title: Psychotherapies provided for eating disorders by community clinicians: infrequent use of evidence-based treatment.
abstract: This study describes the psychological interventions used for eating disorders (EDs) by community practitioners. Of 573 clinicians we screened across Alberta, 130 (22.7%) had treated EDs; 118 (90.8%) were interviewed. Clinicians reported varied reasons for psychotherapy choice and diverse training experiences; the primary approaches used varied by education and field. The most common primary approach was eclectic (43.2%), followed by cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT; 22.9%). However, self-reported CBT clinicians used specific CBT techniques infrequently. Half of clinicians incorporated addictions-based techniques. These results indicate that ED treatment provided by community clinicians is varied and generally does not align with evidence-based practice guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada. kvonrans@ucalgary.ca
authors.forename: Kristin M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: von Ranson
authors.forename: Laurel M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stevenson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000416:Alberta; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce