Factors influencing the utilization of empirically supported treatments for eating disorders
Abstract
This study expands upon previous research investigating the use of empirically supported treatments (ESTs) for eating disorders by surveying a large sample of clinicians who specialize in treating eating disorders. Surveys developed for this study were sent to 698 members of a large, professional, eating disorder organization who were listed as treatment providers on the organization's website. Despite clinicians reporting frequently using CBT techniques, most identified something other than CBT or IPT as their primary approach to treatment. In contrast with previous research, the majority had received prior training in the use of manual-based treatments. However, consistent with previous investigations, most denied regular use of such treatments. Although manual-based CBT and IPT are referred to as "treatments of choice," professional clinicians in the field are not consistently using them. Responses suggest several barriers to the utilization of ESTs in practice.
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In eating disorders, clinicians show good levels of awareness of evidence-based therapies, but report using them relatively infrequently.
“In the field of eating disorders, clinicians show good levels of awareness of evidencebased therapies, but report using them relatively infrequently”
From Therapist drift redux: Why well-meaning clinicians fail to deliver evidence-based therapy, and how to get back on track (2016) · cites this paper as Simmons, Milnes & Anderson, 2008
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- Authors
- Simmons, A. M., Milnes, S. M., & Anderson, D. A.
- Affiliations
- University at Albany, State University of New York (US)
- Corresponding author
- Simmons, Angela M.
- Venue
- Eating Disorders
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2008-07-04
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 342-354
- ISSN
- 1064-0266 (ISSN-L)
- 1532-530X
- OpenAlex
- W2153632841
- Cited by
- 54
- References
- 39
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 3 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 7
- FWCI
- 3.70
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Eating Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Disorders and Psychopathology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Keywords
- empirically supported treatments, treatment utilization, physician practice, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, barriers to treatment
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Feeding and Eating Disorders, Behavior Therapy, Data Collection, Education, Graduate, Female, Humans, Male, Manuals as Topic, Middle Aged, Psychotherapy, Societies, Scientific, Utilization Review, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Empiricism, Guideline Adherence
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