Guided Self-Help Treatment for Children and Young People With Eating Disorders: A Proof-Of-Concept Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Eating Disorder Treatment

Background:

• Eating disorders (EDs) in children and young people require accessible and effective interventions.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an established treatment for EDs, but guided self-help adaptations are less explored in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a proof-of-concept pilot study evaluating a CBT guided self-help intervention for pediatric and adolescent patients with EDs.
• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical outcomes of this novel intervention.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving six female adolescents (aged 13-17) with EDs recruited from English outpatient services.
• Participants received an 8-module CBT guided self-help intervention with weekly support sessions.
• Clinical outcomes (ED psychopathology, BMI, depression, anxiety, behavioral difficulties) and qualitative feedback were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The CBT guided self-help intervention was feasible and acceptable to participants, with all completing at least six modules and support sessions.
• Significant reductions in eating disorder psychopathology and impairment were observed from baseline to post-intervention.
• A positive trend in %median Body Mass Index (BMI) was noted, while outcomes for depression, anxiety, and behavioral difficulties were mixed.

Conclusions:

• The CBT guided self-help intervention demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical benefits for adolescents with EDs.
• Findings are preliminary, based on a small, non-randomized sample of White female adolescents.
• Further rigorous evaluation using a randomized controlled trial with a larger, diverse sample is recommended.