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Silverstein S, Hellner M, Menzel J. Development of a gender-affirming care protocol in eating disorder treatment settings. Eat Disord 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38922313 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2024.2371250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) individuals suffer from eating disorders (EDs) at disproportionate rates relative to their gender-conforming counterparts. While literature on EDs in TGE populations is growing and evolving, best practice guidelines are scant. A framework for providing gender-affirming care (GAC) in an ED treatment setting was developed by integrating findings from a focused literature review and insights from leading experts. Following synchronous and asynchronous training, the protocol was implemented in a virtual ED treatment setting with a national reach serving patients ages 6-24 years. This paper offers a summary of best practices and approaches for providing GAC in ED treatment settings. The use of GAC practices has the potential to address underlying issues and inequities in treatment delivery and outcomes. We encourage ED treatment providers to consider the adoption/adaptation of GAC best practices to more effectively meet the needs of TGE patients. More research is needed to better understand the influence of individual and collective GAC practices on specific ED treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessie Menzel
- Program Development, Equip Health, San Diego, California, USA
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2
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Perry TR, Cai K, Freestone D, Steinberg DM, Bohon C, Menzel JE, Baker JH. Early weight gain as a predictor of weight restoration in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:27. [PMID: 38360833 PMCID: PMC10870495 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00977-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has demonstrated that early weight gain in family-based treatment (FBT) is predictive of remission for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, no published data has addressed if early weight gain is also predictive of reaching weight restoration (i.e., 95% EBW) in patients with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Furthermore, no studies have evaluated the performance of the statistical models used to predict weight restoration at the end of treatment. This study sought to examine whether early weight gain in ARFID is predictive of weight restoration at 20 weeks using ROC analysis. Additionally, this study assessed how accurately the model classified patients and what types of misclassifications occurred. METHODS Participants (n = 130, 57.7% cisgender female 70.0% white) received virtual outpatient FBT. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were used to predict successful weight restoration at end of treatment, using early weight gain as the predictor. Twenty weeks was considered as the end of treatment, to align with the definition of end of treatment in FBT clinical trials. ROC analyses demonstrated that gaining at least 6.2 pounds by week 5 of treatment was the strongest predictor of achieving 95% EBW at 20 weeks (AUC = 0.72 [0.63, 0.81]). ROC analyses misclassified 35% of patients; the most common misclassification was predicting that a patient would not achieve 95% EBW when they actually did (61.6%). A logistical regression model, which included the patients' %EBW at admission in addition to early weight gain as a predictor, outperformed the ROC analyses (AUC = 0.90 [0.85, 0.95]) and provided additional context by showing the probability that a patient would succeed. CONCLUSION Taken together, research demonstrates that early weight gain is a useful predictor of 95% EBW at 20 weeks of treatment for patients with ARFID who require weight restoration. Furthermore, results suggest that statistical models need to take into account additional information, such as %EBW at admission, along with early weight gain in order to more accurately predict which patients will reach weight restoration at week 20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor R Perry
- Equip Health, Inc, 2659 State Street Suite 100 #1012, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, USA.
- State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.
