Outpatient Treatment for Eating Disorder was the subject of an article published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The article out-lined a study that questioned the success rate of a 60 week follow-up program in comparison to 30 day inpatient eating disorder treatment or 8 to 12 week program available today. The study looked at overeating, anorexia and bulimia stating that these are the more difficult to treat of all the eating disorders. The study was deemed necessary as the only studies available were too short to evaluate long term success of medications or types of therapy used.
Outpatient Treatment for Eating Disorder use much the same therapy offered as in-patient treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy treatment was the primary therapy used with the patients in this study. The study showed a marked improvement in symptoms of the 60 week group but the over all success rate was a disappointing 51%. The study showed that some success is possible using cognitive therapy in an out-patient setting. The research did conclude that certain patients with more complex problems would need more complex treatment.
Outpatient Treatment for Eating Disorder must take into account the physical/medical health of the individual patient. The study failed to look at those patients that need to be hospitalized for medical and mental health issues. Eating disorder treatment can only be successful if we use all milieus and treat each patient on their specific needs. Out-patient is a viable means of treatment eating disorders but only in concert with all treatment settings.