Online consulting service for eating disorders - analysis and perspectives

The analysis of the use of a free online consulting service for eating disorders at the German "Information and Consulting Server for Eating Disorders" (http://www.ab-server.de) revealed that there exists a considerable demand for advice and information. The anonymity of the Internet supports those persons affected with an eating disorder, who turn to qualified personnel in the sense of a first contact. The online consulting service was predominantly used by-persons suffering from bulimia nervosa, their families, and friends. The most frequent questions were asked by affected persons, their families, and friends about behavior patterns,in dealing with the illness. They were followed by inquiries seeking for help in finding specialized clinics/therapists and places in therapies. The frequent use of the online consulting service illustrates that respective offers are indispensable components not only of the information structure but also of the supply network. To increase the efficiency of the existing online consulting service it is necessary to realize the service in a consulting network with competent partners (specialized clinics, organizations, self-helps groups). Furthermore, a service for procurement of available places in therapies for patients with eating disorders will be installed by network and cooperation structures. The online consulting network as well as the therapy procurement network in Germany are available to the public on the web-site of the ab-server. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.