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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
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Early intervention and augmentation therapy for eating disorders: a Delphi consensus study on transdiagnostic
Jamie-Lee Pennesi1, Mia L Pellizzer1, Tracey D Wade1
1Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing and Blackbird Initiative, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|September 25, 2025
Summary
Researchers identified key cognitive and behavioral factors for improving eating disorder (ED) interventions. Consensus was reached on critical processes for early intervention and treatment augmentation, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral processes are crucial for understanding and treating psychiatric disorders.
- Identifying critical targets for eating disorder (ED) interventions is essential for improving patient outcomes.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the most impactful cognitive and behavioral factors in ED treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reach consensus on transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral processes for early intervention in eating disorders.
- To identify key factors for augmenting evidence-based treatments for eating disorders.
- To inform a future research agenda for enhancing ED interventions.
Main Methods:
- A modified Delphi study involving four panels: individuals with lived experience, significant others, clinicians, and researchers.
- Three rounds of consensus-building to identify critical cognitive and behavioral processes.
- Analysis of 49 potential processes across early intervention and treatment augmentation.
Main Results:
- Nine processes were endorsed for early intervention, including low self-worth, high standards, poor distress tolerance, self-criticism, negative body image, difficulty with life transitions, low self-compassion, and negative social media use.
- Nine processes were endorsed for treatment augmentation, replacing life transitions and social media use with social isolation and unhelpful thinking habits.
- Consensus was achieved on approximately one-fifth of the studied processes, highlighting areas for further investigation.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide a foundation for a research agenda to improve eating disorder interventions.
- A notable disconnect exists between lived experience and researcher perspectives, necessitating further attention.
- Targeting identified cognitive and behavioral processes holds promise for enhancing the effectiveness of ED treatments.
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