What is the evidence basis for existing treatments of eating disorders?

Curr Opin Pediatr. 2003 Jun;15(3):344-5. doi: 10.1097/00008480-200306000-00021.

Abstract

Most existing treatments of eating disorders (ED) produce a period of remission that is short lived and expressed in fewer than 50% of the patients. Antidepressants (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRI]) have a small effect in bulimia nervosa and they are not recommended in anorexia nervosa (AN) because serotonin inhibits food intake. In a randomized, controlled trial, training of eating behavior and satiety, supply of warmth, reduction of physical hyperactivity, and restoration of social activities brought 75% of patients with ED into remission, and 93% remained in remission during follow-up. Further randomized, controlled trials comparing presently used interventions will provide the evidence needed to improve the treatment of ED.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy*
  • Humans