Which is better for a parent caring for a child with anorexia?

Skills-Based Caring (A). It is written for carers and teaches meal support and communication skills. The Treatment Manual (B) is a clinician's protocol.

Which one do therapists use?

The Treatment Manual (B). Lock and Le Grange's manual is the standard structured guide to family-based treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa.

Is one worth the extra money?

There is almost no difference: A is $39.00 and B is $40.00 at Amazon as of November 5, 2026. Pick by role, not price.

Can I use both together?

Yes. A carer can read A for daily skills while the treating team works from B. They complement each other rather than overlap.

A runs 295 pages (print xvii + 276); B runs 270 pages. The difference is small.

Are these the same method?

Related but not identical. B is the Maudsley family-based treatment manual; A is the New Maudsley skills approach for carers.

Skills-Based Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder: The New Maudsley Method vs Treatment Manual for Anorexia Nervosa: A Family-Based Approach (2nd Edition)

Buy Skills-Based Caring (A) if you are a parent or partner caring for someone with an eating disorder at home and want practical day-to-day skills. Buy the Treatment Manual (B) if you are a clinician or trainee delivering family-based treatment (FBT) and need a session-by-session protocol. A is $39.00 at Amazon and B is $40.00 at Amazon, both as of November 5, 2026, so price is not the deciding factor.

Today the Skills-Based Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder: The New Maudsley Method costs $1.00 less at its best price.

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