Relapse is common among those treated for eating disorders. By the time patients enter treatment, often their behavior patterns have been set for years, and they have a very difficult time reentering normal life without reverting to the disordered eating patterns. Anorexia is particularly challenging to treat, but researchers have good reason to find a solution. It is the deadliest of any mental disorder.
A new treatment focused on the physical symptoms instead of on underlying psychological causes has achieved high rates of extended remission for patients with eating disorders. A report published in the July 9 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Science shows that remission rates were approximately 75 percent for patients suffering from anorexia or bulimia nervosa.
Cecelia Bergh of the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and colleagues authored the study. She explained that existing treatments have not been effective at treating eating disorders, with relapse after entering remission, a major problem.
The researchers examined 32 patients. 19 of the participants were diagnosed with anorexia and 13 were diagnosed with bulimia. 16 of the patients were randomly selected to receive no treatment, and 16 participated in a program in which they were trained to eat and recognize satiety using computer support. The researchers also restricted physical activity in the patients and the patients rested in a warm room after each meal.
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