Article

Rapid response to eating disorder treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

August 2016
International Journal of Eating Disorders 49(10):905-919

Authors:

Australian Catholic University

Objective: This review aimed to (a) examine the effects of rapid response on behavioral, cognitive, and weight-gain outcomes across the eating disorders, (b) determine whether diagnosis, treatment modality, the type of rapid response (changes in disordered eating cognitions or behaviors), or the type of behavioral outcome moderated this effect, and (c) identify factors that predict a rapid response. Method: Thirty-four articles met inclusion criteria from six databases. End of treatment and follow-up outcomes were divided into three categories: Behavioral (binge eating/purging), cognitive (EDE global scores), and weight gain. Average weighted effect sizes(r) were calculated. Results: Rapid response strongly predicted better end of treatment and follow-up cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Moderator analyses showed that the effect size for rapid response on behavioral outcomes was larger when studies included both binge eating and purging (as opposed to just binge eating) as a behavioral outcome. Diagnosis, treatment modality, and the type of rapid response experienced did not moderate the relationship between early response and outcome. The evidence for weight gain was mixed. None of the baseline variables analyzed (eating disorder psychopathology, demographics, BMI, and depression scores) predicted a rapid response. Discussion: As there is a solid evidence base supporting the prognostic importance of rapid response, the focus should shift toward identifying the within-treatment mechanisms that predict a rapid response so that the effectiveness of eating disorder treatment can be improved. There is a need for future research to use theories of eating disorders as a guide to assess within-treatment predictors of rapid response. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Data

November 2016

Jake Linardon · Leah Brennan · Xochitl de la Piedad Garcia

Early response to psychological treatment for eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Article

Apr 2021
CLIN PSYCHOL REV

Early response is a well-established predictor of positive outcomes at the end of psychological treatments for common mental disorders. There is some prior evidence that this conclusion also applies to eating disorders, including three meta-analyses, but no moderators of that relationship have been identified. However, a number of further papers have been published since, which might influence the size of the effect of early response or the potential role of moderating factors. This pre-registered systematic review presents a comprehensive examination of this literature. Three databases were searched (Scopus, PsycInfo, PubMed). In total, 33 eligible studies were included in a narrative synthesis, and 25 studies were included in random-effects meta-analysis. The majority (91%) of studies were rated as having low or moderate risk of bias. Approximately half of patients across clinical samples showed early response to psychological therapy, which was most often defined as reliable symptomatic improvement during the first four sessions. A significant and moderate association was found between early response and post-treatment outcomes (r = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.32-0.481], p < .0001). Significant evidence of heterogeneity (Q[28] = 136.42, p < .0001; I2 = 80.2%) was evident. The review was limited by the exclusion of grey literature and only 76% of studies provided sufficient statistical information for meta-analytic synthesis, although we found no significant evidence of publication bias, χ2(1) = 0.001, p = .97. Overall, evidence accumulated over twenty years establishes early response as the most robust predictor of treatment outcomes in the field of eating disorders. However, only half of patients show early change in this way. Further research is needed to determine whether there are patient or clinician characteristics that predict early response to psychological treatment for eating disorders.

Can early change in eating disorder psychopathology predict outcome in guided self-help for binge eating?

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2021
EAT WEIGHT DISORD-ST

Purpose This study tests the value of a measure of eating disorder (ED) psychopathology in predicting outcome following guided self-help in a non-underweight sample with regular binge eating. It examines whether early reductions in ED psychopathology are associated with remission status at post-treatment. Methods Seventy-two adults with bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, or an atypical form of these illnesses received up to ten sessions of cognitive behaviour therapy-based guided self-help. Using a session-by-session measure of eating pathology and associated reliable change indices, response was analysed using receiver operating characteristic analysis to predict outcomes at post-treatment. Results In this routine care setting, nearly one-quarter of the sample achieved remission following GSH, approximately two-thirds of whom showed early change in ED psychopathology. Early change prior to session 6 was accurate in predicting later remission. Individuals showing early change did not differ from others on baseline characteristics or rates of attrition. Conclusion Data suggest that a majority of those who respond to treatment will do so before the second half of treatment, information that could be used to ensure that evidence-based treatments are used as effectively as possible. Level of evidence Level III.

Latent trajectories of eating disorder treatment response among female patients in residential care

Article

Aug 2020

Objective Eating disorder (ED) treatment outcomes are highly variable from beginning to end of treatment; however, little is known about differential trajectories during the course of treatment. This study sought to characterize heterogeneous patterns of ED treatment response during residential care. Method Participants were adolescent girls and adult women (N = 360) receiving residential ED treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge‐eating disorder, other specified feeding or eating disorder, unspecified feeding or eating disorder, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Self‐report symptom assessments were completed at admission, discharge, and approximately weekly throughout the residential stay to assess curvilinear patterns of change. Latent growth mixture modeling was applied to identify subgroups of patients with similar treatment response trajectories. Results Three latent groups emerged, including gradual response (58.3%; steady improvements from admission to discharge), rapid response (23.9%; steep early improvements that were maintained through discharge), and low‐symptom static response (17.8%; nearly nonclinical self‐reported symptoms at admission that remained static through discharge). Groups differed on important clinical characteristics, such as body mass index, endorsement of compensatory behaviors, severity of global ED psychopathology at admission, and degree of symptom improvement by end of treatment. Discussion Patients follow heterogeneous response patterns in residential ED treatment, and these patterns are associated with differential treatment outcome. Future work should explore whether these trajectories are associated with differential outcomes at follow‐up and whether tailoring clinical intervention to a patient's trajectory type can improve treatment response.

Rapid response is predictive of treatment outcomes in a transdiagnostic intensive outpatient eating disorder sample: a replication of prior research in a real-world setting

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2021
EAT WEIGHT DISORD-ST

Objective There is a growing call to identify specific outcome predictors in real-world eating disorder (ED) treatment settings. Studies have implicated several ED treatment outcome predictors [rapid response (RR), weight suppression, illness duration, ED diagnosis, and psychiatric comorbidity] in inpatient settings or randomized controlled trials of individual outpatient therapy. However, research has not yet examined outcome predictors in intensive outpatient programs (IOP). The current study aimed to replicate findings from randomized controlled research trials and inpatient samples, identifying treatment outcome predictors in a transdiagnostic ED IOP sample.Method The current sample comprised 210 consecutive unique IOP patient admissions who received evidence-based ED treatment, M(SD)Duration = 15.82 (13.38) weeks. Weekly patient measures of ED symptoms and global functioning were obtained from patients’ medical charts.ResultsIn relative weight analysis, RR was the only significant predictor of ED symptoms post treatment, uniquely accounting for 45.6% of the predicted variance in ED symptoms. In contrast, baseline ED pathology was the strongest unique predictor of end-of-treatment global functioning, accounting for 15.89% of predicted variance. Baseline factors did not differentiate patients who made RR from those who did not.Conclusions Consistent with findings in more controlled treatment settings, RR remains a robust predictor of outcome for patients receiving IOP-level treatment for EDs. Future work should evaluate factors that mediate and moderate RR, incorporating these findings into ED treatment design and implementation.Level of evidenceLevel IV, uncontrolled intervention.

Psychometric validation of the Italian version of the Emotional Style Questionnaire

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2022
PLOS ONE

Emotional styles concern the ways in which individuals adapt and respond to the world and can be defined using six dimensions: outlook, resilience, social intuition, self-awareness, sensitivity to context and attention. The Emotional Style Questionnaire (ESQ) assesses how people vary across the dimensions and gauges an individual’s overall level of emotional health. An Italian version of the ESQ (ESQ-ITA) could favour the understanding of cultural characteristics concerning emotions and personality within the Italian population, with both clinical and social implications. The aim of the present study is to validate the ESQ in the Italian language and to assess its psychometric properties. Two studies were conducted. Study 1 examined construct validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability, through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Cronbach’s alpha estimates, and by estimating the Spearman’s rank correlation Study 2 examined construct validity and internal consistency through the CFA and Cronbach’s alpha estimates and investigated criterion validity by correlating the ESQ-ITA dimensions with the corresponding scales or subscales used for the validation estimating, again, the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient Study 2 also examined the criterion validity of the validated scales and the ESQ-ITA overall score to assess its suitability as an indicator of emotional health. ESQ-ITA was confirmed to be reliable and stable. The correlation between the ESQ-ITA overall score and the other scales and questionnaires supports the use of ESQ-ITA to measure emotional health. The Italian version of the ESQ opens up the possibility to enrich the research landscape with new knowledge that will be useful for advancing the pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects of psychological distress and emotional dysregulation.

Predictors of outcome following a body image treatment based on acceptance and commitment therapy for patients with an eating disorder

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2022

Background It is important to target body image in individuals with an eating disorder (ED). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has been trialed in a few studies for individuals with an ED. Although ACT outcomes in ED patients hold promise, studies of predictors are scarce. The aim of the present study was to explore differences in ED symptom outcome at two-year follow-up in subgroups of participants attending either treatment as usual (TAU), or a group intervention based on ACT targeting body image. Additionally, we aimed to compare subjective recovery experiences between groups. Methods The study took place at a specialized ED outpatient clinic, and included patients diagnosed with an ED that had received prior treatment and achieved a somewhat regular eating pattern. Study participants were randomly assigned to continue TAU or to participate in a group intervention based on ACT for body image issues. Only participants that completed the assigned intervention and had completed follow up assessment by two-years were included. The total sample consisted of 77 women. Results In general, ACT participants showed more favorable outcomes compared to TAU, and results were more pronounced in younger participants with shorter prior treatment duration and lower baseline depression ratings. Participants with restrictive ED psychopathology had three times higher ED symptom score change if participating in ACT in comparison to TAU. Conclusions An ACT group intervention targeting body image after initial ED treatment may further enhance treatment effects. There is a need for further investigation of patient characteristics that might predict response to body image treatment, particularly regarding ED subtypes and depression ratings.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of a 10-session cognitive behavioural therapy for non-underweight eating disorders

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2022
Clin Psychol

Objective: Treatment guidelines recommend that people with non-underweight eating disorders should receive up to 20 sessions of eating-disorder-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-ED). The present study reviewed ten studies of 10-session cognitive behavioural therapy for non-underweight patients (CBT-T). Method: We conducted a systematic review using four electronic databases and contacted researchers in the field for unpublished data. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool within-group effect sizes. Results: From pre-treatment to post-treatment, medium to very large effect sizes were observed for eating disorder psychopathology, clinical impairment, depression, anxiety, and weekly frequencies of objective bingeing and vomiting. Furthermore, the effect of CBT-T appears to last after treatment with eating disorder psychopathology remaining below the norm for non-clinical females at follow-up. The dropout rate from CBT-T was 39%, and 65% of completers achieved a good outcome. Conclusions: While results should be interpreted as preliminary due to a number of limitations, the present study suggests that CBT-T is a promising treatment for people with non-underweight eating disorders, which can achieve a good outcome in half the time currently recommended in treatment guidelines. The present study, therefore, provides valuable justification for future randomised controlled trials directly comparing short and long forms of CBT�ED as well as examining who does best with which version.

Early response to cognitive behavioral therapy for body dysmorphic disorder as a predictor of outcomes

Article

Jun 2022
J PSYCHIATR RES

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) suffer from distressing or impairing preoccupations with perceived imperfections in their appearance. This often-chronic condition is associated with significant functional impairment and elevated rates of psychiatric comorbidity and morbidity, including depression, substance use disorders, and suicidality. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for BDD has been shown to be efficacious. However, this intervention is long (up to 24 weeks) relative to many manualized approaches for other related conditions, there is a significant shortage of clinicians trained in CBT for BDD, and some patients drop out of treatment and/or do not respond. Thus, there is great interest in understanding and predicting who is most likely to respond, to better allocate clinical resources. This secondary data analysis of participants enrolled in prior uncontrolled and controlled studies of CBT for BDD explored whether early response to CBT, operationalized as percentage change in symptom severity within the first four weeks and the first 12 weeks of this 24-week treatment, predicts clinical outcomes for patients with BDD (n = 90). The findings indicated that minimal early symptom change was not indicative of eventual non-response. This suggests that patients and clinicians should not be discouraged by limited early improvement but should instead continue with a full course of treatment before reevaluating progress and alternative interventions. Overall, the results support the view that treatment success is more likely if a longer CBT protocol is followed. More work is needed to understand mechanisms of change and thus match optimal interventions to patient characteristics.

Motivation to change predicts naturalistic changes in binge eating and purging, but not fasting or driven exercise, among individuals with eating disorders

Article

Nov 2020

We examined the naturalistic relations between motivation to change and change in four specific eating disorder (ED) beha- viors—binge eating (BE), purging, fasting, and driven exercise— in a community-based sample of individuals with EDs over two consecutive 6-week periods. We conducted cross-lagged general- ized estimating equations using the transtheoretical model’s four stages of change to predict changes in the ED behaviors 6 weeks later. Individuals reported lower pre-contemplation for behaviors typically associated with more distress (e.g., BE, purging) than they did for behaviors associated with less distress (e.g., fasting and driven exercise). Action predicted decreases in BE and pur- ging frequencies but not fasting or driven exercise frequencies. Naturalistic relations between ED behavior severity/frequency and motivation to change these features can be detected over 6-week intervals; that is, attempts at change in individuals’ natural environments can be successful over relatively brief periods of time, especially when individuals experience the motivation to change these features. The process of motivation to change ED behaviors is not linear, and our study highlights the movement between stages of change among individuals with EDs. Future research is needed to examine how much of the observed changes are sustained.

10‐session Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-T) for Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2023
INT J COGN THER

To review the literature examining the effectiveness and efficacy of a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for eating disorders delivered in ten sessions for those who are not underweight (CBT-T). A systematic search of the literature (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus and ProQuest) was conducted to identify relevant publications to date at the time of March 2022 (re-run in May 2023). Intervention studies of any study design that investigated CBT-T offering outcome data at least pre- to post- intervention for eating disorder and related outcomes were included. Results were reported for treatment attrition, abstinence, remission, eating disorder psychopathology, disordered eating behaviours, psychosocial impairment, depression and anxiety and synthesised using a narrative synthesis framework. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool (Thomas et al., 2004) was used to assess the quality of included studies. Outcomes for 555 people who received CBT-T across eight studies (one randomised control trial and seven non-randomised studies) were synthesised. Support was found for the effectiveness and efficacy of CBT-T for a range of non-underweight eating disorders, with respect to eating disorder psychopathology, disordered eating behaviours, psychosocial impairment, abstinence and remission. CBT-T also led to improvements for depression and anxiety symptoms. CBT-T appears to improve eating disorder and co-morbid outcomes for people with non-underweight eating disorders within ten sessions, with comparable results to standard-length CBT for eating disorders (CBT-ED). Although results for CBT-T are promising, there were concerns with the quality of the studies. Future research is required to strengthen the evidence base with larger, higher-quality studies which compare CBT-T directly with recommended psychological treatments, such as standard-length CBT-ED.

Binge-Eating Disorder Interventions: Review, Current Status, and Implications

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2023

Purpose of Review Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a serious psychiatric problem associated with substantial morbidity that, unfortunately, frequently goes unrecognized and untreated. This review summarizes the current status of behavioral, psychological, pharmacological, and combined treatments for BED in adults with a particular focus on recent findings and advances. Recent Findings Certain specific psychological treatments, notably CBT and IPT, and to some extent DBT, have demonstrated efficacy and are associated with durable benefits after treatment. Certain specific lower-cost scalable interventions, notably CBTgsh, have demonstrated efficacy and have potential for broader uptake. An important advance is the emerging RCT data indicating that BWL, a generalist and available behavioral lifestyle intervention, has effectiveness that approximates that of CBT for reducing binge eating and eating-disorder psychopathology but with the advantage of also producing modest weight loss. There exists only one pharmacological agent (LDX) with approval by the FDA for “moderate-to-severe” BED. Research with other “off label” medications has yielded modest and mixed outcomes with a few medications statistically superior to placebo over the short-term and almost no longer-term data. Nearly all research combining medications and psychological treatments has failed to enhance outcomes (combined appears superior to pharmacotherapy-only but not to psychotherapy-only). Summary Many people with BED suffer in silence and shame, go untreated, and rarely receive evidence-based treatments. Patients and practitioners need to recognize that research has identified several effective interventions for BED, and these can work quickly for many patients. Future research should identify treatments for those who do not derive benefit from initial interventions, identify additional pharmacological options, test agents with relevant mechanisms of action, and utilize innovative adaptative “SMART” designs to identify treatments to enhance outcomes among initial responders and to test alternative treatments to assist initial non-responders.

Social Processing in Eating Disorders: Neuroimaging Paradigms and Research Domain Organizational Constructs

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2022
Curr Psychiatr Rep

Purpose of Review Social and environmental factors have been related to both symptom expression of disordered eating in individuals and changes in the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) in populations. Neural differences in processing social information may contribute to EDs. This review assesses the evidence for aberrant neural responses during social processing in EDs. Recent Findings This review examines how constructs within the social processing domain have been evaluated by neuroimaging paradigms in EDs, including communication, affiliation, and understanding of both oneself and others. Summary Differences related to social processing in EDs include altered processing for self-relevant stimuli, in the context of identity, valence, expectations, and affiliative relationships. Future work is needed to integrate how differences in processing social stimuli relate to alterations in cognitive control and reward as well as specific disordered eating symptoms.

Modelling trajectories of change in psychopathology and well-being during eating disorder outpatient treatment

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2022
PSYCHOTHER RES

Objective: There are considerable differences in how eating disorder (ED) patients respond to treatment. This study aimed to identify change trajectories of mental health during treatment. Method: Longitudinal data of 442 patients was used with five time points during a year of outpatient treatment. ED psychopathology and well-being were used as primary measures. A series of latent growth mixture models were applied to model trajectories of change. Results: Three latent classes were found for ED psychopathology and well-being. For ED psychopathology, a high baseline severity and slow recovery class (55.9% of the patients), a high baseline severity followed by a substantial recovery class (19.9%) and a moderate baseline severity and no significant recovery class (24.2%) were found. For well-being, a low baseline followed by a slow growth class (44.6%), a low baseline and substantial growth class (9.5%) and a moderate and stable well-being class (45.9%) was found. General psychopathology, early symptom change, hope for recovery, intrinsic motivation and the ED type were predictive of class membership in either ED psychopathology or well-being. Conclusions: This study shows variability in ED psychopathology and well-being change trajectories, modelled in meaningful latent recovery classes. These results may have clinical implications, such as adjusting patients’ treatment based on change trajectories.

Reciprocal association between session-by-session change in overvaluation of shape and weight and session-by-session change in bulimia nervosa symptoms during cognitive behavior therapies

Article

Sep 2022

Overvaluation of shape and weight (OSW) is supported as an important mechanism underlying improvement in bulimia nervosa (BN) during behavioral therapies (CBTs). It is not yet clear, however, whether changes in OSW temporally precede and prospectively predict changes in BN symptoms during CBTs, limiting the ability to establish causality. The present study is the first to examine whether session-by-session changes in OSW prospectively predict session-by-session changes in BN symptoms during CBTs and clinical outcomes at the end-of-treatment. Participants with BN (n = 44) who received 20 sessions of CBTs completed a brief survey at each session assessing OSW and BN symptom frequency during the past week. Results showed small but significant session-by-session reductions in OSW and BN symptoms during CBTs. Session-by-session improvements in OSW in any given week prospectively predicted reductions in restrictive eating, binge eating, and compulsive exercise in the following week but did not prospectively predict improvements in purging, while improvements in restrictive eating and compulsive exercise in any given week prospectively predicted reductions in OSW in the following week. Average session-by-session change in OSW during treatment was positively associated with remission status and improvements in eating pathology at the end-of-treatment. Changes in OSW temporally precede and prospectively predict changes in BN symptoms during CBTs, and vice versa. These findings may have critical implications for treatment planning and implementation.

Evaluating the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief eTherapy for binge‐eating disorder: A pilot study

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2022

Objective: For those with binge-eating disorder (BED), access to evidence-based, face-to-face treatment is often constrained by clinician availability and high treatment costs. Emerging evidence suggests online therapy (eTherapy) may navigate these barriers and reduce binge-eating symptomatology; however, less evaluation has been done in those with BED, particularly with briefer programs targeting early change. This study investigated the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief, supported eTherapy in those with BED or subthreshold BED. Method: Participants were 19 women with BED who completed a four-session eTherapy. This was a single-arm, pre-post intervention study, with participants completing weekly content and attending telehealth sessions. Key outcomes were assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire-Short (EDE-QS): objective binge episode days, loss of control over eating days, and eating disorder (ED) psychopathology via a total EDE-QS score. Results: Generalized and linear mixed models showed significantly reduced loss of control over eating days and ED psychopathology. Program feasibility was high, with strong program adherence and a below average attrition rate. Discussion: Pilot results support the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief, behavioral-focused eTherapy program in reducing ED pathology in those with BED. Future research should further investigate findings in an adequately powered randomized controlled trial. Public significance: This study suggests that a brief, behavioral-focused online therapy, guided by non-expert clinicians, can be successfully administered to those with binge-eating disorder (BED) and may be efficacious at reducing eating disorder and other related symptomatology. Brief eTherapies that are effective, accessible, and rapidly available may facilitate earlier intervention in illness and improve treatment outcomes for individuals who experience this common and distressing disorder.

A broad v. focused digital intervention for recurrent binge eating: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

Article

Full-text available

May 2022

Background Empirically validated digital interventions for recurrent binge eating typically target numerous hypothesized change mechanisms via the delivery of different modules, skills, and techniques. Emerging evidence suggests that interventions designed to target and isolate one key change mechanism may also produce meaningful change in core symptoms. Although both ‘broad’ and ‘focused’ digital programs have demonstrated efficacy, no study has performed a direct, head-to-head comparison of the two approaches. We addressed this through a randomized non-inferiority trial. Method Participants with recurrent binge eating were randomly assigned to a broad ( n = 199) or focused digital intervention ( n = 199), or a waitlist ( n = 202). The broad program targeted dietary restraint, mood intolerance, and body image disturbances, while the focused program exclusively targeted dietary restraint. Primary outcomes were eating disorder psychopathology and binge eating frequency. Results In intention-to-treat analyses, both intervention groups reported greater improvements in primary and secondary outcomes than the waitlist, which were sustained at an 8-week follow-up. The focused intervention was not inferior to the broad intervention on all but one outcome, but was associated with higher rates of attrition and non-compliance. Conclusion Focused digital interventions that are designed to target one key change mechanism may produce comparable symptom improvements to broader digital interventions, but appear to be associated with lower engagement.

Machine learning v. traditional regression models predicting treatment outcomes for binge-eating disorder from a randomized controlled trial

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2021

Background While effective treatments exist for binge-eating disorder (BED), prediction of treatment outcomes has proven difficult, and few reliable predictors have been identified. Machine learning is a promising method for improving the accuracy of difficult-to-predict outcomes. We compared the accuracy of traditional and machine-learning approaches for predicting BED treatment outcomes. Methods Participants were 191 adults with BED in a randomized controlled trial testing 6-month behavioral and stepped-care treatments. Outcomes, determined by independent assessors, were binge-eating (% reduction, abstinence), eating-disorder psychopathology, and weight loss (% loss, ⩾5% loss). Predictors included treatment condition, demographic information, and baseline clinical characteristics. Traditional models were logistic/linear regressions. Machine-learning models were elastic net regressions and random forests. Predictive accuracy was indicated by the area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), root mean square error (RMSE), and R ² . Confidence intervals were used to compare accuracy across models. Results Across outcomes, AUC ranged from very poor to fair (0.49–0.73) for logistic regressions, elastic nets, and random forests, with few significant differences across model types. RMSE was significantly lower for elastic nets and random forests v. linear regressions but R ² values were low (0.01–0.23). Conclusions Different analytic approaches revealed some predictors of key treatment outcomes, but accuracy was limited. Machine-learning models with unbiased resampling methods provided a minimal advantage over traditional models in predictive accuracy for treatment outcomes.

New developments in cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders (CBT-ED)

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2021

Purpose of review: This review summarizes recent developments in cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders (CBT-ED). More specifically, the past five years were covered, with the latest UK and Dutch guidelines for eating disorders as a starting benchmark, and with special consideration of the past 18 months. Recent findings: The new research can be divided into findings that have: (1) reinforced our existing understanding of CBT-ED's models and impact; (2) advanced our understanding and the utility of CBT-ED, including its application for the 'new' disorder Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID); (3) suggested new directions, which require further exploration in clinical and research terms. These include learning from the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Summary: CBT-ED has developed substantially in the past 5 years, with consolidation of its existing evidence base, further support for real-life implementation, extension of methods used, and the development of new approaches for working with younger people - particularly in the form of treatments for ARFID. Over the past 18 months, even more promising changes in delivery occurred in response to the COVID19 pandemic, showing that we can adapt our methods in order to work effectively via remote means. Challenges remain regarding poor outcomes for anorexia nervosa.

Predictors of Stepping Up to Higher Level of Care Among Eating Disorder Patients in a Partial Hospitalization Program

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2021

Partial hospitalization programming (PHP) is a treatment option available for individuals with eating disorders (ED) who have made insufficient progress in outpatient settings or are behaviorally or medically unstable. Research demonstrates that this level of care yields efficacy for the majority of patients. However, not all patients achieve recovery in PHP and later admit to a higher level of care (HLOC) including residential treatment or inpatient hospitalization. Although PHP is an increasingly common treatment choice for ED, research concerning outcome predictors in outpatient, stepped levels of care remains limited. Thus, the current study sought to identify the predictors of patients first admitted to PHP that later enter residential or inpatient treatment. Participants were 788 patients (after exclusions) enrolled in adolescent or adult partial hospitalization programs in a specialized ED clinic. When compared to patients who maintained treatment in PHP, a significantly greater proportion of patients who discharged to a HLOC had previously received ED residential treatment. Moreover, patients who discharged to a HLOC were diagnosed with a comorbid anxiety disorder and reported greater anxious and depressive symptomatology. A logistic regression model predicting discharge from PHP to a HLOC was significant, and lower body mass index (BMI) was a significant predictor of necessitating a HLOC. Supplemental programming in partial hospitalization settings might benefit individuals with previous ED residential treatment experience, higher levels of anxiety and depression, and lower BMIs. Specialized intervention for these cases is both practically and economically advantageous, as it might reduce the risk of rehospitalization and at-risk patients needing to step up to a HLOC.

Stakeholders’ perspectives on online interventions to improve mental health in eating disorder patients and carers in Germany

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2021
EUR J PUBLIC HEALTH

Background Eating disorders are causing severe consequences for those affected as well as a high burden for their carers. Although there is a substantial need for psychological assistance, different factors are hindering access to support. Internet-based interventions can help to overcome these barriers. To date, there is only little knowledge on attitudes of potential users, facilitators (e.g. psychologists) and decision makers (e.g. health insurances) regarding these interventions. Methods We conducted focus groups with potential users (N = 30) and semi-structured interviews with potential decision makers (N = 4). Potential facilitators (N = 41) participated in an online survey. Stakeholders’ experiences, attitudes, and their needs regarding Internet-based interventions for eating disorder patients and carers were assessed. Furthermore, hindering and fostering factors related to reach, adoption, implementation and maintenance were analyzed. Results About two-thirds of the participating facilitators have heard or read about Internet-based interventions in general. In contrast, the other stakeholders mentioned to have no or little experience with such interventions. Factors like anonymity, availability and cost-effectiveness were seen as major advantages. Also disadvantages, e.g. lack of personal contact, limitations by disease severity and concerns on data safety, were mentioned. Stakeholders stated the need for interventions which are usable, evidence-based, tailored and provide personal support. Conclusion Stakeholders considered Internet-based programmes to have more advantages than disadvantages. Effort should be put in providing systematic education to address prejudices. When offering an online intervention, stakeholders’ needs, as well as a continuous evaluation and adaptation, have to be taken into account.

Effects of cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic-interpersonal treatments for eating disorders: a meta-analytic inquiry into the role of patient characteristics and change in eating disorder-specific and general psychopathology in remission

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2021

Background: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic-interpersonal therapies (PIT) are two widely used and conceptually different outpatient treatments for eating disorders (EDs). To better understand how these treatments works, for whom, and under what circumstances, there is a need for knowledge about how outcomes are affected by diagnosis, comorbidity, changes in psychopathology, and study design. Method: Reports on the effects of CBT and PIT for eating disorders were searched. Rates of remission and changes in ED specific- and general psychopathology were computed. Regression models were made to predict event rates by changes in specific- and general psychopathology, as well as ED diagnosis and study design. Results: The remission rate of CBT for binge eating disorder was 50%, significantly higher than the effect for other diagnostic groups (anorexia = 33%, bulimia: 28%, mixed samples 30%). The number of studies found for PIT was limited. All effect sizes differed from zero (binge eating disorder = 27%, anorexia = 24%, bulimia = 18%, mixed samples = 15%), but the precision of the estimates was low, with some lower-bound confidence intervals close to zero. For CBT, change in ED specific psychopathology predicted remission only when controlling for ED diagnosis, while change in general psychopathology did not predict remission at all. The predictive value of change in psychopathology for PIT, and the potential impact of comorbid personality disorders could not be analyzed due to a lack of studies. There was no difference in effects between randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Conclusions: CBT showed consistent remission rates for all EDs but left a substantial number of patients not in remission. Extant evidence suggest that PIT is not consistently effective in achieving remission for patients with EDs, although this finding is uncertain due to a small number of eligible studies. A group of patients with eating disorders may, however, require therapy aimed at strengthening deficits in self functions not easily ameliorable by cognitive behavioral techniques alone. Further research should be aimed at identifying treatment interventions that helps patients change behavior, while strengthening self-functions to substitute eating-disordered behavior in the long-term.

Factores asociados y tamizaje de trastornos alimentarios y de la ingestión de alimentos en población general paraguaya

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May 2021

Factores asociados y tamizaje de trastornos alimentarios y de la ingestión de alimentos en población general paraguaya

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Full-text available

May 2021

Introducción: los trastornos alimentarios y de la ingestión de alimentos están asociados con importantes efectos físicos y morbilidad psicosocial, así como con un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida de las personas. Objetivo: determinar la proporción de pacientes con riesgo de padecer algún trastorno alimentario y de la ingestión de alimentos en población general paraguaya. Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo de asociación cruzada, de corte transversal y temporalmente prospectivo. Una encuesta en línea fue difundida a nivel nacional a través de redes sociales (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) y aplicaciones de mensajería (Whatsapp, Telegram). Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos y los participantes respondieron la Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (S-EDE-Q), en búsqueda de trastornos alimentarios. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para todas las variables. Para buscar asociaciones se utilizaron la prueba t de Student y ANOVA, según sea apropiado. Para cuantificar los riesgos se utilizó Odds ratio. Resultados: participaron 375 personas, de las cuales el 70,9 % era del sexo femenino, con edad media de 31 ± 9 años. Se obtuvo una media de 2,09 ± 1,5 puntos en la Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (S-EDE-Q) y se encontró que 51 participantes tenían indicios de padecer algún tipo de trastorno alimentario. Conclusión: el 13,6 % de los participantes de esta investigación tiene indicios de padecer algún tipo de trastorno alimentario, las mujeres tienen 2,4 veces más chances de padecer un trastorno y existen una serie de factores que están asociados a un mayor riesgo en el desarrollo de algún tipo de trastorno alimentario.

Factores asociados y tamizaje de trastornos alimentarios y de la ingestión de alimentos en población general paraguaya

Article

Full-text available

May 2021

Prediction of eating disorder treatment response trajectories via machine learning does not improve performance versus a simpler regression approach

Article

Apr 2021

Objective Patterns of response to eating disorder (ED) treatment are heterogeneous. Advance knowledge of a patient's expected course may inform precision medicine for ED treatment. This study explored the feasibility of applying machine learning to generate personalized predictions of symptom trajectories among patients receiving treatment for EDs, and compared model performance to a simpler logistic regression prediction model. Method Participants were adolescent girls and adult women (N = 333) presenting for residential ED treatment. Self‐report progress assessments were completed at admission, discharge, and weekly throughout treatment. Latent growth mixture modeling previously identified three latent treatment response trajectories (Rapid Response, Gradual Response, and Low‐Symptom Static Response) and assigned a trajectory type to each patient. Machine learning models (support vector, k‐nearest neighbors) and logistic regression were applied to these data to predict a patient's response trajectory using data from the first 2 weeks of treatment. Results The best‐performing machine learning model (evaluated via area under the receiver operating characteristics curve [AUC]) was the radial‐kernel support vector machine (AUCRADIAL = 0.94). However, the more computationally‐intensive machine learning models did not improve predictive power beyond that achieved by logistic regression (AUCLOGIT = 0.93). Logistic regression significantly improved upon chance prediction (MAUC[NULL] = 0.50, SD = .01; p <.001). Discussion Prediction of ED treatment response trajectories is feasible and achieves excellent performance, however, machine learning added little benefit. We discuss the need to explore how advance knowledge of expected trajectories may be used to plan treatment and deliver individualized interventions to maximize treatment effects.

Effects of Cognitive-behavioral and Psychodynamic-interpersonal Treatments for Eating Disorders: a Meta-analytic Inquiry Into the Role of Patient Characteristics and Change in Eating Disorder-specific and General Psychopathology in Remission

Preprint

Full-text available

Oct 2020

Background: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic-interpersonal therapies (PIT) are the most used outpatient treatments for eating disorders. Knowledge about the outcomes of these therapies in terms of remission is limited. Also, there is a lack of knowledge about how different therapeutic changes and patient characteristic affects outcomes. Method: Reports on the effects of CBT and PIT for eating disorders were searched. Rates of remission and changes in eating disorder specific and general psychopathology were computed and meta-analytically synthesized. Regression models were made to predict summary event rates by patient characteristics and changes in specific and general psychopathology. Results: Only CBT produced remission rates (34.2%) significantly different from waitlist conditions, and only CBT led to significantly greater change in specific psychopathology than waitlist/nutritional counseling conditions. However, CBT and PIT were equally effective in changing general psychopathology. For CBT, change in specific psychopathology predicted remission only when controlling for differences between diagnostic categories. Change in general psychopathology predicted remission only for PIT. The presence of comorbid personality disorder decreased the effect of CBT. Conclusions: A group of patients with eating disorders may require therapy aimed at strengthening deficits in self functions not easily ameliorable by cognitive behavioral techniques alone. However, although effective in changing specific and general psychopathology, PIT is not effective in producing behavioral change. Further research should be aimed at identifying treatment interventions that effectuate both behavioral change and strengthening self-functions to substitute eating-disordered behavior to meet psychological needs in the long-term.

Network intervention analysis to assess the trajectory of change and treatment effects associated with the use of online guided self-help for anorexia nervosa

Article

Oct 2020

Aim The aim of this study was to use the innovative technique of Network Intervention Analysis (NIA) to examine the trajectory of symptom change associated with the use of a digital guided self‐help intervention (RecoveryMANTRA) to augment treatment as usual in adult anorexia nervosa. Methods Self‐reported eating disorder symptoms and mood (stress, anxiety and depression), work and social adjustment, motivation and treatment (Treatment as usual + RecoveryMANTRAand Treatment as usual) were included as nodes in the network and examined using NIA. Networks were computed at baseline (n = 88, 99), at end of treatment (6 weeks, n = 71, 75) and at 6‐ (n = 58, 63) and 12‐month (n = 52, 63) follow‐up. Results RecoveryMANTRA was associated with a direct effect on anxiety, shape concern and restraint at the end of the intervention. This effect was not maintained at follow‐up. There were no direct effects of RecoveryMANTRA on motivation, stress and depression. Conclusions These findings indicate that RecoveryMANTRA exerts a direct effect on eating disorder symptoms and anxiety. NIA is a promising method to evaluate trajectories of clinical change and direct and indirect effects of a therapeutic intervention compared to a control condition.

Eating disorders, embodiment, and yoga: a conceptual overview

Article

Jul 2020
Eat Disord

Yoga and its relation to embodiment and disordered eating has only recently received research attention. Nevertheless, early research indicates that yoga is an effective tool in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. It is assumed that yoga ameliorates eating disorder symptoms and facilitates a shift from negative towards positive body image and well-being by cultivating positive embodiment (i.e., the ability to feel a sense of connection between mind and body). In order to provide the context of the constructs of disordered eating, embodiment, and yoga, this article presents a brief overview and conceptualization of these constructs. The three major eating disorders and current treatment methods are described. Further, the philosophical roots and theoretical models of embodiment are delineated and their communal core features are outlined. Lastly, the origin, basic principles, and modern interpretations of yoga are discussed.

The Reciprocal Relationship Between Alliance and Early Treatment Symptoms: A Two-Stage Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2020
J CONSULT CLIN PSYCH

Objective: Even though the early alliance has been shown to robustly predict posttreatment outcomes, the question whether alliance leads to symptom reduction or symptom reduction leads to a better alliance remains unresolved. To better understand the relation between alliance and symptoms early in therapy, we meta-analyzed the lagged session-by-session within-patient effects of alliance and symptoms from Sessions 1 to 7. Method: We applied a 2-stage individual participant data meta-analytic approach. Based on the data sets of 17 primary studies from 9 countries that comprised 5,350 participants, we first calculated standardized session-by-session within-patient coefficients. Second, we meta-analyzed these coefficients by using random-effects models to calculate omnibus effects across the studies. Results: In line with previous meta-analyses, we found that early alliance predicted posttreatment outcome. We identified significant reciprocal within-patient effects between alliance and symptoms within the first 7 sessions. Cross-level interactions indicated that higher alliances and lower symptoms positively impacted the relation between alliance and symptoms in the subsequent session. Conclusion: The findings provide empirical evidence that in the early phase of therapy, symptoms and alliance were reciprocally related to one other, often resulting in a positive upward spiral of higher alliance/lower symptoms that predicted higher alliances/lower symptoms in the subsequent sessions. Two-stage individual participant data meta-analyses have the potential to move the field forward by generating and interlinking well-replicable process-based knowledge. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Reduction in depressive symptoms predicts improvement in eating disorder symptoms in interpersonal psychotherapy: results from a naturalistic study

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2020

Background: Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) can be effective for both Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and co-occurring depression. While changes in symptoms of Eating disorder (ED) and depression have been found to correlate, it is unclear how they interact during treatment and in which order the symptoms decrease. Methods: Thirty-one patients with BN and depressive symptoms received IPT using the manual IPT-BNm in a naturalistic design. The outcome was measured with the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S). Symptom improvement at each session was measured with Repeated Evaluation of Eating Disorder Symptoms (REDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results: Significant improvements with large effect sizes were found on both ED symptoms and depression. The rates of change were linear for both BN and depression. A strong correlation between reduction of depressive symptoms and ED symptoms was found. Depressive symptom reduction at one session predicted improvement of ED symptoms at the next session. Conclusions: IPT-BNm had an effect on both BN and co-occurring depressive symptoms. The analyses indicated that reduction in depressive symptoms preceded reduction in bulimic symptoms.

Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Non-Underweight Patients (CBT-T for Eating Disorders)

Chapter

Jul 2023

Eating disorders are complex illnesses characterized by distorted cognitions and self-destructive behaviors. There are several distinct elements separating eating disorder diagnoses; however, eating disorders share a similar core psychopathology—an overvaluation of eating, shape, and/or weight on one’s self worth. This similar core psychopathology lends itself to a transdiagnostic treatment approach. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Ten (CBT-T) for eating disorders is an evidence-based treatment that builds on the fundamental theory and approaches of CBT with a focus on rapid symptom change. In this chapter, we describe CBT-T and illustrate its application using a case example.KeywordsCognitive behavioral therapyEating disordersAnorexia nervosaBulimia nervosaBinge-eating disorderOther specified feeding or eating disorderExposure and response prevention

Predictors for and duration of hospitalization among children and adolescents with eating disorders

Article

Jun 2023
INT J EAT DISORDER

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the predictive value of sex, age, body mass index (BMI), Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) score, social risk factors, and psychiatric comorbidities for hospitalization and hospitalization duration among children and adolescents suffering from eating disorders. Method: This prospective cohort study involved 522 consecutive patients who had been referred to a specialized eating disorder unit between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2015; participants were followed up until August 1, 2016 by medical records. We used regression analyses to evaluate the prognostic value of sex, age, BMI, EDE, eating disorder diagnoses, social risk factors, and psychiatric comorbidities concerning inpatient hospitalization and hospitalization duration. Results: We found that younger age, higher EDE global score, lower BMI percentile, anorexia nervosa, a higher number of social risk factors, and the presence of diagnosed self-harm increased the odds of being hospitalized, while being female and having a comorbid autism spectrum condition increased the duration of hospitalization. No other psychiatric comorbidity was found to significantly predict hospitalization or duration of hospitalization. Discussion: The odds of being hospitalized were predicted by the severity of anorexia nervosa and indicators of social risk factors in the family, whereas the duration of hospitalization was predicted by having a comorbid autism spectrum condition, indicating a difference between the factors affecting the risk of hospitalization and the factors affecting the duration of hospitalization. This calls for further exploration of tailored treatments for eating disorders. Public significance statement: This study finds that hospitalization for an eating disorder is predicted by the severity of the illness, self-harm, and social risk factors. Duration of hospitalization is predicted by having a comorbid autism spectrum condition. These findings indicate that the treatment of eating disorders may require different treatment approaches depending on the presentation of the individual patient to reduce both the need for hospitalization and the length of inpatient stay.

Eating disorders: Understanding their symptoms, mechanisms, and relevance to gastrointestinal functional and motility disorders

Chapter

Jan 2023

Psychological and Medical Treatments for Binge-Eating Disorder: A Research Update

Article

Jun 2023
PHYSIOL BEHAV

Anja Hilbert

Binge-eating disorder (BED), characterized by recurrent binge eating in the absence of regular weight-compensatory behaviors, is the most common eating disorder, associated with pronounced mental and physical sequelae. An increasing body of research documents the efficacy of diverse approaches to the treatment of this disorder, summarized in meta-analyses. This research update narratively reviewed randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) on the psychological and medical treatment of BED published between January 2018 to November 2022, identified through a systematic literature search. A total of 16 new RCTs and 3 studies on previous RCTs providing efficacy- and safety-related data were included. Regarding psychotherapy, confirmatory evidence supported the use of integrative-cognitive therapy and, with lower effects, brief emotion regulation skills training for binge eating and associated psychopathology. Behavioral weight loss treatment was revealed to be efficacious for binge eating, weight loss, and psychopathology, but its combination with naltrexone-bupropion did not augment efficacy. New treatment approaches were explored, including e-mental-health and brain-directed treatments, mostly targeting emotion and self-regulation. Additionally, different therapeutic approaches were evaluated in complex stepped-care models. In light of these advances, future research is necessary to further optimize effects of evidence-based treatments for BED, through improvement of existing or development of new treatments, based on mechanistic and/or interventional research, and/or tailoring treatments to personal characteristics in a precision medicine approach.

Modified cue exposure for adolescents with binge eating behaviour: study protocol of a randomised pilot trial called EXI (ea) T

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2023

Introduction Binge eating (BE) behaviour is highly prevalent in adolescents, and can result in serious metabolic derangements and overweight in the long term. Weakened functioning of the behavioural inhibition system is one potential pathway leading to BE. Food cue exposure focusing on expectancy violation (CE EV ) is a short intervention for BE that has proven effective in adults but has never been tested in adolescents. Thus, the current randomised pilot trial evaluates the feasibility of CE EV for adolescents and its efficacy in reducing eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) of binge food items. Methods and analysis The trial will include N =76 female adolescents aged between 13 and 20 years with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder (BED) or their subthreshold forms based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Participants will be randomly assigned to two sessions of CE EV or behavioural analysis (BA), a classical cognitive–behavioural therapy-based intervention. The primary endpoint is the change in EAH measured according to ad libitum consumption of personally preferred binge food in a bogus taste test at post-test based on the intention-to-treat population. Key secondary endpoints are changes in EAH of standardised binge food at post-test, in EAH at 3-month follow-up (FU) and in food craving after induction of food cue reactivity at post-test and FU. To identify further valid outcome parameters, we will assess effects of CE EV compared with BA on global ED psychopathology, BE frequency within the last 28 days, body weight, response inhibition and emotion regulation abilities. Treatment groups will be compared using analysis of covariance with intervention as fixed factor and body mass index at baseline as covariate. Ethics and dissemination This clinical trial has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee of the Medical Association of Rhineland-Palatinate and the Medical Faculty of the Ruhr-University Bochum. The collected data will be disseminated locally and internationally through publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at scientific and clinical conferences. Participants data will only be published in an anonymised form. Trial registration number DRKS00024009.

The impact of between-session habituation, within-session habituation, and weight gain on response to food exposure for adolescents with eating disorders

Article

Jan 2023
INT J EAT DISORDER

Objective: Exposure therapy is a promising treatment for eating disorders (EDs). However, questions remain about the effectiveness of exposure to feared foods during the weight restoration phase of treatment, and the importance of between-session and within-session habituation. Method: We recruited 54 adolescents from a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for EDs which included daily food exposure. Throughout treatment, participants provided subjective units of distress (SUDS) ratings before and after eating a feared food, and completed measures of ED symptomatology. Results: Multilevel models found that pre-exposure SUDS decreased over time, providing some evidence that between-session habituation occurred. In contrast, the difference between pre-exposure and post-exposure SUDS did not decrease over time, indicating that within-session habituation did not occur. Weight gain predicted greater between-session habituation to feared foods, but did not predict within-session habituation. Between-session habituation, but not within-session habituation, predicted favorable treatment outcomes, including weight gain and improvements on the Children's Eating Attitudes Test and Fear of Food Measure. Discussion: Partial hospitalization programs that include daily exposure to feared foods may be effective at decreasing anxiety about foods for adolescents with EDs who are experiencing weight restoration. Further research is warranted to replicate our findings challenging the importance of within-session habituation, and to better understand between-session habituation and inhibitory learning as mechanisms of change when conducting food exposure for EDs. Public significance: This study provides some evidence that PHPs that include food exposure may be useful for adolescents with EDs who are experiencing weight restoration. Between-session habituation, but not within-session habituation, predicted favorable treatment outcomes. Further research is needed to determine whether clinicians can disregard within-session habituation when conducting food exposure for EDs, and understand the importance of between-session habituation as a potential mechanism of food exposure.

Predictors and significance of rapid response to behaviorally based treatment of binge eating disorder

Article

Jan 2023

Objective: This study examined baseline predictors of rapid response and its prognostic significance in a clinical trial of behaviorally based weight loss treatment (BBWLT) for binge eating disorder in patients with obesity. Methods: One hundred ninety-one participants receiving BBWLT were assessed at baseline, throughout treatment, and at posttreatment (6 months) by independent assessors. Rapid response was defined as ≥ 65% reduction in binge eating by the fourth treatment week. Patients with versus without rapid response were compared on demographic features, a broad range of current/past clinical and psychiatric variables, and treatment attitudes. Rapid response was used to prospectively predict posttreatment outcomes. Results: Rapid response, which characterized 63% (N = 120) of participants, was not associated significantly with any demographic features or with any current/past clinical and psychiatric variables. Higher ratings (at week one) regarding the logic of BBWLT and greater confidence that treatment would help with binge eating and weight loss were associated significantly with rapid response (at week four). Rapid response was prospectively associated with significantly better binge eating and weight loss outcomes. Conclusions: These findings indicate that rapid response to BBWLT for binge eating disorder prospectively predicts superior clinical outcomes in both binge eating and weight loss. Treatment attitudes, rather than patient demographic or clinical severity variables, are prospectively associated with rapid response.

References

Article

Oct 2018

Weight status is associated with clinical characteristics among individuals with bulimia nervosa

Article

Nov 2022
Eat Disord

Recent studies have found increasing rates of overweight and obesity in bulimia nervosa (BN). However, the relationships between body mass index (BMI) and BN symptoms and other clinically relevant constructs are unknown. Participants (N = 152 adults with BN) were assigned to three groups by BMI: group with no overweight or obesity (NOW-BN; BMI <25; N = 32), group with overweight (OW-BN; BMI ≥25 and <30; N = 66), and group with obesity (O-BN; BMI ≥30; N = 54). We compared the groups on demographics, diet and weight histories, body esteem, BN symptoms, and depression using chi square, analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and Poisson regression models. The O-BN group was older (d = 0.57) and OW-BN and O-BN groups had greater proportions of race/ethnic minorities than NOW-BN group. The O-BN group was significantly younger at first diet (d = 0.41) and demonstrated significantly higher cognitive dietary restraint (d = 0.31). Compared to NOW-BN, O-BN participants had lower incidence of objective binge eating (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 4.86) and driven exercise (IRR = 7.13), and greater incidence of vomiting (IRR = 9.30), laxative misuse (IRR = 4.01), and diuretic misuse (d = 2.08). O-BN participants also experienced higher shape (d = 0.41) and weight (d = 0.42) concerns than NOW-BN and OW-BN, although NOW-BN experienced higher shape (d = 0.44) and weight (d = 0.39) concerns than OW-BN. Groups did not differ on depression scores. These results were replicated when examining BMI as a continuous predictor across the full sample, with the exception of objective binge eating and driven exercise, which were not significantly associated with BMI. Individuals with BN and comorbid obesity have distinct clinical characteristics. Existing interventions may need to be adapted to meet clinical needs of these individuals.

Effects of Participant’s Choice of Different Digital Interventions on Outcomes for Binge-Spectrum Eating Disorders: A Pilot Doubly Randomized Preference Trial

Article

Oct 2022
BEHAV THER

It is unclear whether offering individuals a choice between different digital intervention programs affects treatment outcomes. To generate initial insights, we conducted a pilot doubly randomized preference trial to test whether offering individuals with binge-spectrum eating disorder a choice between two digital interventions is causally linked with superior outcomes than random assignment to these interventions. Participants with recurrent binge eating were randomized to either a choice (n = 77) or no-choice (n = 78) group. Those in the choice group could choose one of the two digital programs, while those in the no-choice group were assigned a program at random. The two digital interventions (a broad and a focused program) took four weeks to complete, were based on cognitive-behavioral principles and have demonstrated comparable efficacy, but differ in scope, content, and targeted change mechanisms. Most participants (79%) allocated to the choice condition chose the broad program. While both groups experienced improvements in primary (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire global scores and number of binge eating episodes over the past month) and secondary outcomes (dietary restraint, body image concerns etc.), no significant between-group differences were observed. The two groups did not differ on dropout rates, nor on most indices of intervention engagement. Findings provide preliminary insights towards the role of client preferences in digital mental health interventions for eating disorders. Client preferences may not determine outcomes when digital interventions are based on similar underlying principles, although larger trials are needed to confirm this.

Verlauf und Prognose der Binge-Eating-Störung

Chapter

Aug 2022

Kathrin Schag

Die Binge-Eating-Störung (BES) ist die häufigste Essstörung. Sie beginnt im frühen Erwachsenenalter und tritt ca. dreimal häufiger bei Frauen auf. BES beeinträchtigt die Lebensqualität deutlich. Die Prävalenz für Adipositas liegt über 40 %. Über 70 % haben mindestens eine weitere psychische Erkrankung. Die Mortalitätsrate ist erhöht. Die BES verläuft häufig langdauernd, und weniger als 50 % der Betroffenen suchen eine Behandlung auf. Durch Psychotherapie erreichen 50 % eine Abstinenz von Essanfällen. Im Langzeitverlauf zeigt sich eine Remissionsrate von ca. zwei Dritteln. Die Prognose ist günstiger, je leichter der Schweregrad der BES und je niedriger die allgemeine Psychopathologie ist. Die stärksten Therapieerfolge erzielen Patienten, die schnell auf die Therapie ansprechen. Viele Betroffene wechseln jedoch die Diagnosekategorie, erleiden Rückfälle oder das Krankheitsbild chronifiziert. Das Gewicht bessert sich kaum. Daher muss die Behandlung weiterentwickelt werden.

Italian validation of the Emotional Style Questionnaire (ESQ): An indicator of emotional health

Preprint

Full-text available

Jan 2022

Emotional Style (ES) refers is the unique way of experiencing emotions while going through life. The Emotional Style Questionnaire (ESQ) is a 24-item self-report measure that evaluate how people vary across the six dimensions of ES, providing an overall score of healthy emotionality. The present study aimed to validate the Italian version of ESQ. In Study 1, 208 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Linguistic and cultural adaptation was carried out and the adaptation’s psychometric properties were investigated. In Study 2 linguistic changes were made to the ESQ items, modifying also the questionnaires used for assessing convergent and divergent validity to better investigate the constructs underlying each dimension. 197 healthy volunteers stratified by age group were enrolled. The final Italian version of the ESQ is therefore composed of 24 items allowing the identification of five subscales and six constructs due to the overlap between Outlook and Resilience. The questionnaire was found to be a valid and reliable measure, with satisfactory psychometric properties. Moreover, as with the original version, the Italian version too can be considered a measure of overall emotional well-being. Future studies should investigate the properties of the ESQ in clinical samples and its correlations with neurobiological characteristics.

Latent trajectories of symptom change during cognitive-behavior therapy predict post-treatment worsening of symptoms: a preliminary examination among outpatients with bulimia-spectrum eating disorders

Article

Jan 2022
EAT WEIGHT DISORD-ST

PurposeUp to 44% of individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) experience worsening of symptoms after cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Identifying risk for post-treatment worsening of symptoms using latent trajectories of change in eating disorder (ED) symptoms during treatment could allow for personalization of treatment to improve long-term outcomesMethods Participants (N = 56) with BN-spectrum EDs received 16 sessions of CBT and completed digital self-monitoring of eating episodes and ED behaviors. The Eating Disorder Examination was used to measured ED symptoms at post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Latent growth mixture modeling of digital self-monitoring data identified latent growth classes. Kruskal–Wallis H tests examined effect of trajectory of change in ED symptoms on post-treatment to follow-up symptom change.ResultsMulti-class models of change in binge eating, compensatory behaviors, and regular eating improved fit over one-class models. Individuals with high frequency-rapid response in binge eating (H(1) = 10.68, p =0 .001, η2 = 0.24) had greater recurrence of compensatory behaviors compared to individuals with low frequency-static response. Individuals with static change in regular eating exhibited greater recurrence of binge eating than individuals with moderate response (H(1) = 8.99, p = 0.003, η2 = 0.20).Conclusion Trajectories of change in ED symptoms predict post-treatment worsening of symptoms. Personalized treatment approaches should be evaluated among individuals at risk of poor long-term outcomes.Level of evidenceIV, evidence obtained from multiple time series.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT03673540, registration date: September 17, 2018.