| | - Kelly Cai
- Equip Health, Inc, 2659 State Street Suite 100 #1012, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, USA
| | - David Freestone
- Equip Health, Inc, 2659 State Street Suite 100 #1012, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, USA
| | - Dori M Steinberg
- Equip Health, Inc, 2659 State Street Suite 100 #1012, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, USA
- Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cara Bohon
- Equip Health, Inc, 2659 State Street Suite 100 #1012, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, USA
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jessie E Menzel
- Equip Health, Inc, 2659 State Street Suite 100 #1012, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, USA
| | - Jessica H Baker
- Equip Health, Inc, 2659 State Street Suite 100 #1012, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, USA
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3
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Huffman LG, Lawrence-Sidebottom D, Beam AB, Parikh A, Guerra R, Roots M, Huberty J. Improvements in Adolescents' Disordered Eating Behaviors in a Collaborative Care Digital Mental Health Intervention: Retrospective Observational Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e54253. [PMID: 38294855 PMCID: PMC10867747 DOI: 10.2196/54253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people today are exhibiting increasing rates of disordered eating behaviors, as well as eating disorders (EDs), alongside other mental and behavioral problems such as anxiety and depression. However, limited access to mental health care means that EDs, disordered eating behaviors, and comorbid mental health problems are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) offer accessible and scalable alternatives to traditional treatment modalities, but their effectiveness has not been well established among adolescents with EDs and disordered eating behaviors. OBJECTIVE This study uses data from a collaborative care pediatric DMHI to determine whether participation in a DMHI is associated with a reduction in adolescents' disordered eating behaviors. METHODS Adolescent members in care with Bend Health Inc completed the SCOFF questionnaire at baseline (before the start of care) and approximately every month during care to assess disordered eating behaviors. They also completed assessments of mental health symptoms at baseline. Member characteristics, mental health symptoms, and disordered eating behaviors of adolescents with elevated SCOFF scores at baseline (before the start of care) were compared to those of adolescents with nonelevated SCOFF scores at baseline. Members participated in web-based coaching or therapy sessions throughout the duration of mental health care. RESULTS Compared to adolescents with nonelevated SCOFF scores (n=520), adolescents with elevated SCOFF scores (n=169) were predominantly female and exhibited higher rates of elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms. SCOFF scores decreased over time in care with the DMHI for 61.4% (n=70) of adolescents with elevated SCOFF scores, and each additional month of participation was associated with greater improvements in disordered eating behaviors (F1,233=72.82; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings offer promising preliminary evidence that participation in mental health care with a collaborative care DMHI may be beneficial in the reduction of disordered eating symptoms in adolescents, including those who are experiencing comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Huberty
- Bend Health Inc, Madison, WI, United States
- FitMinded Inc LLC, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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4
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Anderson KE, Han SC, Kavlich SG, Brown S, Ho J, Everhart SA. Adaptation of family-based treatment within an inpatient medical stabilization program for children with eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:1511-1519. [PMID: 37129459 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders are serious psychiatric conditions predominantly affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. While family-based treatment (FBT) is the gold standard outpatient treatment approach for adolescents with restrictive eating disorders, there is not a universally recognized best practice within higher levels of care. There is a particular dearth of literature detailing recommended psychological and behavioral interventions in the inpatient medical setting. METHOD The present article provides an account of how FBT principles have been incorporated in Children's Hospital of Orange County at Mission's inpatient medical stabilization program for children and adolescents with restrictive eating disorders. Practical examples illustrate how key FBT tenets are successfully translated into the inpatient multidisciplinary setting. RESULTS The use of FBT can encourage a unified approach among medical and psychosocial providers and serves to destigmatize patients with eating disorders and associated behaviors. The successes and challenges of FBT implementation are discussed. DISCUSSION Though anecdotal evidence and preliminary findings support positive outcomes from the implementation of FBT within a pediatric medical stabilization program for patients, families, and staff, research is needed to understand best practices within higher levels of care. Additional research efforts will also help elucidate whether adapted FBT can become a standard of care for patients with restrictive eating disorders in inpatient settings. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE This article describes how a children's hospital has adopted family-based treatment (FBT) for youth who are hospitalized due to an eating disorder. FBT is the most efficacious treatment for youth with eating disorders. This article describes specific examples of how FBT can be implemented within a medical setting. This article will support a greater understanding of FBT principles and guide providers to translate FBT into higher level of care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sohyun C Han
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Mission Viejo, California, USA
| | - Sarah G Kavlich
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Mission Viejo, California, USA
| | - Shonda Brown
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Mission Viejo, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Ho
- Children's Hospital of Orange County, Mission Viejo, California, USA
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5
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Steinberg DM, Perry TR, Freestone D, Hellner M, Baker JH, Bohon C. Evaluating differences in setting expected body weight for children and adolescents in eating disorder treatment. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:595-603. [PMID: 36458505 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Weight restoration or weight gain is a common goal in eating disorder treatment. However, approaches to determine expected body weight (EBW) vary. A standardized approach based on normative data for a patient's age and gender uses weight associated with median BMI (mBMI). An individualized approach predicts EBW based on a patient's individual growth trajectory. Little research has examined differences in these approaches. METHOD Weight and clinical data were collected from patients ages 6-20 enrolled in virtual eating disorder treatment. EBW associated with mBMI was compared with EBW using the individualized approach. Linear mixed effects models examined differences in weight, eating disorder symptoms, depression, and anxiety, and whether EBW approach varied by patient characteristics. RESULTS Patients (N = 609) were on average age 15.6 (2.29), 85% were cisgender female, and predominantly diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (83.1%). The individualized approach led to significantly higher EBW on average (mean difference = 8.4 lbs [SE: .75]; p < .001) compared to mBMI; 70% of patients had a higher EBW using the individualized approach. Notably, EBW varied based on gender and diagnosis and it took longer on average to achieve individualized EBW. Time was the strongest predictor of changes in psychosocial outcomes and there were no significant differences by EBW approach. DISCUSSION Results from this study indicate that an individualized approach led to significantly higher EBWs compared with using mBMI. As underestimation of EBW may lead to higher risk of relapse, eating disorder professionals should consider using an individualized approach for setting EBW. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE For eating disorder patients who need to gain weight, accurately estimating target body weight for eating disorder treatment is critical to recovery and preventing relapse. An individualized, patient-centered approach to estimating target body weight more accurately estimated target body weight than the standardized, median body mass index approach. Using an individualized approach to treatment may improve a patient's likelihood of full recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dori M Steinberg
- Equip Health, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA.,Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Taylor R Perry
- Equip Health, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA.,State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Cara Bohon
- Equip Health, Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA.,Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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6
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Pellizzer ML, Wade TD. The effectiveness of lived experience involvement in eating disorder treatment: A systematic review. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:331-349. [PMID: 36372976 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review sought to understand the effectiveness of lived experience mentoring, by people recovered from an eating disorder, with clinical samples currently receiving eating disorder treatment. METHODS The systematic review was conducted using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global and reviewing reference lists of included papers. Articles were included if they: (1) were intervention studies that included peer (recovered from an eating disorder) involvement, (2) delivered the intervention to clinical samples (or carers with direct involvement in treatment), (3) were in English, and (4) included quantitative results. RESULTS Eleven studies were included across randomized control trials (RCTs), case series, and a case study; there was variation in quality. Findings varied considerably with some concluding that lived experience mentoring led to significant improvements for mentees, while other studies found no significant differences. Mentor outcomes were often not evaluated. Of those that did assess mentors, there is preliminary evidence for some benefits to participation but also the potential for harm. DISCUSSION There is a need for further research in this area using high-quality RCTs that address the risk of bias. It is important that lived experience peer mentors are monitored on key outcomes, provided with adequate training and ongoing supervision, and are reimbursed for their involvement. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE This systematic review is the first review to focus on the use of peer mentors recovered from an eating disorder contributing to interventions for people receiving treatment for an eating disorder. All included studies present quantitative results. Given the emerging interest of lived experience mentoring, understanding its effectiveness for both mentees and impacts on mentors continues to be of critical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia L Pellizzer
- Blackbird Initiative, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tracey D Wade
- Blackbird Initiative, Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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7
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Mavragani A, Steinberg D, Baker JH, Blanton C. Digitally Delivered Dietary Interventions for Patients with Eating Disorders Undergoing Family-Based Treatment: Protocol for a Randomized Feasibility Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e41837. [PMID: 36701182 PMCID: PMC9912149 DOI: 10.2196/41837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders (EDs) affect 9% of the United States population, and anorexia nervosa (AN), specifically, has the second highest mortality rate of all psychiatric disorders. Yet, only 20% are able to access treatment. Access to care issues include long waitlists, lack of trained specialists, financial, and geographic barriers, all of which highlight the need for effective telehealth interventions. Family-based therapy (FBT) is a first-line treatment for adolescents and young adults with EDs, and weight gain early in treatment is considered a primary predictor of success with FBT. However, nutrition requirements for patients with EDs are uniquely complex. A variety of dietary interventions for guiding the renourishment process are used in practice, but empirical data on the effectiveness and acceptability of the various interventions are sparse. The significance of nutritional restoration and issues with access to first-line treatments underscore the need for further research exploring virtually delivered dietary interventions. OBJECTIVE Our objective is to compare the effectiveness and acceptability of 2 digitally delivered dietary interventions frequently used in eating disorder treatment settings: (1) calorie-based meal plans and (2) the Plate-by-Plate approach. Specifically, we will explore any potential differences in weight restoration achieved over 8 weeks of treatment as a primary measure of effectiveness, as well as additional treatment outcomes (ED symptoms, anxiety, depression, caregiver burden, and perceived effectiveness and acceptability for both caregivers and clinicians). METHODS Patients (N=100) with either AN or avoidant restrictive food intake disorders (ARFID) aged 6-24 years seeking treatment at a nationwide virtual eating disorder treatment program, were enrolled between May and August 2022. Upon admission, patients were randomly assigned to receive either the calorie-based intervention or Plate-by-Plate approach from their registered dietitian, all of whom have received training as study interventionists. While we were primarily interested in responses during the first 8 weeks of treatment, patients will be followed for up to 12 months. Descriptive statistics were used to describe patient characteristics and demographics. Weight changes and other treatment outcomes between groups will be compared using generalized linear models. Semistructured caregiver and clinician interview transcripts will undergo qualitative analysis. RESULTS Enrollment ran from March to August 2022, and we anticipate completion of data collection by November 2022. Analyses will be completed in January 2023. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to existing FBT literature by thoroughly exploring the acceptability of dietary interventions and their influence on weight restoration, an area in which research is sparse. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/41837.
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8
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Steinberg D, Perry T, Freestone D, Bohon C, Baker JH, Parks E. Effectiveness of delivering evidence-based eating disorder treatment via telemedicine for children, adolescents, and youth. Eat Disord 2023; 31:85-101. [PMID: 35695470 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2022.2076334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Barriers limit access to eating disorder treatment. Evidence-based treatment delivered using telemedicine could expand access. This study determined the effectiveness of enhanced Family-Based Treatment (FBT+) delivered using telemedicine for children and adolescents with eating disorders. Participants had a confirmed eating disorder diagnosis, lived in states where treatment was available, and lived with a family member willing to participate. Virtual FBT+ was administered by a five-person team including a therapist, dietitian, medical provider, peer mentor, and family mentor for up to 12 months. Measures were recorded at baseline and varying frequencies throughout treatment. Weight was self-reported. Eating disorder symptoms were assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire Short Form (EDE-QS) and depression and anxiety were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Caregiver burden and self-efficacy were measured using the Burden Assessment Scale, and Parent Versus Eating Disorder scale. The majority of patients (N = 210; 6 to 24 years old [mean 16 · 1 years]) were cisgender female (83%) White, (71%), required weight restoration (78%), and had anorexia nervosa, restricting type (63%). After 16 weeks, patients on weight restoration gained on average 11 · 3 [9 · 86, 12 · 8] pounds and the average change in EDE-QS score was -6 · 31 [-8 · 67, -4 · 10] points. Similar reductions were seen for depression (-2 · 62 [-4 · 24, -1 · 04]), anxiety (-1 · 44 [-1 · 12, 0 · 78]), and caregiver burden (-4 · 41 [2 · 45, 6 · 31]). Caregiver self-efficacy increased by 4 · 56 [3 · 53, 5 · 61] points. Patients and caregivers reported satisfaction with treatment. Virtual FBT+ for eating disorders can transcend geographical and psychosocial treatment barriers, expanding access to evidence-based eating disorder treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dori Steinberg
- Clinical Department, Equip Health, Carlsbad, California, USA.,Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Taylor Perry
- Clinical Department, Equip Health, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - David Freestone
- Clinical Department, Equip Health, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Cara Bohon
- Clinical Department, Equip Health, Carlsbad, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jessica H Baker
- Clinical Department, Equip Health, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Erin Parks
- Clinical Department, Equip Health, Carlsbad, California, USA
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9
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Dufour R, Novack K, Picard L, Chadi N, Booij L. The use of technology in the treatment of youth with eating disorders: A scoping review. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:182. [PMID: 36434657 PMCID: PMC9700893 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00697-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescence and young adulthood is a high-risk period for the development of eating disorders. In recent years, there has been an increase in use of technology-based interventions (TBIs) for the treatment of eating disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the types of technology used for eating disorder treatment in youth and their effectiveness. METHODS A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Four databases were searched. Eligible articles included: (1) a TBI (2) participants with a mean age between 10- and 25-years and meeting DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria for any eating disorder and (3) qualitative or quantitative designs. Quantitative and qualitative studies were assessed for quality. RESULTS The search identified 1621 articles. After screening of titles and abstracts, 130 articles were read in full and assessed for eligibility by two raters. Forty-nine (29 quantitative and 20 qualitative, observational, or mixed methods studies) met inclusion criteria. Quality ratings indicated that 78% of quantitative studies had a low risk of bias and 22% had a moderate risk. Technologies reviewed in our study included videoconference therapy, mobile applications, and online self-help. We considered interventions used both within sessions with clinicians as well as those used in between sessions by patients alone. Fifteen of 18 (83%) quantitative studies found that TBIs reduce eating disorder symptomatology, with nine of those reporting medium-to-large effect sizes. Qualitative data was of high quality and suggested that virtual interventions are acceptable in this population. CONCLUSIONS Although identified studies are of high quality, they are limited in number. More research is needed, particularly regarding videoconferencing and mobile applications. Nonetheless, TBIs show promise for the treatment of eating disorders in youth. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Dufour
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Kaylee Novack
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Louis Picard
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Nicholas Chadi
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada. .,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Linda Booij
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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10
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Couturier J, Pellegrini D, Grennan L, Nicula M, Miller C, Agar P, Webb C, Anderson K, Barwick M, Dimitropoulos G, Findlay S, Kimber M, McVey G, Paularinne R, Nelson A, DeGagne K, Bourret K, Restall S, Rosner J, Hewitt-McVicker K, Pereira J, McLeod M, Shipley C, Miller S, Boachie A, Engelberg M, Martin S, Holmes-Haronitis J, Lock J. A qualitative evaluation of team and family perceptions of family-based treatment delivered by videoconferencing (FBT-V) for adolescent Anorexia Nervosa during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:111. [PMID: 35883167 PMCID: PMC9321306 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00631-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, outpatient eating disorder care, including Family-Based Treatment (FBT), rapidly transitioned from in-person to virtual delivery in many programs. This paper reports on the experiences of teams and families with FBT delivered by videoconferencing (FBT-V) who were part of a larger implementation study. METHODS Four pediatric eating disorder programs in Ontario, Canada, including their therapists (n = 8), medical practitioners (n = 4), administrators (n = 6), and families (n = 5), participated in our study. We provided FBT-V training and delivered clinical consultation. Therapists recorded and submitted their first four FBT-V sessions. Focus groups were conducted with teams and families at each site after the first four FBT-V sessions. Focus group transcripts were transcribed verbatim and key concepts were identified through line-by-line reading and categorizing of the text. All transcripts were double-coded. Focus group data were analyzed using directed and summative qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Analysis of focus group data from teams and families revealed four overarching categories-pros of FBT-V, cons of FBT-V, FBT-V process, and suggestions for enhancing and improving FBT-V. Pros included being able to treat more patients and developing a better understanding of family dynamics by being virtually invited into the family's home (identified by teams), as well as convenience and comfort (identified by families). Both teams and families recognized technical difficulties as a potential con of FBT-V, yet teams also commented on distractions in family homes as a con, while families expressed difficulties in developing therapeutic rapport. Regarding FBT-V process, teams and families discussed the importance and challenge of patient weighing at home. In terms of suggestions for improvement, teams proposed assessing a family's suitability or motivation for FBT-V to ensure it would be appropriate, while families strongly suggested implementing hybrid models of FBT in the future which would include some in-person and some virtual sessions. CONCLUSION Team and family perceptions of FBT-V were generally positive, indicating acceptability and feasibility of this treatment. Suggestions for improved FBT-V practices were made by both groups, and require future investigation, such as examining hybrid models of FBT that involve in-person and virtual elements. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04678843 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Couturier
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. .,McMaster Children's Hospital, 1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada.
| | | | | | | | - Catherine Miller
- Canadian Mental Health Association - Waterloo Wellington, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Agar
- McMaster Children's Hospital, 1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Cheryl Webb
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,McMaster Children's Hospital, 1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | | | - Melanie Barwick
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sheri Findlay
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,McMaster Children's Hospital, 1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | | | - Gail McVey
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Aylee Nelson
- St. Joseph's Care Group, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Shelley Restall
- Canadian Mental Health Association - Waterloo Wellington, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | | | - Kim Hewitt-McVicker
- Canadian Mental Health Association - Waterloo Wellington, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | | | - Martha McLeod
- Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sherri Miller
- Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmed Boachie
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, ON, Canada
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11
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Bulik CM. From Awareness to Action: An Urgent Call to Address the Inadequacy of Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa. Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:786-788. [PMID: 34516232 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21070697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Bulik
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
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