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Current Pilot Studies on Eating Disorders
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Eating disorders are complex psychological illnesses with a strong biological component. Much of the understanding we have of eating disorders today is because of the scientific research that has been conducted to bring greater awareness about these mental health illnesses.
As research in this field progresses, treatment methods and approaches for eating disorder sufferers will continue to be advanced and refined, which ultimately improves the prognosis for a person who may be struggling.
Scientific studies on eating disorders have also been key in breaking many of the stigmas that have been believed for so long, which is also an important part of generating awareness.
A Critical Phase in Research
Pilot studies exemplify a critical phase of the research process in the field of eating disorders. Pilot studies are initiated to determine the practicability of an approach that is intended for use in a larger scale study. A pilot study can be used to evaluate the feasibility of many aspects of a research study, including:
- Randomization
- Recruitment
- Retention
- Assessment procedures
- Methods
- Implementation of the intervention1
Essentially, a pilot study is a smaller-scale test of methods and procedures to be used on a larger scale1. In the eating disorder field, pilot studies can help guide researchers in the implementation of larger scale efficacy studies.
Recent Pilot Stuides
Current pilot studies that are being conducted in the eating disorder community can be found via treatment centers, academic institutions, and through mainstream organizations, such as the National Eating Disorder Association and The Academy for Eating Disorders.
If you are interested in learning more about pilot studies that may be recruiting volunteers, consider checking out the Eating Disorder Hope Research Page as well as other organizations to find up to date information.
By volunteering and participating in pilot studies in the eating disorder field, you may help contribute to the development of additional studies that can further the advancement of knowledge and understanding of these critical illnesses.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
Are you a researcher who is currently conducting a pilot study in the eating disorder field? If so, what is the purpose of your study and what are you hoping to learn from this research?
References:
- Leon, A. C., Davis, L. L., & Kraemer, H. C. (2011). The Role and Interpretation of Pilot Studies in Clinical Research. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 45(5), 626–629. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.10.008
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 17th, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
