Effectiveness of internet‐based guided self‐help for binge‐eating disorder and characteristics of completers versus noncompleters

Abstract

Objective: Binge-eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, accompanied by a lack of control and feelings of shame. Online intervention is a promising, accessible treatment approach for BED. In the current study, we compared completers with noncompleters in a 10-session guided internet-based treatment program (iBED) based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Methods: Adults (N = 75) with mild to moderate BED participated in iBED with weekly written support from psychologists. Participants were compared on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), diagnostic criteria for BED (BED-Q), major depression inventory (MDI), quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), body mass index (BMI) and sociodemographic variables. Results: Minor differences were observed between completers and noncompleters on depression. No differences were found in BED-symptoms, BMI, and sociodemographic variables. Participants who completed treatment showed large reductions in eating disorder pathology. Discussion: More research is needed to determine risk factors for attrition or treatment outcome in internet-based interventions for BED. It is suggested that iBED is an efficient intervention for BED. However, more studies of internet-interventions are needed.

Traumatic stress, body shame, and internalized weight stigma as mediators of change in disordered eating: a single-arm pilot study of the Body Trust® framework

“…The rate of post-program completion was another important weakness. Though a severe limitation to our ability to draw firm conclusions, this is unfortunately not out of line with previous reports of dropout and/or completion of post-program assessments in internet-based programs for psychological treatments (Jensen et al, 2020;Melville et al, 2010). Linardon and Fuller-Tyszkiewicz (2020) showed in a systematic review of attrition in smartphone-based trials that studies with enrollment occurring entirely online (i.e., no face-to-face meeting with study personnel) had an average of 43.4% attrition while those with in-person enrollment showed only an 11.2% attrition.…”

“…Thirty-two participants responded to the followup questionnaire for a response rate of 46%. Unfortunately, low completion and follow-up rates are relatively typical of online-based intervention trials (e.g., Jensen et al, 2020) and reports of quality outcomes data as well (e.g., Lowe et al, 2003). The present study was approved as an 'exempt' protocol by the author's Institutional Review Board (IRB-FY2020-116).…”

“…With everyday adoption of Internet use in recent years, clinicians and researchers alike have harnessed technology to broaden eating disorder treatment access (e.g., Agras et al, 2017;Barr Taylor et al, 2020;Moessner et al, 2016;Tregarthen et al, 2019). Early data suggest digitized treatments are a promising delivery method for eating disorder interventions, particularly those involving binge eating (Aardoom et al, 2013;Barakat et al, 2019;Bedrosian et al, 2011;Jensen et al, 2020). Given stigma and shame are noted as significant barriers to care, as well as major underlying issues in eating disorders (e.g., Duarte et al, 2016;Swan & Andrews, 2003;Wacker, 2018), internet-based treatments may be a useful tool for aiding people with disclosure difficulties, fears of judgment by healthcare providers, and other treatment barriers (Machado & Rodrigues, 2019;Sánchez-Ortiz et al, 2011).…”

Baseline Predictors of Attrition in a Randomised Controlled Trial of a New Group Psychological Intervention for People with Recurrent Binge Eating Episodes Associated to Overweight or Obesity

“…This present paper examines the pre-treatment characteristics of participants, knowledge of which may aid clinicians in tailoring or targeting therapy efforts cognizant that people with these characteristics may be more likely to disengage with the therapy. It is also clear that more studies need to be done to determine risk factors for attrition or treatment outcome in internet-based interventions for BED [5]. Jensen et al [5] found minor differences between completers and non-completers on depression and no differences in BED-symptoms, BMI, and sociodemographic variables.…”

“…It is also clear that more studies need to be done to determine risk factors for attrition or treatment outcome in internet-based interventions for BED [5]. Jensen et al [5] found minor differences between completers and non-completers on depression and no differences in BED-symptoms, BMI, and sociodemographic variables. Participants who completed treatment showed large reductions in eating disorder pathology.…”