OBJECTIVE: To analyze scientific evidence about the influence of the family group on anorexia nervosa (AN) symptoms. METHODS: Systematic review of the literature published between 2000 and 2012, using the databases PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Lilacs and the descriptors: "eating disorders", "family relations", "intergenerational relations" and "mother-child relations". RESULTS: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 publications were selected and their full version was analyzed. Most of the papers focus on women diagnosed with eating disorders (ED) or risky eating behavior, have a quantitative design and use standardized scales for data collection. Evidence Level 4 was predominant, which corresponds to studies with a non-experimental design, like correlational and qualitative descriptive studies, or case studies. The evidences found indicate that family relations significantly affect both the development and maintenance of ED symptoms. Eating and food patterns are transmitted between generations, as well as non-elaborated aspects of maternal psychic functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Studies suggest the need for a broader care focus, so as to include family members in treatment, as well as to incorporate the findings related to intergenerational psychic transmission to guide the planning and qualification of the care offered in case of ED.
Eating disorders; family relations; intergenerational relations; mother-child relations
