Treating eating disorders in the LGBTQIA+ adult population: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/aromantic/agender (LGBTQIA+) community faces a significantly higher risk of eating disorders (EDs). This review’s primary objective is to explore ED treatments for this population. Methods We searched PubMed/MEDLINE and PsycINFO using the keywords “ED,” “LGBTQIA+,” and “therapy,” following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews 2018 Checklist. Results Out of 363 publications, we identified 14 articles and inductively categorized them into two key macro-themes. The primary macro-theme “conventional treatments applied to the LGBTQIA+ population” encompassed both treatment outcomes, which demonstrated overall effectiveness, and self-reported treatment evaluations, which consistently indicated negative experiences. The secondary macro-theme, “specific treatments for the LGBTQIA+ population,” centered on population-targeted treatments, which, while currently limited, displayed promising results, including improvements in ED psychopathology through gender transition. Conclusions The existing literature indicates that conventional treatments are effective in symptom relief but occur within a context marked by perceived discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Concurrently, population-specific interventions hold promise in reducing ED symptoms, with gender transition emerging as a valuable treatment. Further research is needed to develop tailored treatments and address the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.