Eating Disorder Care and Telemedicine

Eating disorders are complex psychological illnesses characterized by persistent disturbances of thoughts and behaviors related to food, eating, and body image. Individuals with eating disorders are at risk for serious medical sequelae, including fluid and electrolyte disturbances and complications of malnutrition, as well as severe and potentially life-threatening mental health comorbidities, including suicide. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of these disorders are therefore critical. The treatment of eating disorders typically involves an interdisciplinary care team, often including medical providers, psychotherapists, and dietitians. Traditionally, treatment has taken place in the in-person setting; however, the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for many centers to rapidly and significantly increase the availability of telemedicine services for individuals with eating disorders. Emerging data suggest that psychotherapy services, in particular, may be successfully delivered via telemedicine; however, long-term outcomes among patients with eating disorders treated via telemedicine are largely unknown.