Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in eating disorders: A meta-analysis study

Background: Psychosocial interventions are an essential component in the treatment of eating disorders that can negatively affect both mental and physical health. Aims: This study was conducted to determine the effect size of psychosocial interventions in eating disorders. Methods: For this meta-analysis study, researches were obtained by searching PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO host, Google Scholar, and YÖK Thesis Centre databases in August to September 2024 without any year limitation. After the reviews, 15 studies were included. The data were synthesized by meta-analysis and narrative methods. Results: In this meta-analysis, psychosocial interventions in eating disorders were found to improve depression (SMD = −0.371, 95% CI [−0.697, −0.045]; Z = −2.228, p = .026); stress (SMD = −0.545, 95% CI [−1.080, −0.011]; Z = −1.999, p = .046); self-control (SMD = 0.476, 95% CI [0.116, 0.835]; Z = 2.594, p = .009); and emotional eating (SMD = 0.224, 95% CI [−4.305, −0.164]; Z = −2.115, p = .034). Discussion: The results of the study showed that psychosocial interventions in eating disorders are effective in disease symptoms (depression, stress, self-control, and emotional eating). In addition to psychopharmacological treatment, psychosocial interventions should be included in the treatment of eating disorders.