Arts-based therapies in the treatment of eating disorders

Eat Disord. 2006 Mar-Apr;14(2):131-42. doi: 10.1080/10640260500403857.

Abstract

Arts-based therapies are increasingly being employed, in conjunction with empirically valid traditional therapies, in the residential treatment of eating disorders. A systematic database search of arts-based therapies in the treatment of eating disorders was conducted. In addition, program staff at 22 residential eating disorder treatment programs were contacted to provide information regarding arts-based therapy utilization rates. Of the 19 programs that participated in this study, all incorporate arts-based therapies on at least a weekly basis in the treatment of eating disorders. However, while published narrative reflections on arts-based therapies and eating disorders imply a generally positive outcome, no known, empirically valid studies exist on this experiential form of therapy within the area of eating disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Art Therapy / methods*
  • Creativity
  • Dancing
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Music Therapy / methods
  • Residential Treatment*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires