A recent JAMA Network Open study assessed the effectiveness of web-based self-help interventions in alleviating binge eating disorder (BED). Here are some details, including the findings and the conclusions.
Why BED?
We’ve covered it many times before, but let’s recall that BED is defined as uncontrolled overeating that can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Prolonged BED can reduce the affected person’s quality of life, negatively impact social relationships, and compromise their ability to perform their job well. Without a timely intervention, BED can become chronic and even lead to premature death.
CBT and its barriers
Some studies have demonstrated that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can serve as an effective BED intervention, as well as positively affect the eating disorders bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.
Unfortunately, some people with BED don’t seek in-person psychotherapy because of such barriers as treatment costs, lack of availability, and sociocultural stigma.
This is where web-based cognitive behavioral interventions come in, thanks to their ease of implementation, availability, reduced social stigma, and cost-effectiveness. This avenue has been growing in popularity for these reasons, making BED treatment more accessible.
About the study
The study involved a randomized clinical trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention for BED. Researchers measured changes in eating disorder symptoms, well-being, co-morbid psychopathology, self-esteem, emotion regulation, and clinical impairment. Weekly symptom monitoring and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) were used to track real-time changes in binge eating.
Participants were recruited from Germany and other German-speaking regions in Europe. Eligible participants were 18-65 years old, owned a smartphone, and were diagnosed with BED according to the DSM-5 criteria. They were randomly assigned to either a control group (waiting list) or a web-based treatment group. Assessments were conducted at baseline, six weeks (mid-treatment), and 12 weeks (post-treatment).
The intervention consisted of six mandatory modules covering psychoeducation, self-monitoring of binge eating, emotion regulation, and interactive exercises. A sequential module-access strategy was employed to engage participants in a personalized manner.
Study findings
The study found significant changes in BED patterns from baseline to 12 weeks in the intervention group. Out of 1,602 patients, 154 met the eligibility criteria and were recruited, with 77 participants in each group. The intervention group reported fewer binge-eating episodes and showed significant improvements in global eating psychopathology and clinical impairment.
Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D., discussing the study results, writes:
“The intervention’s efficacy exceeded or was similar to previously documented digital interventions, as well as in-person guided and unguided self-help interventions for BED.
Notably, the levels of improvement observed in the intervention group were consistent with or surpassed those associated with in-person CBT interventions, thus confirming the clinical applicability of web-based cognitive behavioral self-help interventions.”
The study noted that participants’ motivation, attitudes towards online interventions, demographic characteristics, and treatment expectations influenced the positive effects of the web-based intervention.
The bottom line
The study demonstrates that web-based cognitive behavioral self-help interventions can significantly improve the well-being of people with BED, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments. However, the study had some limitations, including the under-representation of males and older adults, and potential biases due to the self-report design. Future research can address these limitations through methodologies like double-blind designs.
Your responses and feedback are welcome!
Source: “Web-based self-help program proves effective in treating binge eating disorder,” News-Medical.net, 5/19/24
Source: “Effectiveness of a Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Self-Help Intervention for Binge Eating Disorder,” JAMA Network Open, 5/16/24
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