Addressing Disparities in Adolescent Eating Disorders: A Case Report of Family-Based Treatment in Primary Care

Eating disorders typically have a protracted course, marked by significant morbidity. Male adolescents and adolescents of color are at risk of delayed care. Primary care providers are well-positioned to identify eating disorders early and initiate treatment. This case report describes an adaptation of Family-Based Treatment delivered by a primary care provider to an Asian-American male adolescent from an immigrant family with restrictive anorexia nervosa. The adolescent achieved full-weight restoration and remission of his anorexia through treatment in primary care. Embedding eating disorder treatment within primary care could improve detection, engagement, and retention in treatment among young people from diverse backgrounds.