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Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders adapted for a group setting
Author(s) -
Wade Stephanie,
Byrne Sue,
Allen Karina
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.22723
Subject(s) - eating disorders , psychology , group psychotherapy , psychotherapist , cognition , cognitive therapy , clinical psychology , cognitive behavioral therapy , bulimia nervosa , psychiatry
Objective This randomized control trial is an evaluation of the effectiveness of enhanced cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT‐E) for eating disorders adapted for a group setting. The study aimed to examine the effects of group CBT‐E on eating disorder psychopathology and additional maintaining pathology. Method A transdiagnostic sample of individuals with eating disorders with a BMI ≥ 18 kg/m 2 ( N = 40) were randomized to an immediate‐start or delayed‐start condition so as to compare therapeutic effects of group CBT‐E with a waitlist control. Global Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) scores, BMI, and measures of Clinical Perfectionism, Self‐Esteem, Interpersonal Difficulties, and Mood Intolerance were measured across the 8‐week control period, throughout the group treatment and at 3‐months post‐treatment. Results Over 70% of those who entered the trial completed treatment. The first eight weeks of group CBT‐E were more effective at reducing Global EDE‐Q scores than no treatment (waitlist control). By post‐treatment, good outcome (a Global EDE‐Q within 1 SD of Australian community norms plus BMI ≥ 18.5) was achieved by 67.9% of treatment completers and 66.7% of the total sample. Symptom abstinence within the previous month was reported by 14.3% of treatment completers and 10.3% of the total sample. Significant reductions in Clinical Perfectionism, Self‐Esteem, Interpersonal Difficulties, and Mood Intolerance were also observed. Discussion This study demonstrated that a group version of CBT‐E can be effective at reducing eating disorder psychopathology in a transdiagnostic sample of individuals with eating disorders. Group CBT‐E could provide a means of increasing availability of evidence‐based treatment for eating disorders.