What does it mean to 'Maintain an Agnostic Stance?'

In FBT the provider takes an agnostic view of the cause of the illness. 

Instead of identifying these various factors, energy is directed at what needs to be done to help the adolescent move forward towards recovery ASAP. Where there's blame, inevitably there's shame, inaction, or worse yet, avoidance. So no blaming the adolescent or the parents. Maintaining an agnostic view means making no assumptions about the potential cause of the illness. Especially if it distracts from the task at hand, re-nourishment.

I think of it like a sinking ship. We would waste precious time deliberating about why it is sinking or who is to blame. The more immediate task at hand is get everyone to safety!

What are the Tenets of Family Based Treatment (FBT)?

The following are the five tenets of Family Based Treatment (FBT):

Maintain agnostic stance

Externalize the illness

Maintain a non-authoritarian/consultative stance

Empower parents/caregivers

Prioritize weight restoration/symptom remission


Infographic

FBT is intended to be provided by qualified mental health providers experienced in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders (ED). They can access consultants, such as pediatricians, psychiatrist, dietitian/nutritionists (RDNs), etc. But if FBT trainings don't include RDNs, then how should RDNs address the need in their practices, where access to FBT therapists are limited? How do they collaborate with FBT therapists? Moreover, if they are tapped as consultants, are they practicing in a way that is consistent with the tenets of FBT? More to come! 

References:
Rienecke, R.D., Family-based treatment of eating disorders in adolescents: current insights. Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2017 Jun 1;8:69-79.
Lock, J., Le Grange, D. (2013). Treatment manual for anorexia nervosa: A family-based approach, 2nd ed.