Abstract
Eating disorders are severe mental health conditions that are associated with a high level of illness and death. These disorders, which include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, have complex causes that involve a combination of genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors. The treatment for eating disorders focuses on restoring weight and establishing healthy eating habits, while also addressing underlying issues related to emotional regulation and distorted thoughts. Over time, the approach to treating eating disorders has evolved, with changes in both psychiatry and clinical psychology. In the past, these disorders were often seen as unexplainable forms of hysteria and were treated with rest cures and confinement in asylums. The introduction of psychoanalysis, behaviorism, and pharmacology brought about an expansion in the range of therapeutic options available, although their effectiveness remained limited. Progress was made through the establishment of specialized inpatient programs and the implementation of standardized treatment protocols, leading to improved outcomes. Presently, evidence-based protocols incorporate psychological therapy, nutrition rehabilitation, and medical monitoring that are tailored to meet the individual needs of patients. Among the various treatment approaches, family-based treatment has shown the strongest empirical support for young individuals, while enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy has proven effective for adults. Despite the significant advancements made, eating disorder interventions still face challenges such as high relapse rates, indicating the need for further evolution in intervention strategies to enhance prevention and accessibility. This paper aims to examine the historical development of eating disorder treatments while providing a critical analysis of the current gold standard interventions. The discussion will address the persisting challenges in reducing eating disorder morbidity and mortality by exploring innovative therapeutic targets, modalities, and methods of dissemination.
Keywords:
Eating Disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Evidence-Based Treatment, Treatment Challenges
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