# Family-based therapy for eating disorders: from the Milan model to contemporary evidence

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the history and effectiveness of family-based therapies for eating disorders, highlighting their evolution and current evidence.

## Contribution

The paper formulates new research hypotheses about family support and neural changes during refeeding.

## Key findings

- Family-based therapies are now seen as relational interventions within family systems.
- Empirical evidence supports models like Family-Based Treatment and Multifamily Therapy.
- Cultural adaptation and implementation challenges remain key areas for future work.

## Abstract

Family-oriented therapy has profoundly influenced the conceptualization and treatment of eating disorders over the past five decades. Beginning with systemic pioneers such as Mara Selvini Palazzoli and Salvador Minuchin, clinicians have increasingly viewed eating disorders not solely as intrapsychic disturbances but as relational phenomena embedded within family systems. These ideas led to structured, evidence-based models such as Family-Based Treatment (FBT) and Multifamily Therapy (MFT). This review summarizes historical milestones, theoretical innovations, and empirical findings on family-oriented interventions for eating disorders. The article also discusses mechanisms of change, clinical applications, and contemporary challenges in implementation and cultural adaptation of family based treatments. Some interesting research hypotheses are formulated regarding family support and neural circuitry during refeeding that can inspire future research.