The perceived therapeutic benefits of complementary medicine in eating disorders

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of Complementary Medicines (CMs) in community women; to identify which CM approaches people perceived as the most beneficial; and the impact of Eating Disorder (ED) symptoms on one’s perception of treatment. Design & Setting: Electronic and paper-based surveys were distributed to a pre-existing cohort of community women (n = 100) aged 18 years and over. The survey included questions about the perception of CMs’ benefits in EDs regarding a vignette of a women with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), and whether CMs helped the participant’s own personal health. Main outcome measure: The mental health literacy of women with regards to the recognition, evidence-based and CM treatment, and outcomes of a fictional person with AN. Results: Exercise, yoga, meditation, relaxation, vitamins and minerals, massage and creative therapy were perceived as very helpful for someone with AN and for general health. Excluding meditation, there was no significant relationship between the levels of ED symptoms and perceived helpfulness of the therapies. Positive benefits were perceived for the use of CMs for AN. Conclusion: Considering the positive regard for these approaches, empirical studies are required to test their efficacy in the treatment of EDs.