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04:19
A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Online counselling for eating disorders: reaching an underserved population?
Markus Moessner1, Stephanie Bauer
1Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. moessner@psyres.de
Journal of Mental Health (Abingdon, England)
|January 19, 2012
Summary
Internet-based eating disorder (ED) services effectively reach individuals needing help, with many accessing treatment for the first time. This online support also facilitates entry into traditional healthcare systems.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Digital Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Eating disorders (ED) often involve delayed treatment seeking, leaving many individuals without necessary care.
- Internet-based interventions offer a potential solution to reach underserved populations with low-intensity support and improved healthcare access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acceptance and effectiveness of an internet-based counseling service for individuals with eating disorders.
- To assess user satisfaction, service utilization, and attitudes towards online interventions.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 238 individuals who utilized an email and/or moderated forum counseling service for ED.
- Assessed service acceptance, user satisfaction, engagement with other services, and attitudes toward internet-based interventions.
Main Results:
- Participants exhibited significant ED symptoms, including bingeing (67.4%) and self-induced vomiting (42.2%).
- The online service was highly rated, with 57.3% accessing professional help for the first time.
- Half of new users engaged with additional services, facilitated by the online program.
Conclusions:
- The internet-based service is well-accepted by individuals with eating disorders.
- It successfully connects a significant number of individuals with ED-related impairments to professional support.
- The service acts as a gateway to the traditional healthcare system for some users.
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