Telephone-based guided self-help for binge eating disorder: a feasibility study

This feasibility study describes a novel form of guided self-help for treating binge eating disorder (BED). Over a 3-month period, a lay therapist provided first weekly (for 1 month) and then biweekly telephone-based guidance to supplement a self-help program. Eligible participants met DSM-IV criteria for BED, based on the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). Of 9 women initially admitted into the study, 7 completed the self-help program. Upon completion, outcome was determined using the EDE-Questionnaire and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Binge eating frequency decreased markedly; BSI scores also decreased significantly. All women reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. Participants commented favorably about the flexibility, accessibility, and autonomy afforded by the telephone-based administration of guidance. Results suggest that telephone-based guided self-help is a viable mode of service delivery for some women with BED. Recommendations are made for further improvement of this form of self-help.