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View Table of Contents for The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of                 Patients With Eating Disorders

The lifetime prevalence of eating disorders in the United States is approximately 0.80% for anorexia nervosa, 0.28% for bulimia nervosa, and 0.85% for binge-eating disorder, although estimates can vary depending on the study location, sample demographic characteristics, case finding, and diagnostic approaches. Importantly, the lifetime burdens and psychosocial impairments associated with an eating disorder can be substantial because these illnesses typically have an onset in adolescence or early adulthood and can persist for decades. Since publication of the previous practice guideline on eating disorders, there have been many studies on psychotherapies for individuals with these diagnoses as well as some studies on pharmacotherapies. However, substantial gaps remain in the availability and use of evidence-based treatments for individuals with an eating disorder.

The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Eating Disorders seeks to enhance the assessment, treatment, and quality of care in adolescents, young adults, and adults with an eating disorder. The guideline focuses on evidence-based pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and other nonpharmacological treatments for eating disorders, primarily anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. In addition to statements related to assessment and treatment planning, which are an integral part of patient-centered care, the guideline provides direction on implementing these recommendations into clinical practice, with the goal of reducing the mortality, morbidity, and significant psychosocial and health consequences of these important psychiatric conditions.

APA Practice Guidelines Legacy Collection (PDF)
APA developed and published 23 practice guidelines from 1992 to 2010, including multiple second and third editions. Twelve of the guidelines are available in this section. The process used to develop these guidelines is described here. These guidelines are more than 5 years old and have not yet been updated to ensure that they reflect current knowledge and practice. In accordance with national standards, including those of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's National Guideline Clearinghouse, these guidelines can no longer be assumed to be current.
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APA's practice guidelines focus on a set of discrete clinical questions of relevance to an overarching subject area. A systematic review of evidence is conducted to address these clinical questions and involves a detailed assessment of individual studies.

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APA guidelines describe treatment of adult patients. For the treatment of children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders, practice parameters are available from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

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