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Anorexia nervosa and depression in a 5‐year‐old girl: Treatment with focused family play therapy and medication
Author(s) -
Chatoor Irene,
Webb Lauren E.,
Kerzner Benny
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.23129
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , girl , depression (economics) , family therapy , psychology , eating disorders , psychiatry , sertraline , psychotherapist , presentation (obstetrics) , play therapy , anorexia , pediatrics , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , medicine , anxiety , radiology , antidepressant , economics , macroeconomics
Objective The current case presentation examines the treatment and recovery of a 5‐year‐old girl diagnosed with comorbid anorexia nervosa and major depressive disorder. Researchers have shown that children as young as 3‐years‐old may be dissatisfied with their bodies and have concerns about their weight. This case presentation of a 5‐year‐old child demonstrates that the age range defining early onset of eating disorders can span into early childhood, which requires treatment tailored to the developmental level of these young children. Method A new method “focused family play therapy” was applied. It goes beyond free play or structured play therapy, in that the therapist involves the parents in the play and not only models the situation which creates the child's fears, but also shows through dolls how to be brave and overcome the fears. Results The current case report demonstrates how the combination of refeeding the child during family meals, participating in focused family play therapy to help the child overcome her fears of eating, and prescribing sertraline to treat her depression was an effective treatment for both the anorexia nervosa and depression. Discussion This technique may be effective with children ranging in age from 3 to 6 years.