The University of Sydney

Perceptions of Emerging Pharmacological Treatments for Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders and subclinical disordered eating affect a significant proportion of the population, yet pharmacological treatment options remain limited and poorly understood from the patient perspective. Research has indicated the emergence of pharmacotherapies for reducing disordered eating behaviours, but no study has examined how individuals with lived experience of disordered eating perceive such treatments. This study will recruit adults with lived experienced of disordered eating to complete an online survey in which they be asked about their attitude towards pharmacological treatments for eating disorders. The survey is comprised of multiple-choice questions and open-ended responses. Findings will contribute to shared decision-making frameworks in eating disorder care by identifying the beliefs and concerns that may facilitate or hinder engagement with emerging pharmacotherapies.

We are seeking English speaking participants, 18 years old or older, who have experienced symptoms of disordered eating (e.g. restriction, binge eating, purging) which causes significant distress or have a current or previously diagnosed eating disorder.

This study will recruit adults with lived experienced of disordered eating to complete an online survey in which they be asked about their attitude towards pharmacological treatments for eating disorders. The survey is comprised of multiple-choice questions and open-ended responses, across six sections. These sections consist of: Some general information about the participant (such as age, gender, education, and living or work situation), personal experiences with mental health, including any diagnoses, symptoms, or treatments, the participant's current understanding about medications used in eating disorder care, their views and attitudes towards these medications, and the participant's experiences of disordered eating symptoms at present.