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Anorexia nervosa

Psychological Treatments for Anorexia in South Korea: Limited Effectiveness and Need for Cultural Adaptation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study published in the Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has highlighted the need for culturally adapted treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN) in South Korea. Research conducted by Inje University revealed that standardized treatments for AN are lacking in South Korea, despite the increasing prevalence of the disorder in the region. The study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of evidence-based psychological treatments for AN in Korean children and adolescents, with surprising results that suggest further controlled trials are needed to improve treatment retention and effectiveness.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that standardized treatments for anorexia nervosa are lacking in South Korea, despite the increasing prevalence of the disorder.
  • The research was a retrospective study of outpatients diagnosed with AN, aged 6-18 years, who received evidence-based psychological treatments.
  • The study concluded that further controlled trials are needed to examine the effectiveness and improve treatment retention by incorporating cultural considerations.
  • The authors note that cultural adaptation is crucial for improving treatment outcomes in a Korean population.
  • The study's findings emphasize the need for culturally sensitive and adaptive treatments for AN in South Korea.

Statistics:

  • The study included 100 outpatients with AN, aged 6-18 years.
  • The study used a retrospective design, examining data from patients who received evidence-based psychological treatments.
  • The study found that treatment retention rates were low, with only 60% of patients completing the treatment.
  • The study's results suggest that further controlled trials are needed to improve treatment retention and effectiveness.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Research from Inje University Yields New Findings on Anorexia (Psychological Treatments for Children and Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa in South Korea: A Retrospective Study). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; 849.
  • Psychological Treatments for Children and Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa in South Korea: A Retrospective Study. Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2025;36(4):234-244.
  • Institute of Eating Disorders and Mental Health, Inje University.

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