The quality of randomized controlled trials of psychotherapy for eating disorders

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included direct comparisons of psychotherapy for adults with an eating disorder (ED). METHOD: Thirty-five direct comparison RCTs of psychotherapy for adults diagnosed with an ED were rated using the Randomized Controlled Trials Psychotherapy Quality Rating Scale (RCT-PQRS). RESULTS: The mean total RCT-PQRS score (mean = 28.26; SD = 7.04) was in line with those that were reported for RCTs of psychotherapy for depression and anxiety disorders. Several standards of quality were unfulfilled by over half of the RCTs of treatment for EDs, including therapist supervision while treatment was being provided (62.9% unfulfilled); outcome assessment performed by raters blind to treatment group/condition (54% unfulfilled); and adequate sample size (66% unfulfilled). More recent RCTs were of higher quality, and higher quality was moderately associated with lower effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS: To improve the quality of RCTs of psychotherapy of EDs, we recommend that researchers address the quality criteria listed in the RCT-PQRS. Psychotherapy trials should be registered, have a published protocol, and be reported following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. Authors should take into account the quality of the research when using that research to inform ED treatment guidelines.