Evaluating the treatment of eating disorders from the patient's perspective.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the evaluation of treatment of eating disorders (EDs) from the patient's perspective in a large community based sample in the Netherlands. It investigated perceived helpfulness of different types of treatment. Furthermore it investigated which patient and treatment characteristics contribute to the evaluation of treatment.


METHODS
The Eating Disorder Examination questionnaire was administered to 44 anorexia nervosa (AN), 43 bulimia nervosa (BN), 69 EDNOS (ED not otherwise specified), and 148 former ED patients. A questionnaire specifically designed for the purpose of this study addressing treatment history and patient's evaluation of their treatment was administered.


RESULTS
There is a substantial patient and doctor delay in seeking and finding treatment. Treatment in specialized ED centers, self-help groups, and treatment with a partner were reported to be most helpful. Beneficial components of treatment reported in specialized ED centers refer to the communication skills of professionals, the therapist-patient working alliance, the contact with peers, and the focus of treatment on both ED symptoms as well as underlying issues.


CONCLUSIONS
The patient's perspective on treatment of EDs does provide recommendations for the improvement of treatment of EDs that will facilitate clinical decision making and treatment planning.
de la Rie
Simone
S
Center for Eating Disorders Ursula, Leidschendam, The Netherlands. s.delarie@centrumeetstoornissen.nl
Noordenbos
Greta
G
Donker
Marianne
M
van Furth
Eric
E
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D001294:Attitude to Health; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003710:Demography; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome