COMPARING A NOVEL, GROUP-BASED GUIDED SELF-HELP TO UNGUIDED SELF-HELP FOR THE TREATMENT OF BINGE-EATING DISORDER IN ADULTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

This thesis assessed the efficacy of a 3-session, group-based, guided self-help treatment for binge-eating disorder (BED) called Binge Focused Therapy (BFT). In a parallel-group randomized controlled trial, adults with mild–severe BED were randomized to virtual BFT or a traditional unguided self-help approach for binge eating. Outcomes were collected via self-report questionnaires at Baseline, Week 6, Week 10 (posttreatment), 6-, and 12-month follow-up. We hypothesized that BFT (n=82) would lead to better outcomes and lower treatment attrition than unguided self-help (n=82). Our intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated a significant effect of treatment group on BED symptomatology (primary outcome), binge frequency, general ED symptomatology, clinical impairment, confidence to change binge eating, BED remission, and treatment attrition, with the BFT group reporting greater improvements and lower dropout. We did not find evidence of a significant effect of group on binge-eating abstinence. Findings provide initial support for the use of BFT to treat BED.