Position Statements

Photo-Video Therapy Unsupported by Outcomes-Based Research

The Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) is an organization comprised of professionals dedicated to the best-practice, evidence-based care of individuals suffering from eating disorders.

In response to the CNN Paula Zahn show on Eating Disorders, we note that this program chose to highlight a treatment called “photo-video therapy,” with no current outcomes-based research available to support its use.

Moreover, clinicians watching this show and trying to implement these techniques are at risk for actively harming patients, even with the best intent.

The AED would like to reinforce the message that eating disorders are difficult to treat, and that care providers with experience in evidence-based, best practice multidisciplinary care should be sought out for clinical care. Further research and evidence of efficacy is needed before popularizing such untested treatments as phototherapy.