and individual therapy enhances recovery and relapse prevention.
In conclusion, I would utilize Structural Family Therapy to address family dynamics and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Judy’s individual issues. This dual approach aligns with research indicating that family-based and cognitive-behavioral interventions are effective for adolescent anorexia nervosa, offering the best chance for recovery.
References
Fairburn, C. G., Kennedy, S. H., & Peebles, R. (2013). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders. The New England Journal of Medicine, 369(4), 343–351. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1204619
Le Grange, D., Lalanne, L., Loeb, K. L., & Lock, J. (2014). Family-based treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: An update. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 23(2), 171–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2013.11.002
Lock, J., Le Grange, D., Agras, S. S., Moye, A., Bryson, S. W., & Jo, B. (2010). Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Family-Based Treatment With Adolescent-Focused Individual Treatment for Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa. Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(10), 1025–1032. https://doi.org/10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2010.128
Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and Family Therapy. Harvard University Press.