Treatment seeking for eating disorders: Results from a nationally representative study

Abstract

To our knowledge, this was the largest study to characterize predictors of treatment seeking in adults with EDs. Results from this study were consistent with existing literature documenting age and sex differences in treatment seeking among adolescents with an ED. Findings suggest a need for improved ED education and outreach-including greater mental health/ED literacy and decreased stigmatization for patients, providers, and the general public-and additional persuasive public-health messages to change community knowledge about treatment options for younger persons and men with EDs.

A new approach to eating‐disorder classification: Using empirical methods to delineate diagnostic dimensions and inform care

“…Third, few participants in the sample had current diagnoses of anorexia nervosa or binge‐eating disorder, which may have affected model‐data fit for the latent anorexia nervosa factor. It is important to note, however, that the lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa and binge‐eating disorder in the current sample was consistent with prevalence rates from nationally representative data (Bohrer, Carroll, Forbush, & Chen, ). Fourth, although retention was excellent at 6‐month follow‐up, attrition was higher than ideal (43.12%) at 1‐year follow‐up, which may have reduced our ability to predict 1‐year outcomes and stability.…”

Barriers to seeking treatment for eating disorders: The role of self‐recognition in understanding gender disparities in who seeks help

“…Surveys assessed demographic variables, including gender, age, and race/ethnicity (coded as non‐Hispanic Caucasian vs. ethnic/racial minority for current analyses). Self‐perception of having an ED and treatment‐seeking were assessed with the following “yes” or “no” questions: “Do you believe you have an eating disorder?” and “Have you ever sought formal treatment for an eating disorder?” The use of single‐item assessment replicates prior methods (Bohrer et al, ; Forrest et al, ; Hart et al, ). Consistency of responses to lifetime treatment‐seeking from 2002 to 2012 was acceptable, phi = 0.82, p < .001.…”

“…Given the significant levels of distress, impairment, and medical comorbidity associated with EDs (e.g., Arcelus, Mitchell, Wales, & Nielsen, ; Jenkins, Hoste, Meyer, & Blissett, ), understanding factors that influence treatment‐seeking is vital. Recent studies have found that being female increased the likelihood of seeking help for eating or weight problems among adults and adolescents (Bohrer, Carroll, Forbush, & Chen, ; Forrest, Smith, & Swanson, ). The authors suggested that males might be less likely to seek treatment because they are less likely to recognize their ED because they do not match the stereotype of EDs being a female problem.…”

Preliminary data on help‐seeking intentions and behaviors of individuals completing a widely available online screen for eating disorders in the United States

“…Help‐seeking intentions also differed across genders and age groups. Previous research has shown women are more likely to seek treatment than men, and positive associations between age and treatment‐seeking (Bohrer, Carroll, Forbush, & Chen, 2017; Fatt et al, in press). However, other work has not found gender to be a primary predictor of help‐seeking (Thapliyal, Mitchison, Mond, & Hay, 2020), suggesting the need for additional research.…”