The use of alternative delivery systems and new technologies in the treatment of patients with eating disorders.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the current article is to review the literature regarding the use of alternative delivery systems, such as telemedicine, and new technologies, such as the use of hand-held computers, in the treatment of patients with eating disorders.


METHODS
The literature is reviewed in the following areas: self-help (supervised and unsupervised), telemedicine, telephone therapy, e-mail, internet, computer software, CD-ROMs, portable computers, and virtual reality techniques.


RESULTS
A growing literature suggests a number of alternative delivery systems hold promise, in particular permitting patients to access services who otherwise would not be able to receive treatment. Although most of these areas are early in their development, a growing literature supports the utility of several of these approaches.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the literature in this area is limited, and the research base is small, a number of these technologies appear to hold substantial promise for the treatment of patients with eating disorders.
Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, North Dakota 58103, USA. tmyers@nrifargo.com
Tricia Cook
TC
Myers
Lorraine
L
Swan-Kremeier
Stephen
S
Wonderlich
Kathy
K
Lancaster
James E
JE
Mitchell
D003201:Computers; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012984:Software; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014584:User-Computer Interface