Change in impulsivity is prospectively associated with treatment outcomes for binge-eating disorder

Article

Nov 2021

Background Impulsivity may be a process underlying binge-eating disorder (BED) psychopathology and its treatment. This study examined change in impulsivity during cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacological treatment for BED and associations with treatment outcomes. Methods In total, 108 patients with BED ( N FEMALE = 84) in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of CBT and/or fluoxetine were assessed before treatment, monthly throughout treatment, at post-treatment (16 weeks), and at 12-month follow-up after completing treatment. Patients completed established measures of impulsivity, eating-disorder psychopathology, and depression, and were measured for height and weight [to calculate body mass index (BMI)] during repeated assessments by trained/monitored doctoral research-clinicians. Mixed-effects models using all available data examined changes in impulsivity and the association of rapid and overall changes in impulsivity on treatment outcomes. Exploratory analyses examined whether baseline impulsivity predicted/moderated outcomes. Results Impulsivity declined significantly throughout treatment and follow-up across treatment groups. Rapid change in impulsivity and overall change in impulsivity during treatment were significantly associated with reductions in eating-disorder psychopathology, depression scores, and BMI during treatment and at post-treatment. Overall change in impulsivity during treatment was associated with subsequent reductions in depression scores at 12-month follow-up. Baseline impulsivity did not moderate/predict eating-disorder outcomes or BMI but did predict change in depression scores. Conclusions Rapid and overall reductions in impulsivity during treatment were associated with improvements in specific eating-disorder psychopathology and associated general outcomes. These effects were found for both CBT and pharmacological treatment for BED. Change in impulsivity may be an important process prospectively related to treatment outcome.

Is personality the key in cognitive‐behavioral therapy for eating disorders? A review

Article

Jun 2021

The efficacy of individual CBT for eating disorders can be assessed by investigating the potential predictors, mediators, and moderators of treatment. The present review focused on personality since its crucial role has been emphasized both by research and practice. Sixteen studies were collected, and data were extracted through a highly operationalized coding system. Overall, personality disorders were the most investigated construct; however, their influence was somewhat contradictory. A more cogent result occurred for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) when considered as a moderator (not a predictor, nor a mediator). Patients with a more disturbed borderline personality benefited to a greater extent from treatments including booster modules on affects, interpersonal relationships, and mood intolerance, rather than symptoms exclusively. Nine additional personality dimensions, beyond BPD, were investigated sparsely, and results regarding them were barely indicative in this review. However, some of these dimensions (e.g., affective lability and stimulus‐seeking behaviors) could be traced back to BPD, thereby strengthening evidence of the role of borderline disorder as a moderator. Although research on the relationship between personality and eating disorders needs to be increased and methodologically improved, personality, taken as a whole, emerged as a promising variable for enhancing the efficacy of CBT.

Adipositas und psychische Komorbidität: therapeutische ImplikationenObesity and mental comorbidity: therapeutic implications

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2020

Anja Hilbert

Obesity is often associated with mental comorbidity in adults, likely impacting on weight loss success and can indicate treatment that is not covered by the standard program of multimodal behavioral weight loss (BWL) treatment. Using the example of binge-eating disorder (BED) as a frequent comorbid condition, this article discusses current research on the etiology and interventions in cases of comorbidity in order to derive implications for research and treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the best established form of treatment for adults with BED, was more efficacious than BWL treatment in improving binge-eating symptomatology, while tending to show lower weight loss effects and only in the short term. Therefore, further development of interventions should focus on gradual adaptations of CBT for improving weight loss in patients with obesity and BED. These interventions could be adapted from BWL treatment and aim at a slight weight loss. Parallel or sequential combinations of these treatments have not consistently demonstrated improved treatment effects. Interventions based on the results of current research on the comorbidity of both disorders could be included on an individual basis in order to enhance the efficacy for eating disorder symptomatology and body weight. New digital treatment modalities could support the transfer into daily life and boost the long-term sustainability of therapeutic gains. These modifications regarding adaptive CBT for adults with obesity and BED should be based on an individual treatment rationale and require confirmation by further experimental treatment research.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Behavioral Weight Loss and Stepped Care for Binge-Eating Disorder: 12-Month Follow-up

Article

Sep 2020
OBESITY

Objective: This study aimed to examine longer-term effects of behavioral weight loss (BWL) and Stepped Care for binge-eating disorder and obesity through 12-month follow-up after completing treatments. Methods: A total of 191 patients with binge-eating disorder/obesity were randomized to 6 months of BWL (n = 39) or Stepped Care (n = 152). Within Stepped Care, patients began BWL (1 month), treatment responders continued BWL, nonresponders switched to cognitive behavioral therapy, and all were randomized (double-blind) to weight-loss medication or placebo (5 months). Patients were independently assessed throughout/after treatment and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Results: Intent-to-treat analyses of remission rates revealed that BWL and Stepped Care did not differ significantly at posttreatment (74.4% vs. 66.5%), 6-month follow-up (38.2% vs. 33.3%), or 12-month follow-up (44.7% vs. 41.0%). Mixed models of binge-eating frequency indicated significant reductions through posttreatment but no significant changes or differences between BWL and Stepped Care during follow-up. Mixed models revealed significant weight loss with no differences between BWL and Stepped Care (5.1% vs. 5.8%) at posttreatment and significant time effects (larger percent weight loss at 6-month than at 12-month follow-up) with no differences between BWL and Stepped Care (-5.1% vs. -5.2% and -3.4% vs. -5.0%, respectively). Conclusions: Binge-eating improvements and weight loss produced by BWL and adaptive Stepped Care did not differ significantly 12 months after completing treatments.

Efficacy of a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral intervention for eating disorder psychopathology delivered through a smartphone app: A randomized controlled trial

Article

Sep 2020
PSYCHOL MED

Background: Although effective treatments exist for diagnostic and subthreshold-level eating disorders (EDs), a significant proportion of affected individuals do not receive help. Interventions translated for delivery through smartphone apps may be one solution towards reducing this treatment gap. However, evidence for the efficacy of smartphones apps for EDs is lacking. We developed a smartphone app based on the principles and techniques of transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral therapy for EDs and evaluated it through a pre-registered randomized controlled trial. Methods: Symptomatic individuals (those who reported the presence of binge eating) were randomly assigned to the app (n = 197) or waiting list (n = 195). Of the total sample, 42 and 31% exhibited diagnostic-level bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder symptoms, respectively. Assessments took place at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks post-randomization. Analyses were intention-to-treat. The primary outcome was global levels of ED psychopathology. Secondary outcomes were other ED symptoms, impairment, and distress. Results: Intervention participants reported greater reductions in global ED psychopathology than the control group at post-test (d = -0.80). Significant effects were also observed for secondary outcomes (d's = -0.30 to -0.74), except compensatory behavior frequency. Symptom levels remained stable at follow-up. Participants were largely satisfied with the app, although the overall post-test attrition rate was 35%. Conclusion: Findings highlight the potential for this app to serve as a cost-effective and easily accessible intervention for those who cannot receive standard treatment. The capacity for apps to be flexibly integrated within current models of mental health care delivery may prove vital for addressing the unmet needs of people with EDs.

Development, Feasibility, and Acceptability of a Brief, Adjunctive Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention Aimed at Encouraging Rapid Response to Intensive Eating Disorder Treatment

Article

Jul 2020
COGN BEHAV PRACT

This study reports on feasibility and acceptability outcomes of a brief, adjunctive cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) intervention focused on encouraging rapid behavior change in intensive eating disorder treatment (CBT-RR). Effectiveness outcomes of this study have been previously reported (MacDonald, McFarlane, Dionne, David, & Olmsted, 2017). CBT-RR was found to be feasible to implement and acceptable to patients, relative to the comparison condition (motivational interviewing [MI]). Rates of treatment retention were good in both conditions. CBT-RR participants reported higher goal-related alliance with the therapist compared to MI, whereas task-related and bond-related alliances with the therapist were similar between interventions. Both groups reported high levels of homework completion, and strong satisfaction with treatment. Following demonstration of feasibility and acceptability, the second part of this paper provides a detailed description of how we conceptualized and developed the CBT-RR intervention. A detailed description of the protocol components and session content is provided, with a fictional case vignette to illustrate use of the intervention. This section provides a clinical resource that may be helpful to clinicians interested in actively encouraging rapid behavior change with clients with eating disorders.

Longitudinal trajectories of behavior change in a national sample of patients seeking eating‐disorder treatment

Article

Apr 2020

Objective Rapid response to treatment, indicated by substantial decreases in eating‐disorder (ED) symptoms within the first 4–6 weeks of treatment, is the most reliable predictor of treatment outcomes for EDs. However, there is limited research evaluating short‐term longitudinal trajectories of ED symptoms during treatment. Thus, it is difficult to know which aspects of ED psychopathology are slow or fast to change. The purpose of this study was to elucidate three‐month trajectories of ED psychopathology during treatment and test whether ED diagnosis influenced the direction and rate of change. Method Participants were Recovery Record users seeking treatment for an ED (N = 4,568; 86.8% female). Participants completed the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory once per month for 3 months. Results Latent growth curve models indicated that ED diagnosis influenced the rate of ED behavior change. Anorexia nervosa was associated with faster reductions in cognitive restraint, excessive exercise, restricting, yet slower reductions in body dissatisfaction, and binge eating. Bulimia nervosa was associated with faster reductions in binge eating, cognitive restraint, excessive exercise, and purging. Binge‐eating disorder was associated with faster reductions in body dissatisfaction and binge eating, yet slower reductions in restricting. Conclusions Our results have implications for future research by providing initial information about the direction and rate of ED change over the course of treatment. If clinicians and researchers know which ED symptoms are slow to change, on average, across diagnostic groups, treatment protocols could be adjusted to target slow changing symptoms more quickly, and therefore improve ED treatment outcomes.

