Evidence-Based Treatment and Access Limitations
A study exploring types of therapeutic approaches used by community
providers treating eating disorders demonstrated that, despite the
abundance of evidence supporting FBT as a first line treatment, the
majority of providers do not adhere to best practice standards/evidence
based practices. The approach most commonly used by psychotherapy
providers is ‘eclectic’ (43%), and addiction-based/’12-step’ approaches
(26%) (Von Ranson et al., 2013). Further, the majority (57%) received
no clinical training or supervision on eating disorders. The most common
reasons for choice of approach are compatibility with clinicians’ style
and training, and ‘appropriateness’ based on clinical judgment. Only a
minority endorsed choosing an approach because it was supported by
evidence, and it is well documented that favoring clinical judgment over
well established interventions results in poorer outcomes (Von Ranson et
al., 2013; Waller, 2016).