3 - (SYM 60) Comparing Digital, Cbt-based Guided and Automated Self-help Programs for Eating Disorders

Saturday, November 16, 2024

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM EST

Location: Grand Ballroom E, Level 5, Downtown Marriott

Speaker(s)

Shiri Sadeh-Sharvit, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)

Chief Clinical Officer
Eleos Health
Palo Alto, California, United States

Co-author(s)

DW

Denise Wilfley, Ph.D.

Professor
Washington University School Of Medicine in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Abstract Body
Eating disorders (EDs) pose significant challenges for individuals worldwide, necessitating accessible and effective interventions. This 3-arm randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of two digital self-help programs for women with EDs, comparing guided self-help (GSH) and pure self-help (PSH) modalities against usual care (UC). Of 5,576 individuals screening positive for an ED, 12% consented and completed baseline assessments. A total of 667 adult females with EDs (except anorexia nervosa) were randomly assigned to GSH, PSH, or UC and followed for 6 months. The everyBody program, comprising 21 sessions covering psychoeducation, self-monitoring, skill training, and homework, was delivered digitally to GSH and PSH participants, with graduate students facilitating the GSH intervention. Baseline, 2- and 6-month follow-up assessments were conducted. Of the 667 participants assigned to one of the intervention arms, 70-73% engaged with the digital platform. No significant baseline group differences emerged. At baseline, approximately 10% of participants received other ED treatments. Participants also held low expectations of program efficacy. Mixed effects modeling (intention-to-treat analysis) revealed at 6 months large effects for EDs symptoms in the GSH program (Cohen’s d = 0.75) and medium for PSH (d = 0.56). Effect sizes for depression and anxiety symptoms in GSH and PSH were small to medium (d = 0.19-0.50). Participants randomized to UC reported smaller symptom reductions. Findings suggest low-intensity interventions led by paraprofessionals can alleviate ED and co-occurring symptoms, enhancing treatment accessibility, efficacy, and engagement.