What is the evidence basis for existing treatments of eating disorders?
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.
Bergh
Cecilia
C
Karolinska Institutet, Section of Applied Neuroendocrinology, AB Mando Center for Eating Disorders, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden.
Ejderhamn
Jan
J
Södersten
Per
P
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans