Evidence-Based Interventions for Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

This chapter specifically focuses on what are considered the principal eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and closely related variants. For adolescents with anorexia nervosa, family-based therapy is the treatment of choice based on the scientific evidence. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is recommended in instances where family-based therapy is ineffective or unsuccessful. Early studies show promise for treatment of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Many treatment approaches for children and adolescents with eating disorders are focused on outpatient approaches; however, a minority of patients may benefit when inpatient interventions are required. Interpersonal therapy may be a promising treatment for adolescents with binge-eating disorder but needs further study. The authors suggest more randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses need to be conducted on eating disorders with children and adolescent populations in order to determine the best course of treatment for each disorder, as well as the factors that influence and impact treatment outcomes.