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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Internet-based interventions for eating disorders in adults: a systematic review
Ruth Dölemeyer1, Annemarie Tietjen, Anette Kersting
1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstr. 10, Leipzig 04103, Germany. ruth.doelemeyer@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
BMC Psychiatry
|August 8, 2013
Summary
Internet-based guided self-help interventions show significant symptom reduction for adults with eating disorders. While effective for eating behaviors, further research is needed due to study variations.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Digital Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Eating disorders represent a significant public health concern in adults.
- Internet-based interventions offer a scalable approach to treatment.
- Efficacy of these digital interventions requires systematic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy of internet-based interventions for adult eating disorders.
- To assess the impact of digital treatments on eating disorder symptoms and related outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of Randomised Control Trials (RCT) and Controlled Trials (CT).
- Searches conducted in Web of Science, PsycInfo, and PubMed for studies on participants aged 16+.
- Quality assessment, results review, and calculation of effect sizes and confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- Eight studies (N=609) met inclusion criteria; most interventions used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles.
- Guided self-help interventions demonstrated significant medium to high effect sizes for symptom reduction and abstinence.
- Unstructured email or writing therapies showed no significant effects; dropout rates varied (9%-47.2%).
- Four studies reported reductions in comorbid depression and anxiety, and improved quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Internet-based guided self-help interventions are effective for treating adult eating disorders.
- Further research is warranted to address the heterogeneity observed across studies.
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