Implementing the revised American Psychiatric Association practice guideline for the treatment of patients with eating disorder

Practice guidelines aspire to be authoritative statements regarding the sta te of the art in quality care for various clinical problems. The American M edical Association Partnership has set forth stringent parameters for guide line development by professional organizations, and these have been followe d by the American Psychiatric Association in creating its practice guidelin es for the treatment of patients with eating disorders. The revised edition , published in January 2000, benefitted from extensive input from a wide ar ray of psychiatrists, psychologists, pediatricians, and other recognized ex perts who blended together available evidence-based practice with a conside rable amount of clinical experience and consensus. These guidelines are use ful for practitioners, students, and health-resource managers. Future resea rch will continue to lead to constant upgrades.