"You kind of became free again": Danish adolescents' experiences of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa - A qualitative study.

Abstract

Objective: To explore danish adolescents' experiences of Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for anorexia nervosa (AN). Method: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adolescents (13 females, mean age 15.8 years) at the end of treatment and analysed via inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Result: Three overarching themes were generated through analysis: Losing Control - Gaining Freedom captured adolescents' initial distress at relinquishing responsibility for renourishment to parents, later experienced as liberating, as parental oversight countered AN and restored agency. The Difficult Trust reflected how AN itself complicated trust, with adolescents feeling that others did not always believe or trust them. From Conflict to Closeness described evolving parent-child relationships, showing that early conflicts gave way to strengthened bonds, particularly with the parent who assumed primary responsibility, as collaborative engagement fostered improved communication and mutual understanding. Overall, early distress coexisted with long-term gains in autonomy and familial closeness. Conclusion: By the end of treatment, adolescents came to recognize the rationale and value of parental responsibility for renourishment in FBT, reporting that it facilitated recovery while strengthening relationships. The findings emphasize the importance of trust, safe therapeutic spaces, and active involvement from both parents, and highlight a need for targeted adaptations for transitional-age youth.