Keywords
eating disorders, therapy barriers
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are among the deadliest of mental illnesses and may affect female, male, sexual and gender minorities, young, and old populations. The effects of EDs burden individuals with cultural, social, and physical inhibitors to seeking treatment and therefore may go untreated. Additionally, there is a nationwide lack of access to mental health professionals. EDs may link to a decrease in the quality of life and an increased mortality rate; therefore, it is imperative that individuals afflicted with EDs have access to treatment. The variety of symptoms associated with EDs calls for flexible solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected both physical and mental health as well as bringing specific challenges for those with EDs. Technology has the ability to deliver psychotherapy remotely and may utilize different therapeutic methods. Therefore, treatment may be delivered in diverse methods via teletherapy. Reviewed herein is how the use of telecommunication technology in the treatment of EDs can maintain clinical effectiveness and aid in overcoming barriers to treatment.
Recommended Citation
Capener, Wyatt W.
(2024)
"Overcoming Social, Cultural, Physical and COVID-19 Barriers to Treatment for Eating Disorders through Teletherapy,"
Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology: Vol. 16:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/intuition/vol16/iss1/2
