Anorexia Nervosa-Facts, Frustrations, and the Future

Abstract

Importance: Anorexia nervosa is a prevalent psychiatric illness associated with exceptionally poor outcomes, including high rates of morbidity and premature mortality. Current evidence-based treatments for anorexia nervosa were developed several decades ago and have limited efficacy. The anorexia nervosa field-and the eating disorders field more broadly-has yet to make significant scientific breakthroughs that lead to acceptable outcomes for people with anorexia nervosa.

Findings: This Special Communication highlights how the concurrent psychological and physical symptoms of anorexia nervosa contribute to 2 major problems that have held the anorexia nervosa research field back and hindered research innovations: (1) overspecialization and siloing of the field and (2) an overly narrow focus on weight restoration in treatment.

Conclusions and relevance: Specific recommendations are made to help progress the field, including taking a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to research with colleagues from related disciplines, as well as taking a more holistic approach to understanding and treating anorexia nervosa.