Eating disorders are among the most serious mental health conditions, with some of the highest mortality rates in psychiatric illnesses. Despite the severity of these conditions, remission rates are alarmingly low—some estimates suggest that only 29% of individuals with eating disorders will experience full remission. These statistics underscore the urgent need for eating disorder treatment innovations to improve outcomes, especially for those with severe and enduring eating disorders.
Unfortunately, funding for eating disorder research remains disproportionately low. In 2015, federal funding for eating disorder research amounted to just $0.73 per affected person. By contrast, autism research received $58.65 per person, and schizophrenia research received $86.97 per person. This stark disparity highlights the challenge of advancing eating disorder treatment innovations in a field that is severely underfunded compared to other psychiatric conditions.
New Approaches to Treatment
Despite limited funding, new eating disorder treatment innovations are on the horizon. These new approaches are vital for improving outcomes for individuals with eating disorders. Experts in the field, like Dr. Erikka Taylor, Chief Medical Officer at Arise, emphasize the importance of cultural inclusivity and the need for diverse, innovative treatments. “We have to think outside the box in terms of cultural inclusivity,” Dr. Taylor explained, stressing the importance of looking for new interventions to meet the diverse needs of those struggling with eating disorders.
One example of eating disorder treatment innovations is the rise of virtual eating disorder providers like Arise. This platform offers an inclusive care model, with a care team including a therapist, dietitian, and care advocate, all working together to provide holistic support. Arise’s approach, which also seeks partnerships with research institutions, is part of a broader effort to develop innovative treatments for this challenging condition.
Psychedelic Therapy: A New Frontier
Among the most exciting eating disorder treatment innovations are the potential uses of psychedelics. While still in the early stages of research, psychedelics have shown promise in addressing some of the core issues associated with eating disorders. Studies suggest that psychedelics may help patients challenge negative beliefs about their bodies, reduce rigid thought patterns, and even process trauma. These therapeutic benefits could provide a significant breakthrough for individuals struggling with conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
Dr. Taylor is particularly excited about this development. “Psychedelics is the [treatment] I’m most excited about,” she said. While there are FDA-approved medications like Vyvanse for binge eating disorder, there has been little progress in the development of new medications for eating disorders. The potential of psychedelics to reshape the treatment landscape is an example of how eating disorder treatment innovations are moving in bold, new directions.
However, the use of psychedelics for eating disorder treatment is not without its concerns. Researchers caution that more studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of psychedelics, especially in adolescents, a key demographic for eating disorders. As with all new treatment modalities, careful monitoring and more extensive research are necessary before psychedelics can be widely used in clinical settings.
Virtual Reality: Expanding Exposure Therapy
Virtual reality (VR) is another area of significant promise for eating disorder treatment innovations. Exposure therapy, a core component of eating disorder treatment, is often challenging for patients. Virtual reality could make this therapy more accessible and effective, especially for conditions like Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), where patients may have intense anxiety about eating. In a VR setting, patients can gradually be exposed to food-related triggers in a controlled, therapeutic environment. These simulations could help reduce anxiety and build coping mechanisms that patients can apply in real-life situations.
In addition to its use in exposure therapy, VR could also address body image concerns, another critical issue for many individuals with eating disorders. By using avatars or simulations that portray body size changes, VR could help patients confront their fear of gaining weight in a safe, controlled environment. As with other eating disorder treatment innovations, VR is still in the developmental phase, but its potential to revolutionize treatment is clear.
Comprehensive Screening Tools: A Step Toward Early Intervention
Another essential area for eating disorder treatment innovations is the development of more inclusive and accurate screening tools. Traditional eating disorder screeners often focus on the stereotypical image of an individual with anorexia nervosa, which may exclude other demographics and types of eating disorders, such as those that affect men or individuals focused on muscularity rather than thinness. Researchers are working to create more comprehensive tools that will help clinicians identify eating disorders early, which is crucial for improving long-term outcomes.
Equip, a virtual provider that offers evidence-based eating disorder treatment, is also working on developing more accurate and accessible screening tools for younger patients. Their research includes the development of a tool that can diagnose eating disorders in children as young as six years old. This focus on early intervention aligns with the overall push for eating disorder treatment innovations that can make a difference at the earliest stages of the condition.
Updating Existing Models of Care
While newer approaches are exciting, there is still much value in refining existing treatment modalities. Family-Based Therapy (FBT) has long been a first-choice treatment for children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa, and providers like Equip have seen significant success with this model. However, as the field of eating disorder treatment evolves, it is essential to ensure that existing models are adapted to meet the needs of a broader population. Arise, for example, incorporates some FBT interventions but does not use it as a one-size-fits-all approach, opting instead for more flexible treatment modalities.
As eating disorder treatment innovations continue to emerge, it is clear that there is no single solution for everyone. Instead, the future of eating disorder treatment lies in a diverse, inclusive, and multi-faceted approach that combines traditional and innovative methods to offer the best outcomes for all patients.
Conclusion
The field of eating disorder treatment is on the cusp of significant transformation. With eating disorder treatment innovations such as psychedelics, virtual reality, and new screening tools, the landscape of care is expanding to better meet the needs of those with eating disorders. While much work remains to be done, these innovations offer hope for improved outcomes and a future where eating disorders can be treated more effectively, inclusively, and compassionately. The development of these treatment options is a crucial step toward combating the rising prevalence and severe impact of eating disorders, ultimately improving the lives of millions who are affected by them.
