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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Implementing Supported Digital Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder in Routine Care: Mixed
Emma L Osborne1, John Powell2, Chloe Brown3
1Centre for Research on Eating Disorders at Oxford, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|July 18, 2026
Summary
A digital, guided self-help program for binge eating disorder (BED) showed promising results in a UK National Health Service (NHS) pilot. This approach may improve access to recommended treatments for BED.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Digital Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Binge eating disorder (BED) is common and debilitating, but guideline-recommended guided self-help treatments are underutilized in routine UK National Health Service (NHS) care.
- Digital interventions offer a scalable solution, yet real-world evidence from NHS settings is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot a supported digital enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E) program in a specialist adult eating disorder service within the UK NHS.
- To assess the implementation, acceptability, and preliminary clinical outcomes of this digital intervention in routine practice.
Main Methods:
- A 12-session digital CBT-E program with brief remote support was offered to adults with BED features in a specialist NHS eating disorder service.
- Suitability assessments excluded patients with suicidal ideation. Pre- and post-program self-report measures assessed binge eating frequency, eating disorder psychopathology, secondary impairment, and depressive symptoms.
- Qualitative data were collected via patient interviews, supporter interviews, and staff surveys to explore experiences.
Main Results:
- Of 36 suitable patients, 16 completed the program and post-program assessments, showing significant reductions in binge eating frequency (P<.001) and eating disorder psychopathology (P<.001).
- Improvements were also noted in secondary impairment and depressive symptoms (both P<.001).
- Qualitative feedback highlighted program accessibility and positive impacts on patient engagement and staff development, though challenges with low motivation and co-occurring conditions were noted.
Conclusions:
- A supported digital CBT-E program can be successfully implemented in a specialist NHS service for BED.
- This digital approach shows potential for improving clinical outcomes and increasing access to guideline-recommended first-line treatment for BED.
- Further research with larger samples and controlled designs is recommended to confirm effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
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