The effectiveness of interdisciplinary treatment in the management of eating disorders

Abstract

Eating disorders (Eds) have a profound impact on physical, emotional, and psychological health, affecting the relationship with food and body perception. These disorders generate serious consequences, such as nutritional deficiencies and psychological problems, such as dissatisfaction with body image. The increasing incidence of Eds, especially among young people, highlights the urgent need for effective treatment approaches. The interdisciplinary approach, which integrates different areas of health, has shown promise in dealing with the complexity of these disorders. The present study seeks to analyze the effectiveness of interdisciplinary treatment in the management of eating disorders. The research is a qualitative narrative review, carried out between October 2024 and January 2025, with an analysis of studies published between 2021 and 2025. Descriptors such as “Food Restriction”, “Binge Eating” and “Interdisciplinary Team” were used, and searches were carried out in academic databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Only articles published in Portuguese, with rigorous methodologies such as clinical trials and systematic reviews, were included. Thus, interdisciplinary treatment, involving doctors, psychologists, nutritionists, dentists and other health professionals, is more effective than isolated approaches. The integration of different approaches, combined with family support, improves patient recovery and prevents relapses, promoting a better quality of life. Therefore, the interdisciplinary approach presents itself as an effective strategy in the treatment of eating disorders, offering comprehensive and sustainable care.