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FBT Phase 1 Parental Control — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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ModerateChild & Adolescent PsychiatryFBT Phase 1 Parental ControlMRCPsych Paper B

A 15-year-old with anorexia nervosa begins manualised Maudsley family-based treatment. She is medically stable but continues to restrict her food intake. During Phase 1, which allocation of responsibility for eating is most consistent with this treatment model?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — The parents or carers take a central, temporary role in planning and supervising eating

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as E

B is correct. In Phase 1 of Maudsley family-based treatment, parents or carers are empowered to take a central and temporary role in restoring adequate eating and weight. This commonly includes planning meals, determining appropriate portions and supervising eating while the adolescent is affected by starvation and eating-disorder psychopathology. Control is subsequently returned gradually as recovery permits. The therapist supports and coaches the family rather than directly controlling meals. A dietitian may provide nutritional advice but does not replace parental responsibility within the model. School staff may support an agreed plan but do not assume primary control. Immediate independent control by the adolescent is inconsistent with Phase 1 and is more characteristic of the later transfer of age-appropriate responsibility.

Reference: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Eating disorders: recognition and treatment (NG69), recommendation 1.3.11, 2017, current with subsequent updates. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng69/resources/eating-disorders-recognition-and-treatment-pdf-1837582159813