Effectiveness of unguided internet-based computer self-help platforms for eating disorders (with or without an associated app): A systematic review.
<h4>Background</h4>Following the COVID-19 pandemic, internet-based computer self-help platforms for eating disorders (EDs) became increasingly prevalent as a tool to effectively prevent and treat ED symptoms and related behaviours. This systematic review explored the effectiveness of ung...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2025-04-01
|
| Series: | PLOS Digital Health |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000684 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | <h4>Background</h4>Following the COVID-19 pandemic, internet-based computer self-help platforms for eating disorders (EDs) became increasingly prevalent as a tool to effectively prevent and treat ED symptoms and related behaviours. This systematic review explored the effectiveness of unguided internet-based computer self-help platforms for EDs.<h4>Methods</h4>From inception to the 31st of May 2024, a systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and APA PsycInfo was conducted. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Outcome quality assessments were conducted according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).<h4>Results</h4>12 RCTs, with a total of 3400 participants, were included. 2 studies explored the effectiveness as primary prevention, 7 as secondary prevention, and 3 as tertiary intervention. The gathered literature demonstrated unguided internet-based computer self-help platforms as effective in reducing ED core symptoms and related behaviours, with psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural, and dissonance-based approaches being the most prevalent approaches.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Unguided internet-based computer self-help platforms are effective in the short-term reduction of ED symptoms and associated behaviours and should be implemented in the early stages of a tiered healthcare system for ED treatments.<h4>Trial registration</h4>Prospero (CRD42024520866). |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2767-3170 |