Effectiveness of unguided internet-based computer self-help platforms for eating disorders (with or without an associated app): A systematic review (Cini, 2025)

Alessandra Diana Gentile, Yosua Yan Kristian, Erica Cini

PLOS Digital Health, Vol 4, Iss 4, p e0000684 (2025)

Available online at this link

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, internet-based computer self-help platforms for eating disorders (EDs) became increasingly prevalent as a tool to effectively prevent and treat ED symptoms and related behaviours. This systematic review explored the effectiveness of unguided internet-based computer self-help platforms for EDs.MethodsFrom inception to the 31st of May 2024, a systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and APA PsycInfo was conducted. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Outcome quality assessments were conducted according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results12 RCTs, with a total of 3400 participants, were included. 2 studies explored the effectiveness as primary prevention, 7 as secondary prevention, and 3 as tertiary intervention. The gathered literature demonstrated unguided internet-based computer self-help platforms as effective in reducing ED core symptoms and related behaviours, with psychoeducation, cognitive behavioural, and dissonance-based approaches being the most prevalent approaches.

ConclusionsUnguided internet-based computer self-help platforms are effective in the short-term reduction of ED symptoms and associated behaviours and should be implemented in the early stages of a tiered healthcare system for ED treatments.