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2014

Systematic reviews should build on a protocol that describes the rationale, hypothesis, and planned methods of the review; few reviews report whether a protocol exists. Detailed, well-described protocols can facilitate the understanding and appraisal of the review methods, as well as the detection of modifications to methods and selective reporting in completed reviews. We describe the development of a reporting guideline, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols 2015 (PRISMA-P 2015). PRISMA-P consists of a 17-item checklist intended to facilitate the preparation and reporting of a robust protocol for the systematic review. Funders and those commissioning reviews might consider mandating the use of the checklist to facilitate the submission of relevant protocol information in funding applications. Similarly, peer reviewers and editors can use the guidance to gauge the completeness and transparency of a systematic review protocol submitted for publication in a journal or other medium.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Eating Disorders

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2012
CLIN PSYCHOL PSYCHOT

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a leading evidence-based treatment for those eating disorders in which binge eating is a feature. This article begins with a consideration of the rationale for using IPT to treat patients with eating disorders. This is followed by a review of the evidence supporting its use and a brief description of treatment including an illustrative clinical case vignette. The article closes with a discussion of possible future directions for research on IPT for eating disorders. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message IPT for eating disorders (IPT-ED) closely resembles IPT for depression and primarily focuses on current interpersonal problems. It is well suited for helping patients to address interpersonal difficulties which appear to be maintaining the eating disorder.

Prediction of failure of inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa from early weight gain

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2007

Anorexia nervosa is difficult to treat. It is important to identify patients at risk for failure early in the treatment process. Eighty-five consecutively admitted inpatients (DSM IV) were treated with an integrative approach including a treatment contract. Failure at discharge was defined as leaving with a BMI of less than 17.5 kg/mÃÂ² or gaining \textless2 kg/mÃÂ² in weight. Statistical analysis consisted of growth curve analysis, methods of regression with optimal scaling and ROC-curves. Twenty percent of patients were rated as 'failures'. Parameters of weight curves of week 3 and 4 predicted outcome at an effectiveness of p = 0.84. Thirty percent of the patients were classified as 'at-risk-of-failure' and 82.4

A receiver operator characteristics analysis of treatment outcome in binge eating disorder to identify patterns of rapid response

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2010

The purpose of this study was to perform a receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis on a treatment sample from a randomized controlled treatment trial of participants with binge eating disorder (BED). An ROC analysis was completed with 179 adults in a 20-week treatment trial for BED to predict abstinence from binge eating at end of treatment. Percent reductions in binge eating episodes were examined following weeks 1 through 10 of treatment. The rate of percent decrease in binge eating episodes during treatment for BED was a significant predictor of clinical outcome at end of treatment. Participants who demonstrated a 15% reduction in binge eating episodes at week one were more likely to respond positively to treatment and achieve clinical remission. Findings from the current study suggest that a significant reduction in binge eating during the first week of treatment may be predictive of end of treatment remission in those with BED.

How do psychological treatments work? Investgating mediators of change

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2008

Little is known about how psychological treatments work. Research on treatment-induced mediators of change may be of help in identifying potential causal mechanisms through which they operate. Outcome-focused randomised controlled trials provide an excellent opportunity for such work. However, certain conceptual and practical difficulties arise when studying psychological treatments, most especially deciding how best to conceptualise the treatment concerned and how to accommodate the fact that most psychological treatments are implemented flexibly. In this paper, these difficulties are discussed, and strategies and procedures for overcoming them are described.

Introduction to meta-analysis

Book

Jan 2009

Methods of systematic reviews and meta-analysis preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement

Article

Jan 2009
J CLIN EPIDEMIOL

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: the PRISMA statement

Article

Jul 2009
PLOS MED

Sudden gains, critical sessions, and the mechanism of cognitive behavioral therapy for depression

Article

Jan 2000

Tang Zhiyan

Starting from the discovery of the sudden gain/critical session, a series of empirical studies were conducted on the mechanism of change in cognitive behavioral therapy for depression (CBT). The findings offer empirical support for the cognitive mediation hypothesis, especially for its core principle that CBT interventions lead to cognitive changes, and cognitive changes lead to much of the observed symptom improvements. The findings also highlight several aspects of the change process that have previously been neglected, like the idea that therapeutic progress tends to concentrate in a few critical sessions, that symptom improvement tends to concentrate in a few sudden gains, that therapeutic alliance and cognitive interventions interact in complex ways, and that different patients might recover through fundamentally different mechanisms.

Messages for Clinicians: Moderators and Mediators of Treatment Outcome in Randomized Clinical Trials

Article

Mar 2016
AM J PSYCHIAT

Helena Chmura Kraemer

Many problems in randomized clinical trial design, execution, analysis, presentation and interpretation stem in part from an inadequate understanding of the roles of moderators and mediators of treatment outcome. As a result, 1) the results of clinical research are slow to have an impact on clinical decision making and thus to benefit patients; 2) it is difficult for clinicians or patients to apply randomized clinical trial results comparing two treatments (treatment versus control); 3) when such trials are conducted at various sites, the results often do not replicate; 4) when the results influence clinical decision making, the results clinicians obtain do not match what researchers report; and 5) the treatment effects comparing treatment and control conditions, particularly for psychiatric treatments, often seem trivial. In this review article, the author reviews and integrates the methodological literature concerning dealing with covariates in trials to emphasize their impact on clinical decision making. The goal of trials should ultimately be to establish who should get the treatment condition rather than the control condition (moderators) and to determine how to obtain the best outcomes with whatever is the preferred treatment (mediators). The author makes recommendations to clinicians as to which trials might best be ignored and which carefully considered, and urges clinical researchers to focus on studies best designed to reduce the burden of mental illness on patients.

Erratum : Predicting meaningful outcomes to medication and self-help treatments for binge-eating disorder in primary care: The significance of early rapid response (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (2015) 83:2 (387-394)) doi.org/10.1037/a0038635

Article

Aug 2015

Reports an error in "Predicting meaningful outcomes to medication and self-help treatments for binge-eating disorder in primary care: The significance of early rapid response" by Carlos M. Grilo, Marney A. White, Robin M. Masheb and Ralitza Gueorguieva ( Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology , 2015[Apr], Vol 83[2], 387-394). The axis labels are missing on Figure 3. A corrected figure appears in the correction. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2015-02674-001 .) Objective: We examined rapid response among obese patients with binge-eating disorder (BED) in a randomized clinical trial testing antiobesity medication and self-help cognitive–behavioral therapy (shCBT), alone and in combination, in primary-care settings. Method: One hundred four obese patients with BED were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: sibutramine, placebo, shCBT + sibutramine, or shCBT + placebo. Treatments were delivered by generalist primary-care physicians and the medications were given double-blind. Independent assessments were performed by trained and monitored doctoral research clinicians monthly throughout treatment, posttreatment (4 months), and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups (i.e., 16 months after randomization). Rapid response, defined as ≥65% reduction in binge eating by the fourth treatment week, was used to predict outcomes. Results: Rapid response characterized 47% of patients, was unrelated to demographic and baseline clinical characteristics, and was significantly associated, prospectively, with remission from binge eating at posttreatment (51% vs. 9% for nonrapid responders), 6-month (53% vs. 23.6%), and 12-month (46.9% vs. 23.6%) follow-ups. Mixed-effects model analyses revealed that rapid response was significantly associated with greater decreases in binge-eating or eating-disorder psychopathology, depression, and percent weight loss. Discussion: Our findings, based on a diverse obese patient group receiving medication and shCBT for BED in primary-care settings, indicate that patients who have a rapid response achieve good clinical outcomes through 12-month follow-ups after ending treatment. Rapid response represents a strong prognostic indicator of clinically meaningful outcomes, even in low-intensity medication and self-help interventions. Rapid response has important clinical implications for stepped-care treatment models for BED. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00537810

Meta-Analytic Procedures for Social Science Research

Article

Oct 1986

Robert Rosenthal

A systematic review of the existing models of disordered eating: Do they inform the development of effective interventions?

Article

Dec 2015
CLIN PSYCHOL REV

Despite significant advances in the development of prevention and treatment interventions for eating disorders and disordered eating over the last decade, there still remains a pressing need to develop more effective interventions. In line with the 2008 Medical Research Council (MRC) evaluation framework from the United Kingdom for the development and evaluation of complex interventions to improve health, the development of sound theory is a necessary precursor to the development of effective interventions. The aim of the current review was to identify the existing models for disordered eating and to identify those models which have helped inform the development of interventions for disordered eating. In addition, we examine the variables that most commonly appear across these models, in terms of future implications for the development of interventions for disordered eating. While an extensive range of theoretical models for the development of disordered eating were identified (N = 54), only ten (18.5%) had progressed beyond mere description and to the development of interventions that have been evaluated. It is recommended that future work examines whether interventions in eating disorders increase in efficacy when developed in line with theoretical considerations, that initiation of new models gives way to further development of existing models, and that there be greater utilisation of intervention studies to inform the development of theory.

Quantifying heterogeneity in a metaanalysis

Article

Jan 2002

A Systematic Review of Predictors and Moderators of Improvement in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia

Article

Sep 2015

Background: Despite the considerable efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for panic disorder (PD) and agoraphobia, a substantial minority of patients fail to improve for reasons that are poorly understood. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify consistent predictors and moderators of improvement in CBT for PD and agoraphobia. Data sources: A systematic review and meta-analysis of articles was conducted using PsycInfo and PubMed. Search terms included panic, agoraphobi*, cognitive behavio*, CBT, cognitive therapy, behavio* therapy, CT, BT, exposure, and cognitive restructuring. Study selection: Studies were limited to those employing semi-structured diagnostic interviews and examining change on panic- or agoraphobia-specific measures. Data extraction: The first author extracted data on study characteristics, prediction analyses, effect sizes, and indicators of study quality. Interrater reliability was confirmed. Synthesis: 52 papers met inclusion criteria. Agoraphobic avoidance was the most consistent predictor of decreased improvement, followed by low expectancy for change, high levels of functional impairment, and Cluster C personality pathology. Other variables were consistently unrelated to improvement in CBT, understudied, or inconsistently related to improvement. Limitations: Many studies were underpowered and failed to report effect sizes. Tests of moderation were rare. Conclusions: Apart from agoraphobic avoidance, few variables consistently predict improvement in CBT for PD and/or agoraphobia across studies.

