Evidence-Based Therapies: Effective Eating Disorder Treatment

Webster Wellness Professionals offers effective eating disorder treatment and therapies based on the latest techniques and treatment methods used today. These evidence-based treatment practices are based on the latest scientific research. Our highly skilled and trained practitioners select from these effective eating disorder treatment methods to best meet the needs of each individual. By integrating the latest evidence-based treatment methods with the clinical expertise that our practitioners have developed through years of professional practice, we are able to offer individuals the best treatment available. Our clinicians consider personality characteristics of the individual, the presence of psychiatric or medical conditions, treatments that have already been attempted, and the available resources to individualize treatment.

Why Use Evidence-Based Treatments for Eating Disorders

Evidence-based therapies, also called evidence-based medicine by the Institute of Medicine in 2001 or empirically supported treatments and evidence-based practice by the American Psychological Association in 2007, are effective for treating eating disorders and unhealthy weight control issues. Our clinicians at Webster Wellness Professionals in St. Louis are well trained in best practice methods and are up to date with the latest scientific research regarding the treatment of eating disorders.

In order to be considered an empirically supported treatment for eating disorders or weight control, a variety of scientific research is required for each treatment method. The gold standard for research is called a randomized controlled trial. These trials best determine if the treatment is effective by reducing bias and comparing to other treatments or placebos. In general, the systematic review of large numbers of such studies can help determine the effectiveness of a treatment. When conducting this research, it is important to use statistical procedures to eliminate sources of bias that may alter the findings.

Effective Eating Disorder Treatment

At our St. Louis eating disorder treatment center and weight control clinic, our therapists and psychologists use a variety of evidence based treatments. These techniques have been studied thoroughly for their effectiveness with a variety of groups of people. We use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy to treat bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. In addition, family-based therapy is an effective treatment method for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in children and adolescents. The following are some of the main evidence-based treatments used at Webster Wellness Professionals. To learn more about these techniques, please click on the links below or contact our professionals today.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: CBT has been evaluated in many studies over the last 30 years for a variety of conditions, both psychiatric and medical. A number of studies have found it to be effective in treating bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. CBT is also the empirical foundation for achieving the behavioral changes necessary for health weight control.
• DBT: DBT incorporates many of the basic principles and methods of cognitive-behavior therapy, but the original developer, Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., extended it treat individuals with a history of self-destructive behaviors. After several studies demonstrated its effectiveness with self-harming individuals, it has been adapted for use with other psychiatric conditions, including eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. It has also been incorporated into an intensive treatment for medically severe obesity (see Greenlight Program).
• Family-Based Therapy: Family-Based Therapy, or the Maudsley Approach, is an effective eating disorder treatment method for adolescents and children with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. This treatment builds a strong support system between the parents and child in order to achieve healthy eating and weight restoration.