Multidisciplinary Family-Based Intervention in the Treatment of a Diabetic Adolescent with an Eating Disorder

The case of an adolescent female with type I diabetes who developed an eating disorder is presented. Her poor metabolic control, medical symptoms, and behavior put her at risk of developing complications. The client underwent long-term medical and psychological treatment; a multidisciplinary team was enlisted to help her adhere to a structured program. Treatment focused on family intervention by a co-therapy team of social worker and dietician, resulting in a remarkable improvement in the client's metabolic control. This study emphasizes the influence of family functioning on metabolic control and the importance of coordinated multidisciplinary teamwork in the treatment of such cases. (C) 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.