Psychological characteristics of mothers of patients with anorexia nervosa: implications for treatment and prognosis.

Introduction: The complexity of factors involved in anorexia nervosa (AN) and the recommendations of prominent health organizations underscore the importance of reflecting on therapeutic interventions aimed at patients' family members.

Objective: To expand knowledge about the mother-daughter relationship in AN, with a focus on developing a conceptual framework that is able to improve the treatment of the disorder, reduce factors that perpetuate it and improve prognosis.

Method: A clinical method, anchored by psychodynamic references, was employed in a group of family members of patients with eating disorders.