The impact of early symptom change and therapeutic alliance on treatment outcome in cognitive-Behavioraltherapy for eating disorders

Article

Aug 2015

The present study explored the impact of early symptom change (cognitive and behavioural) and the early therapeutic alliance on treatment outcome in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for the eating disorders. Participants were 94 adults with diagnosed eating disorders who completed a course of CBT in an out-patient community eating disorders service in the UK. Patients completed a measure of eating disorder psychopathology at the start of treatment, following the 6th session and at the end of treatment. They also completed a measure of therapeutic alliance following the 6th session. Greater early reduction in dietary restraint and eating concerns, and smaller levels of change in shape concern, significantly predicted later reduction in global eating pathology. The early therapeutic alliance was strong across the three domains of tasks, goals and bond. Early symptom reduction was a stronger predictor of later reduction in eating pathology than early therapeutic alliance. The early therapeutic alliance did not mediate the relationship between early symptom reduction and later reduction in global eating pathology. Instead, greater early symptom reduction predicted a strong early therapeutic alliance. Early clinical change was the strongest predictor of treatment outcome and this also facilitated the development of a strong early alliance. Clinicians should be encouraged to deliver all aspects of evidence-based CBT, including behavioural change. The findings suggest that this will have a positive impact on both the early therapeutic alliance and later change in eating pathology. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predictors of treatment outcome in individuals with eating disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Article

Jul 2015
INT J EAT DISORDER

Understanding the factors that predict a favourable outcome following specialist treatment for an eating disorder may assist in improving treatment efficacy, and in developing novel interventions. This review and meta-analysis examined predictors of treatment outcome and drop-out. A literature search was conducted to identify research investigating predictors of outcome in individuals treated for an eating disorder. We organized predictors first by statistical type (simple, meditational, and moderational), and then by category. Average weighted mean effect sizes (r) were calculated for each category of predictor. The most robust predictor of outcome at both end of treatment (EoT) and follow-up was the meditational mechanism of greater symptom change early during treatment. Simple baseline predictors associated with better outcomes at both EoT and follow-up included higher BMI, fewer binge/purge behaviors, greater motivation to recover, lower depression, lower shape/weight concern, fewer comorbidities, better interpersonal functioning and fewer familial problems. Drop-out was predicted by more binge/purge behaviors and lower motivation to recover. For most predictors, there was large interstudy variability in effect sizes, and outcomes were operationalized in different ways. There were generally insufficient studies to allow analysis of predictors by eating disorder subtype or treatment type. To ensure that this area continues to develop with robust and clinically relevant findings, future studies should adopt a consistent definition of outcome and continue to examine complex multivariate predictor models. Growth in this area will allow for stronger conclusions to be drawn about the prediction of outcome for specific diagnoses and treatment types. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sudden gains and critical sessions in CBT for depression

Article

Dec 1999

In this study of cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression, many patients experienced large symptom improvements in a single between sessions. These sudden gains' average magnitude was 11 Beck Depression Inventory points, accounting for 50% of these patients' total improvement. Patients who experienced sudden gains were: less depressed than the other patients at posttreatment, and they remained so IB months later. Substantial cognitive changes were observed in the therapy sessions preceding sudden gains, but few cognitive! changes were observed in control sessions, suggesting that cognitive change in the pregain sessions triggered the sudden gains, improved therapeutic alliances were also observed in the therapy sessions immediately after the sudden gains, as were additional cognitive changes, suggesting a three-stage model for these patients' recovery: preparation --> critical session/sudden gain --> upward spiral.

Rapid Response in Psychological Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder

Article

Apr 2015
J CONSULT CLIN PSYCH

Analysis of short- and long-term effects of rapid response across 3 different treatments for binge eating disorder (BED). In a randomized clinical study comparing interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), cognitive-behavioral therapy guided self-help (CBTgsh), and behavioral weight loss (BWL) treatment in 205 adults meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV; APA, 1994) criteria for BED, the predictive value of rapid response, defined as ≥70% reduction in binge eating by Week 4, was determined for remission from binge eating and global eating disorder psychopathology at posttreatment, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month follow-ups. Rapid responders in CBTgsh, but not in IPT or BWL, showed significantly greater rates of remission from binge eating than nonrapid responders, which was sustained over the long term. Rapid and nonrapid responders in IPT and rapid responders in CBTgsh showed a greater remission from binge eating than nonrapid responders in CBTgsh and BWL. Rapid responders in CBTgsh showed greater remission from binge eating than rapid responders in BWL. Although rapid responders in all treatments had lower global eating disorder psychopathology than nonrapid responders in the short term, rapid responders in CBTgsh and IPT were more improved than those in BWL and nonrapid responders in each treatment. Rapid responders in BWL did not differ from nonrapid responders in CBTgsh and IPT. Rapid response is a treatment-specific positive prognostic indicator of sustained remission from binge eating in CBTgsh. Regarding an evidence-based, stepped-care model, IPT, equally efficacious for rapid and nonrapid responders, could be investigated as a second-line treatment in case of nonrapid response to first-line CBTgsh. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Empirically defining rapid response to intensive treatment to maximize prognostic utility for bulimia nervosa and purging disorder

Article

May 2015

Rapid response (RR) to eating disorder treatment has been reliably identified as a predictor of post-treatment and sustained remission, but its definition has varied widely. Although signal detection methods have been used to empirically define RR thresholds in outpatient settings, RR to intensive treatment has not been investigated. This study investigated the optimal definition of RR to day hospital treatment for bulimia nervosa and purging disorder. Participants were 158 patients who completed ≥6 weeks of day hospital treatment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to create four definitions of RR that could differentiate between remission and nonremission at the end of treatment. Definitions were based on binge/vomit episode frequency or percent reduction from pre-treatment, during either the first four or first two weeks of treatment. All definitions were associated with higher remission rates in rapid compared to nonrapid responders. Only one definition (i.e., ≤3 episodes in the first four weeks of treatment) predicted sustained remission (versus relapse) at 6- and 12-month follow-up. These findings provide an empirically derived definition of RR to intensive eating disorder treatment, and provide further evidence that early change is an important prognostic indicator. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predicting Meaningful Outcomes to Medication and Self-Help Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder in Primary Care: The Significance of Early Rapid Response

Article

Jan 2015
J CONSULT CLIN PSYCH

Objective: We examined rapid response among obese patients with binge-eating disorder (BED) in a randomized clinical trial testing antiobesity medication and self-help cognitive-behavioral therapy (shCBT), alone and in combination, in primary-care settings. Method: One hundred four obese patients with BED were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: sibutramine, placebo, shCBT + sibutramine, or shCBT + placebo. Treatments were delivered by generalist primary-care physicians and the medications were given double-blind. Independent assessments were performed by trained and monitored doctoral research clinicians monthly throughout treatment, posttreatment (4 months), and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups (i.e., 16 months after randomization). Rapid response, defined as ≥65% reduction in binge eating by the fourth treatment week, was used to predict outcomes. Results: Rapid response characterized 47% of patients, was unrelated to demographic and baseline clinical characteristics, and was significantly associated, prospectively, with remission from binge eating at posttreatment (51% vs. 9% for nonrapid responders), 6-month (53% vs. 23.6%), and 12-month (46.9% vs. 23.6%) follow-ups. Mixed-effects model analyses revealed that rapid response was significantly associated with greater decreases in binge-eating or eating-disorder psychopathology, depression, and percent weight loss. Discussion: Our findings, based on a diverse obese patient group receiving medication and shCBT for BED in primary-care settings, indicate that patients who have a rapid response achieve good clinical outcomes through 12-month follow-ups after ending treatment. Rapid response represents a strong prognostic indicator of clinically meaningful outcomes, even in low-intensity medication and self-help interventions. Rapid response has important clinical implications for stepped-care treatment models for BED. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00537810 (PsycINFO Database Record

Predictors of rapid relapse in bulimia nervosa: Predictors of Rapid Relapse

Article

Dec 2014
INT J EAT DISORDER

Objective Relapse remains a significant concern in bulimia nervosa, with some patients relapsing within months of treatment completion. The purpose of the study was to identify predictors of relapse within the first 6 months following treatment.Method The 116 participants were bingeing and/or vomiting ≥ 8 times per month before day hospital (DH), and had ≤ 2 episodes per month in the last month of DH and the first month after DH. Rapid relapse was defined as ≥ 8 episodes per month for 3 months starting within 6 months.ResultsThe rate of rapid relapse was 27.6%. Patients who relapsed soon after DH had higher frequencies of bingeing and vomiting before treatment, engaged in less body avoidance before treatment and were more likely to be slow responders to treatment. Weight and shape concerns and body checking were not significant predictors.DiscussionMore frequent bulimic symptoms accompanied by less body avoidance may indicate an entrenchment in the illness which in turn augurs a labored and transient response to DH treatment that is difficult to sustain after intensive treatment ends. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014)

It’s complicated: The relation between cognitive change procedures, cognitive change, and symptom change in cognitive therapy for depression

Article

Dec 2014
CLIN PSYCHOL REV

Psychotherapy: Process, Mechanisms, and Science-Practice Integration

Article

Jan 2015

James F. Boswell

I received the Early Career Award from Division 29 and the American Psychological Foundation in 2013. In this article, I briefly review some of my research areas, relevant issues, and future directions. Specifically, I focus on 3 core research areas: psychotherapy process-outcome, psychotherapy integration, and science-practice integration. Within each of these core areas, I also touch on important methodological issues. In addition, I argue that progress in the field will require the application of diverse research methods, spanning basic and applied areas, as well as interdisciplinary and interinstitutional collaboration. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

An Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Article

Mar 2009

IntroductionIndividual studiesThe summary effectHeterogeneity of effect sizesSummary points

Multiple measures of rapid response as predictors of remission in cognitive behavior therapy for bulimia nervosa

Article

Nov 2014
BEHAV RES THER

Bulimia nervosa (BN) treatment studies consistently observe that substantial reductions in purging frequency after four weeks of treatment predict outcome. Although baseline levels of other variables have been compared to change in purging, measures of early change in other domains have not been examined. This study aimed to compare percentage change in purging, depression, and cognitive eating disorder (ED) symptoms for associations with BN remission post-treatment and at six months follow-up. Data from N = 43 patients with BN in a clinical trial comparing the broad and focused versions of enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E; Fairburn, 2008) were utilized. Measures included self-reported purging frequency, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score, and a mean of items from the Eating Disorder Inventory Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness subscales. Results indicated that both percentage change in purging frequency and percentage change in BDI score at week four/session eight were significantly associated with remission at termination. The optimal cutoffs for purging change and BDI score change were 65% decrease and 25% decrease respectively. Only change in BDI score at week four significantly predicted remission at six-month follow-up. These data suggest that change in depressive symptoms may be as important as ED symptom change to predict outcome in some groups.

Short-term Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder: Long-term efficacy and predictors of long-term treatment success

Article

May 2014
BEHAV RES THER

A Closer Look at the Treatment Rationale and Homework Compliance in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression

Article

Jun 2000

This study examined the relationships between acceptance of the treatment rationale (ATR), homework compliance, and change during cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression. By evaluating the associations between these variables over time it was possible to compare competing theories of change in CBT. Clients meeting criteria for major depression (N = 150) were assessed longitudinally for their reaction to the treatment rationale and homework compliance over the course of a 20-session treatment. The results suggest that both ATR and homework compliance make independent contributions to predicting within-treatment change and treatment outcome. There was no evidence that compliance mediates the effect of ATR on treatment outcome. These findings support a multiprocess model of change in CBT. Acceptance of the treatment rationale may facilitate involvement in treatment and nonspecific change processes, while compliance with homework assignments contributes to additional change. We discuss these findings in regard to alternative theories of change and the dissemination of CBT to real-world clinical settings.

Therapeutic alliance in Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for bulimia nervosa: Probably necessary but definitely insufficient

Article

May 2014
BEHAV RES THER

Rapid response to eating disorder treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

No full-text available

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