Patients' views on a new treatment for Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder combining physical exercise and dietary therapy (the PED-t). A qualitative study

"I feel so small and big at the same time"-exploring body experience and binge eating disorder following inpatient treatment: a qualitative study

Background

Limited research into binge eating disorder (BED), a low treatment rate, and a lack of treatment rights, reflects a marginalized disorder in society and a treatment context.

Aim

The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the psychopathology of BED, by exploring the patients' meanings related to the disorder and the role of the body in the treatment of BED.

Method

Qualitative methodology using a reflexive thematic analysis. The data material is based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with six cis-gendered women who had previously completed an inpatient treatment program for BED at a department for EDs and met the criteria for 307.51 Binge Eating Disorder in DSM-5.

Results

The qualitative analysis rendered two meta-themes comprising six themes and 12 subthemes. The initial meta-theme was "Relational challenges and feelings could not be talked about at home." The secondary meta-theme was "Body contempt disturbs the experience of self and others" and the third was "Their body has not been a theme in previous treatment." This categorization depicts a narrative of the disorder in terms of development, current condition, and experiences with prior treatment.

Discussion

The findings indicate that shame and disgust are central to playing pivotal roles in the embodiment of BED, highlighting the significance of addressing one's relationship with their body for achieving recovery and preventing an experienced repetition of the perceived rejection as a child.

"To exercise sustainably" - Patients' experiences of compulsive exercise in eating disorders and the Compulsive Exercise Activity Therapy (LEAP) as a treatment: a qualitative interview study

BACKGROUND

Compulsive exercise is common in eating disorders (EDs), but a systematic treatment model is lacking. The CompuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy (LEAP) is a cognitive behavioral therapy treatment for compulsive exercise in EDs, delivered by trained therapists in groups over four consecutive weeks (8 groupsessions and 1 individual session), aiming to promote healthy physical activity. LEAP is currently evaluated in a randomized efficacy trial. In parallel, it is crucial to learn more about how it is perceived by qualitatively investigating participants' subjective experiences.

METHODS

Nine patients with various EDs participating in the LEAP trial were interviewed about their experiences of taking part in LEAP and about compulsive exercise as an ED symptom using a semi-structured interview guide. The interview transcripts were analyzed according to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The informants expressed that compulsive exercise had not been addressed in their standard ED treatment and that LEAP as such provided an important complement, spurring reflection, awareness, and changed feelings and behaviors in relation to compulsive exercise. Initially, increased PA was triggered for some, but this side effect was transitory. A wish for more treatment time, in terms of longer or additional sessions, was expressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, LEAP seemed to fill an important treatment need and seemed both acceptable and feasible to patients. However, treatment time and the initial increase in PA may need further investigation and attention in order to optimize this treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry (registration date 20200325), trial ID ISRCTN80711391.

Implementation of Group-Based Exercise Programs in Physiotherapy: A Rapid Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

This review synthesized implementation literature on group-based exercise programs in physiotherapy. MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for English and French articles published between 2000 and 2022. Through a two-step process (titles/abstracts and full text), two independent reviewers selected studies. The independent reviewers then extracted data and assessed study quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A total of 31 studies involving 4555 participants were included. Data on the group-based programs were extracted using the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template and reported narratively. Implementation outcomes were reported narratively. The most frequently reported constructs pertained to feasibility and acceptability. Overall, the implementation of group-based programs appeared to be feasible, yielding high rates of adherence and attendance (between 36% and 91%), moderate-to-high completion rates (between 46% and 100%), low-to-moderate dropout rates (between 4.5% and 35.9%), and high satisfaction (satisfaction scores generally ranging above 7/10). The present findings also indicate a high acceptability for group-based physiotherapy exercise programs among patients. This review provided an overview of the literature on the implementation of group-based exercise programs in physiotherapy. In addition, it identified the need for more evidence on fidelity and costs. Future research should address these gaps to better inform healthcare stakeholders.

Expectations of a new eating disorder treatment and its delivery: Perspectives of patients and new therapists

BACKGROUND

A significant number of people with bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge-eating disorder (BED) do not seek professional help. Important reasons include limited knowledge of eating disorders (EDs), feelings of shame, treatment costs, and restricted access to specialized healthcare. In this study, we explored if a novel therapy delivered in a primary care setting could overcome these barriers. We investigated factors such as motivation and expectations and included the patients' and newly trained therapists' perspectives.

METHOD

We interviewed 10 women with BN (n = 2) or BED (n = 8), enrolled in the Physical Exercise and Dietary therapy (PED-t) program, in a Healthy Life Center (HLC) located in a primary healthcare facility. Interview topics discussed were motivations for and expectations of therapy, and the treatment location. In addition, 10 therapists from HLC's were interviewed on their experiences with the PED-t training program and expectations of running PED-t within their service. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Most patients had limited knowledge about EDs and first realized the need for professional help after learning about PED-t. Patients exhibited strong motivations for treatment and a positive perception of both the PED-t, the new treatment setting, and the therapists' competencies. The therapists, following a brief training program, felt confident in their abilities to treat EDs and provide PED-t. With minor operational adjustments, PED-t can seamlessly be integrated into national HLC service locations.

