Voicing Concerns

Eating disorder intervention is successful with cognitive behavior therapy

(RxWiki News) Eating disorders may not be a current topic of dinner conversation, yet research suggests that conversation helps heal this potentially-fatal issue.

Psychological health researcher Sian McLean and her team author a new study, which she notes “provides support for the efficacy of an intervention to reduce body image and eating concerns in midlife women.” The study finds cognitive behavioral therapy to yield substantial progress for patients.

"If concerned, talk to a friend about eating disorder prevalence and treatment."

Published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, McLean’s study involved sixty-one women with ages thirty through sixty participating in either intervention or a control group with delayed treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy intervened in an eight-session group format with outcomes analyzed through several accredited questionnaires, scales, and additional measurement tools initially, post-treatment, and during a six-month follow-up.

Findings proved the effectiveness of interventions as group participants’ saw long-term symptom improvements in disordered eating, decreased risk factor variables, and a rise in confidence with improvements in body image in comparison to control groups.

Researchers further believe investigation into tailored interventions is warranted.

Interventions help restore balance and confidence.

Contact a mental health professional if you or a loved one has an eating disorder and ask them about intervention programs and other treatment options.

Review Date: 
December 8, 2011