An exploratory study of access to evidence-based therapy for eating disorders

Ashley Higgins

Abstract


Eating disorders represent serious, complex, and often ego-syntonic psychological conditions with serious medical complications. While evidence-based psychological and pharmacological treatments have been developed in recent years, not all individuals with eating disorders may be able to access these treatments. This study recruited a large sample of individuals with eating disorders and assessed their experiences in treatment, current level of symptoms, and perceptions of treatment efficacy. Most of the sample was not currently in treatment, and a third of participants reported that they had difficulty finding treatment resources for their eating disorder. Of the participants in treatment, many reported that their therapist utilized cognitive-behavioral interventions, though it is possible this evidence-based modality was not being faithfully followed.


Keywords


eating disorders; patient outcomes; evidence-based care; attitudes

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18103/imr.v5i4.817

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