Mental health interventions for caregivers of individuals with eating disorders: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Beyond the structured involvement of families in therapeutic interventions for young individuals with eating disorders (EDs), caregivers of patients across all age groups often report feeling ill-equipped to navigate the emotional and behavioural complexities of the illness. This demanding caregiving role frequently results in a substantial psychological burden, potentially leading to elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and expressed emotion. These effects can impair family functioning and may even perpetuate disordered behaviours. As a consequence, identifying effective interventions to support the mental health of caregivers is a critical priority. To address this, we will conduct a systematic review of the current evidence on mental health interventions for caregivers of individuals with EDs, focusing specifically on findings from randomized controlled trials.