Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
04:48
Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
A randomized wait-list controlled pilot study of dialectical behaviour therapy guided self-help for binge eating
Philip C Masson1, Kristin M von Ranson, Laurel M Wallace
1Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|September 14, 2013
Summary
Guided self-help using dialectical behaviour therapy (DBTgsh) significantly reduced binge eating episodes and increased abstinence rates for binge eating disorder (BED). Improvements in quality of life and reduced eating disorder psychopathology were maintained at six-month follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioural Therapy
Background:
- Binge eating disorder (BED) is a significant mental health concern.
- Effective and accessible treatments for BED are needed.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has shown promise for BED.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the efficacy of a guided self-help treatment based on DBT (DBTgsh) for BED.
- To assess the impact of DBTgsh on binge eating episodes, abstinence, quality of life, and eating disorder psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial comparing DBTgsh to a wait-list (WL) control group.
- Participants (n=60) were randomized to either DBTgsh (n=30) or WL (n=30).
- DBTgsh involved an orientation, manual, and six support calls over 13 weeks; assessments were conducted pre-, post-treatment, and at six-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- DBTgsh participants showed significantly fewer binge eating episodes (6.0 vs. 14.4) and higher abstinence rates (40.0% vs. 3.3%) compared to WL at treatment end.
- At six-month follow-up, DBTgsh participants reported improved quality of life and reduced eating disorder psychopathology.
- Most improvements were maintained at follow-up, with 30% abstinence rates.
Conclusions:
- DBTgsh appears to be an effective, low-intensity treatment option for BED.
- Guided self-help incorporating DBT principles can yield significant improvements in BED symptoms.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Binge Eating Disorders
Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...