CONCLUSION

PED-t is an accessible therapeutic service that can be delivered in a primary care environment in a stepped-care therapy model.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

This study investigates the views and experiences of patients and newly trained therapists of PED-t (Physical Exercise and Dietary therapy), a new program-led primary care therapy for binge-eating spectrum eating disorders. The treatment and the locations for the intervention, that is, local health care centers, were found to be highly acceptable to both patients and therapists, thus PED-t could easily be integrated as a first step into a step-care delivery model.

"I Need Someone to Help Me Build Up My Strength": A Meta-Synthesis of Lived Experience Perspectives on the Role and Value of a Dietitian in Eating Disorder Treatment

Dietitians are included in eating disorder (ED) treatment teams for their expertise in nutrition. However, little is known about an individual's experience of dietetic intervention as part of their ED treatment and what they value as part of dietetic care. Therefore, the aim of this review was to synthesise the available qualitative literature to understand the role and value of a dietitian in ED treatment from the perspective of individuals with lived experience. Six databases and Google Scholar were searched and a thematic synthesis and meta-synthesis of fifteen studies were conducted. Four themes were constructed from the data: (1) "guidance and structure"-Provision of nutrition knowledge and skills; (2) "having all my bases covered"-Dietitians as part of a multidisciplinary team; (3) Challenges in nutritional treatment; and (4) "it was my treatment and my recovery"-Person-centred dietetic treatment. Across all identified themes was the cross-cutting theme of a shared treatment journey between the dietitian and the individual receiving treatment. These findings support dietitians having a role that is not limited only to the provision of nutrition treatment in ED care and illustrates the importance of dietitians engaging with clients by centring on the individual's needs and preferences. Further understanding helpful dietetic treatment components and identifying gaps in training is needed to develop these broader roles for dietetic care.

Experiences of living with binge eating disorder and facilitators of recovery processes: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder worldwide. BED is often associated with low quality of life and mental health problems. Given the complexity of the disorder, recovery may be challenging. Since BED was only recently specified as a diagnostic category by the World Health Organization (2021), little is known about how patients experience living with BED in everyday life. This study aimed to explore how patients experience living with BED and to investigate factors perceived as facilitating recovery.

METHOD

Individual interviews were conducted with six patients in a rehabilitation programme for recovery from BED. Interviews were conducted digitally and verbally transcribed between December 2020 and January 2021. The analysis was based on Malterud's systematic text condensation.

RESULTS

Being diagnosed with BED could be experienced as a relief. The participants perceived living with BED as a challenging addiction. They struggled with a low self-image and experienced a lack of understanding from others, resulting in shame. Self-compassion and social support from friends and family and through participation in a rehabilitation programme were important facilitators of recovery.

CONCLUSION

Participants perceived living with BED as a challenging addiction. They struggled with low self-esteem and experienced a lack of understanding from others, resulting in shame. Being diagnosed with BED was perceived as a relief. They appreciated that issues related to mental health were addressed during rehabilitation to better understand the complexity of BED. Knowledge about BED, as well as the difficulties of living with BED among family members and friends might help patients with BED feel less ashamed of their disorder and could thus contribute to increased self-compassion.

Effectiveness and acceptability of the physical exercise and dietary therapy in a healthy life center

OBJECTIVE

The high burden of eating disorders (EDs) and limited availability of treatment speaks of a need to explore new avenues for treatment delivery. To understand if new treatment avenues are helpful and acceptable to patients, we investigated the effectiveness of Physical Exercise and Dietary Therapy (PED-t) in participants with bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder, and acceptability when the PED-t was implemented in a Healthy Life Center in a municipal primary healthcare service.

METHOD

Exercise physiologists and one dietitian were trained in ED literacy and to run PED-t, before screening women for eligibility. Effectiveness (n = 16) of PED-t and participants' experiences (n = 8) were evaluated by a mixed methods study design. Results were analyzed by relevant statistics and reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Of 19 eligible participants, 16 completed treatment. At post-treatment, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire global score, binge-eating frequency, and symptoms of depression were lower, and nine (56% of completers) were in remission. Participants' treatment experiences were classified into two overarching themes: "competence" and "emotional support." Participants reported high acceptance for PED-t, the local venue and group format, and felt that PED-t provided them with coping tools and increased mental strength. However, many also spoke of an unmet need to address emotional eating.

DISCUSSION

Findings point to a potential for making an effective ED therapy more accessible, and that participants find the local low-threshold delivery within a group-format helpful. With small adjustments, the PED-t could emerge as a promising first-line treatment for bulimic EDs.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Limited access to treatment for EDs, patients' high barriers to help-seeking, and the high rates of limited efficacy from psychotherapy speak of a need to explore new therapies and avenues for delivery. In this study, we build on findings from a controlled ED treatment trial and replicate the beneficial effects and find a high patient acceptance of "physical exercise and diet therapy" implemented in a real, non-clinical setting.

