Evidence-based treatments remain the best intervention for good long-term outcome of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa

Abstract

More research is needed about response to specialist treatments for severe and enduring anorexia nervosa. Current evidence suggests those with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa respond to evidence-based treatments and continue to recover over decades. In the absence of clear guidelines to the contrary and given our understanding of the superior efficacy of specialist treatments over more eclectic treatment choices, it is our responsibility to continue to train and supervise clinicians to deliver evidence-based treatments, irrespective of the variant of anorexia nervosa.

Keywords: anorexia nervosa; clinical course; cognitive behavioral therapy; eating disorder; evidence-based treatments; severe and enduring anorexia nervosa; specialist supportive clinical management.