Eating Disorders are complex and potentially severe psychiatric syndromes. A complex pathogenesis encompassing biological, psychological, familiar and social factors requires a complex approach. In consideration of the difficulty in producing sensible and stable results and obtain remission of the symptoms all concurring factors should be addressed at the same time. The pathogenic role of the family in the outburst of these disorders is still unclear. A direct relationship between family dysfunctions and eating symptoms has not been already established. Nevertheless many authors and the Academy for Eating Disorders suggest that the approach to the whole family, in particular to parents, is necessary to improve the success of the therapeutic efforts on the eating disordered members. Parents should be involved with the therapeutic team and give their support to their offspring. As parents they need to help offspring to increase their thrust and overcome their resistances in the healing process. The present work reviews the most up-to-date findings in the field and presents a clinical research about the efficacy and effectiveness of parental counseling in eating disorders.

Medical Doctor, Psychotherapist, Research Doctor in Psychiatry. Medical Director, Head of the Outpatient Service for Eating Disorders at the Pilot Regional Centre for Eating Disorders in the Neurosciences Department of the University of Torino. Professor at Specialization School in Psychiatry of the University of Torino. Hospital Researcher.