Quality of Eating Disorders Websites: What Adolescents and Their Families Need to Know

OBJECTIVE:  The purpose of this study was to examine the accessibility and content quality of eating disorder websites. METHODS:  A descriptive, exploratory study using four search engines and seven search terms was conducted to identify and evaluate the accuracy of eating disorder information available on consumer oriented websites. FINDINGS:  One hundred fifteen (82.1%) websites were accessed. Few sites fully described the DSM diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa (13.2%), bulimia nervosa (15.8%), eating disorder not otherwise specified (6.9%), and binge eating disorder (8%), as well as associated treatment options. CONCLUSIONS:  Results suggest that eating disorder websites do not adequately address diagnostic criteria or treatment options.