ABSTRACT
When a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa is reported to parents of older adolescents, those living in the midst of crisis may be unable to follow behavior-change directions demanded by their child's health. At times like this, a support group of parents can complement health professionals' interventions. This article examines a pilot project, based in a large pediatric hospital, that tried to demonstrate the efficacy of such a parent support group. Eight 90-minute weekly meetings were held on four basic themes. And 13 parents made a point of attending them all. Among the benefits: creation of a climate of respect between anorexic adolescents and their parents; increased parental knowledge of anorexia nervosa; and the discovery of new aspects of the parent-child relationship.
