title: The use of a parent support group in the outpatient treatment of children and adolescents with eating disorders.
abstract: Our objective was to measure parents' level of satisfaction and perceived benefits gained from participating in a parent support group as part of an outpatient treatment program. We mailed surveys to 261 parent/guardian participants. Results reflected high satisfaction with the support group. Parents indicated that it assisted them in understanding eating disorders symptoms and treatment and supporting their child struggling with an eating disorder. Additionally, the group was a source of emotional support. Results suggest that inclusion of a parent support group in the outpatient treatment of children and adolescents with eating disorders has important implications for parents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.
authors.forename: Tracie L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Pasold
authors.forename: Beatrice A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Boateng
authors.forename: Maria G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Portilla
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010343:Patient Admission; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D055815:Young Adult