Attitudes toward physical activity as a treatment component for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: An exploratory qualitative study of patient perceptions

OBJECTIVE

Anorexia nervosa (AN) with compulsive exercise is associated with poor treatment outcomes. This study sought to understand the attitudes of adolescents with AN from various stages of treatment, toward physical activity research practices and physical activity as a component of treatment.

METHOD

Seventeen adolescents 12-18 years old (15 female) with AN (10 with acknowledged history of compulsive exercise) were recruited from a Canadian Tertiary Care Hospital's Eating Disorder Program. Six inpatients, 5-day program patients, and six outpatients treated by either the inpatient and/or day treatment program in the past 2 years completed individual, semi-structured interviews that were audio-recorded and transcribed. Results were analyzed deductively using qualitative techniques.

RESULTS

Participants recognized both benefits (psychological, sociological, and physiological) and risks (trigger negative thoughts, increase competitive behavior) of implementing physical activity into acute AN treatment. Patient characteristics, such as stage of treatment and exercise history, had an impact on participants' perceptions toward physical activity in AN. Participants suggested that the ideal physical activity program would be focused on fun, individualized and progressively integrated, group-based, and directly supported by staff. Although the majority of participants stated that they would wear an activity monitor for research purposes, concerns were voiced regarding compliance and the potential impact on eating disorder symptomatology.

DISCUSSION

Participants overwhelmingly supported the careful implementation of structured physical activity and physical activity psychoeducation into the acute treatment of adolescents with AN. This study allows for the inclusion of patient voices in the conversation surrounding the role of physical activity in AN treatment.

Is physical exercise and dietary therapy a feasible alternative to cognitive behavior therapy in treatment of eating disorders? A randomized controlled trial of two group therapies

OBJECTIVE

To compare effects of physical exercise and dietary therapy (PED-t) to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treatment of bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge-eating disorder (BED).

METHOD

The active sample (18-40 years of age) consisted of 76 women in the PED-t condition and 73 in the CBT condition. Participants who chose not to initiate treatment immediately (n = 23) were put on a waiting list. Outcome measures were the eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE-Q), Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and numbers in remission at posttreatment, and at 6-, 12-, and 24-months follow-up.

RESULTS

Both treatment conditions produced medium to strong significant improvements on all outcomes with long-term effect. The PED-t produced a faster improvement in EDE-Q and CIA, but these differences vanished at follow-ups. Only PED-t provided improvements in BDI, still with no between-group difference. Totally, 30-50% of participants responded favorable to treatments, with no statistical between-group difference.

DISCUSSION

Both treatments shared a focus on normalizing eating patterns, correcting basic self-regulatory processes and reducing idealized aesthetic evaluations of self-worth. The results point to the PED-t as an alternative to CBT for BN and BED, although results are limited due to compliance and dropout rates. Replications are needed by independent research groups as well as in more clinical settings.

A new treatment for eating disorders combining physical exercise and dietary therapy (the PED-t): experiences from patients who dropped out

Purpose: Eating disorders (ED) are complex and severe illnesses where evidence-based treatment is needed to recover. However, about half of the patients with ED do not respond to treatments currently available, which call for efforts to expand the portfolio of treatments. The aim of this study was to explore experiences from patients who dropped out of a new treatment for bulimia nervosa and binge ED, combining physical exercise and dietary therapy (PED-t).Methods: We conducted open-ended face-to-face interviews. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data were analysed with a phenomenological hermeneutical approach.Results: Three themes emerged: "standing on the outside", "unmet expectations" and "participation not a waste of time". Feelings of standing on the outside were elicited by being different from other group members and having challenges with sharing thoughts. Unmet expectations were related to treatment content and intensity, as well as the development of unhealthy thoughts and behaviours. Finally, some positive experiences were voiced.Conclusion: A need to clarify pre-treatment expectations and refining criteria for treatment suitability is indicated. The findings have contributed to the chain of clinical evidence regarding the PED-t and may lead to treatment modifications improving the treatment and thereby reducing drop out.

Nutritional Management and Outcomes in Malnourished Medical Inpatients: Anorexia Nervosa

BACKGROUND

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder characterised by a physical and psychosocial deterioration due to an altered pattern on the intake and weight control. The severity of the disease is based on the degree of malnutrition. The objective of this article is to review the scientific evidence of the refeeding process of malnourished inpatients with AN; focusing on the clinical outcome.

METHODS

We conducted an extensive search in Medline and Cochrane; on April 22; 2019; using different search terms. After screening all abstracts; we identified 19 papers that corresponded to our inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The article focuses on evidence on the characteristics of malnutrition and changes in body composition; energy and protein requirements; nutritional treatment; physical activity programmes; models of organisation of the nutritional treatment and nutritional support related outcomes in AN patients.

CONCLUSION

Evidence-based standards for clinical practice with clear outcomes are needed to improve the management of these patients and standardise the healthcare process.