Table 1 Principal differences between family-based treatment (FBT) and enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E)

Conceptualization of eating disorders

The problem belongs to the entire family

The illness is separated from the patient

The problem belongs to the individual

It does not separate the illness from the patient

Adolescent’s involvement

Not actively involved

Actively involved

Parents’ involvement

Vitally important

Useful but not essential

Treatment team

Multidisciplinary

Single therapist

Sessions (n)

18 family sessions

Sessions with the consulting team (paediatrician or nurse) in case of need for hospitalization (~  15%)

20 individual sessions (non-underweight patients)

30–40 individual sessions (underweight patients)