The promise of single session interventions for eating disorders: Lessons to be learned from research on digital mental health. Commentary on Schleider et al. (2023).

Abstract

Schleider et al. propose that single session interventions (SSIs) could be a promising path toward catalyzing innovation in the development of accessible interventions for eating disorders (EDs). In this commentary, we contend that the arguments made by Schleider et al. raise many unresolved questions that continue to arise in the broader field. Drawing from our experiences with-and lessons learned from-developing, evaluating, and disseminating digital health interventions, we discuss four key empirical questions that should be addressed in order to realize the full potential of SSIs and other innovations in intervention delivery. These include: (i) for whom do we deliver an SSI; (ii) what are the optimal treatment mechanisms to target; (iii) what constitutes a "good" outcome; and (iv) where and how might we embed innovations like these. The SSI approach is a fruitful area of research enquiry, and we hope that this commentary generates further discussion and high-quality, collaborative work related to improving treatment accessibility and clinical outcomes among people with EDs.