What therapists and patients value in eating disorder treatment

A study by researchers in Holland looked into what factors therapists and patients considered to be important in the treatment of eating disorders. The study surveyed 73 therapists working with people with eating disorders, 156 current eating-disorder patients and 148 former eating-disorder patients. Both therapists and patients most often mentioned focus of treatment, therapeutic alliance and communication skills as important aspects of the quality of treatment. However, therapists valued the focus on eating-disorder symptoms and behavioural change more highly, whereas patients emphasised the importance of the therapeutic relationship and addressing underlying problems.

Rie, Simone de la ... [et al] - The quality of treatment of eating disorders: a comparison of the therapists' and the patients' perspective International Journal of Eating Disorders 2008, 41(4), 301-306