The issue of control being a key issue in eating disorders has long been recognized and thus, despite their best efforts, the researchers did not really provide any new information that could be helpful in treating this disorder.
The Scharer study was somewhat more valuable in its findings simply because it focused on a specific treatment program for a specific person. While this could be considered a limitation in terms of the generalizability of the study to other subjects or populations, the intimate focal point actually provides the type of deeper insight that case studies are designed to provide. For example, specifics of Lisa's aftercare are given that help provide insight into what types of monitoring may be needed: "The neighbors who care for Lisa in the evenings may need to be included in planning for ways to manage Lisa's eating at dinner. The CNS will be able to monitor Lisa's weight as part of the treatment plan and may set up a plan with Mrs. G to monitor her lunchtime...
Both sets of researchers strove to maintain ethical standards and used an establish framework for their data analysis. Although McNamara et al. could have used a less biased recruitment strategy, they do acknowledge the study's shortcomings in the discussion section of the article. While neither of the studies produced any groundbreaking findings, overall they were valid attempts at shedding light on the perplexing subject of eating disorders.
References
McNamara, C., Chur-Hansen, a. & Hay, P.J. (2008) Emotional responses to food in adults with an eating disorder: A qualitative investigation. European Eating Disorders Review, 16, 115-123
Scharer, K. (1999) Case Study: Eating Disorder in a 10-year-old Girl. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing. 12 (2). 79-86.
