The next stages of treatment-oriented research: Commentary on Wade et al. (2023).

Abstract

Treatments for eating disorders have established benefits; yet, current psychotherapies focus specifically on the cognitions and behaviors of the eating disorder. Wade et al. (2023) propose that the myriad symptoms and disorders that occur together with eating disorders merit specific attention in treatment research protocols. We seek to amplify the authors' call to take a fresh look at the characterization of eating disorders, and the need for treatment research to consider both the role of symptoms that occur as part and parcel of an eating disorder (such as mood, anxiety, and obsessionality) and the role of co-occurring disorders (such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance use disorders). We discuss additional aspects in the care of patients with eating disorders that were beyond the scope of Wade et al., such as the impact of systems of care, and consideration of medication trials. We propose that current research priorities (mechanism-based treatment development, transdiagnostic symptoms, and patient perspectives) can be leveraged to advance treatment research and develop a systematic approach to evaluation and treatment planning.