Premium
Evaluating the treatment of eating disorders from the patient's perspective
Author(s) -
de la Rie Simone,
Noordenbos Greta,
Donker Marianne,
van Furth Eric
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.20317
Subject(s) - helpfulness , bulimia nervosa , anorexia nervosa , eating disorders , perspective (graphical) , psychology , psychiatry , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , social psychology , artificial intelligence , computer science
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. Method: 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. Conclusion: 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. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006; 39:667–676