A randomized, comparative pilot trial of family-based interpersonal psychotherapy for reducing psychosocial symptoms, disordered-eating, and excess weight gain in at-risk preadolescents with loss-of-control-eating

Remote family education and support program for parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders based on interpersonal psychotherapy: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In cases of adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders, despite the importance of the patients' relationship with their parents, conflict and confusion frequently occur among them. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a present-focused psychotherapy that emphasizes the interpersonal context of symptoms. We developed a remote family education and support program exclusively for parents of patients with eating disorders, based on the principle of IPT. The use of IPT is expected to reduce conflicts in the patient-parent relationship. Consequently, parents will be better able to listen to patients, and patients will be better able to express their thoughts and desires. In this study, we describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial designed to examine the effectiveness of this program in promoting effective communication in their home based on active listening skills of parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders.

METHODS

Participants will be parents of patients aged 12-29 years with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders. Individually randomized, parallel-group trial design will be employed. Seventy participants will be allocated to one of two treatment conditions: (1) remote family education and support program (four, 150 min weekly group sessions) for parents plus treatment-as-usual for patients (consultation by physicians or no treatment), or (2) waiting for the control condition (parents will wait to start the program for 8 weeks) plus treatment-as-usual for patients. The primary outcome measure will be parents' active listening ability as measured by the Active Listening Attitude Scale at 8 weeks after randomization. Additionally, perception of social support (Social Provision Scale-10 item), loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale), mental health status (K6), family function (Family Assessment Device), and parent-evaluated eating disorder symptoms (Anorectic Behavior Observation Scale) will be assessed. Data from the intention-to-treat sample will be analyzed 8 weeks after randomization.

DISCUSSION

This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of a family education and support program for parents of patients with adolescent and early adulthood eating disorders based on IPT. If this type of intervention is effective, although indirect, it could be a new support method for this patient population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials. gov ID NCT05840614.

Binge-eating adolescent treatment (BEAT) - findings from a pilot study on effects and acceptance of a blended treatment program for youth with loss of control eating

BACKGROUND

Loss of Control Eating (LOC) is the most prevalent form of eating disorder pathology in youth, but research on evidence-based treatment in this group remains scarce. We assessed for the first time the effects and acceptance of a blended treatment program for youth between 14 and 24 years with LOC (Binge-eating Adolescent Treatment, BEAT).

METHODS

Twenty-four youths (mean age 19.1 years) participated in an active treatment of nine-weeks including three face-to-face workshops and six weekly email-guided self-help sessions, followed by four email guided follow-up sessions, one, three, six and 12 months after the active treatment. All patients completed a two-weeks waiting-time period before treatment begin (within-subject waitlist control design).

RESULTS

The number of weekly LOC episodes substantially decreased during both the waiting-time (effect size d = 0.45) and the active treatment (d = 1.01) period and remained stable during the subsequent 12-months follow-up (d = 0.20). The proportion of patients with full-threshold binge-eating disorder (BED) diagnoses decreased and transformed into LOC during the study course, while the abstainer rate of LOC increased. Values for depressive symptoms (d = 1.5), eating disorder pathology (d = 1.29) and appearance-based rejection sensitivity (d = 0.68) all improved on average from pretreatment to posttreatment and remained stable or further improved during follow-up (d between 0.11 and 0.85). Body weight in contrast remained constant within the same period. Treatment satisfaction among completers was high, but so was the dropout rate of 45.8% at the end of the 12-months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This first blended treatment study BEAT might be well suited to decrease core symptoms of LOC, depressive symptoms and appearance-based rejection sensitivity. More research is needed to establish readily accessible interventions targeted more profoundly at age-salient maintaining factors such as appearance-based rejection sensitivity, while at the same time keeping dropout rates at a low level.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (ID: DRKS00014580; registration date: 21/06/2018).

Affect, Body, and Eating Habits in Children: A Systematic Review

The present review investigates the complex associations between children's affective states, body perceptions, and eating habits, thus providing crucial insights for potential health interventions. Following PRISMA guidelines, three databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies exploring the relationship between eating habits, emotional states, and body image perceptions in a population of children (5 to 11 years old). A total of seven articles were included. Our findings revealed a pattern of associations between negative emotional states, like anxiety and depressive feelings, and maladaptive eating behaviors. Additionally, explicit influences from parental feeding practices, peer pressure, socioeconomic factors, and children's body perceptions were observed to shape eating habits, with a pronounced tendency among older girls towards dieting and food preoccupation. Our results underline the intertwining nature of age, gender, and emotional states. Furthermore, our findings accentuate the urgency for comprehensive interventions that acknowledge and address the complex interplay of emotional, familial, and socioeconomic factors alongside children's body image perceptions. The criticality of continued research, particularly ones employing longitudinal designs and diverse demographic samples, is highlighted as we strive to understand and navigate such multifaceted relationships to enhance children's health and well-being.

Prevention and early intervention in eating disorders: findings from a rapid review

BACKGROUND

Eating disorders (EDs) are complex psychological disorders, with low rates of detection and early intervention. They can lead to significant mental and physical health complications, especially if intervention is delayed. Given high rates of morbidity and mortality, low treatment uptake, and significant rates of relapse, it is important to examine prevention, early intervention, and early recognition initiatives. The aim of this review is to identify and evaluate literature on preventative and early intervention programs in EDs.

METHODS

This paper is one of a series of Rapid Reviews, designed to inform the Australian National Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021-2031, funded, and released by the Australian Government. To provide a current and rigorous review, peer-reviewed articles between 2009 and 2021 published in English were searched across three databases: ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline. Priority was given to high-level evidence including meta-analyses, systematic reviews, Randomised Control Trials, and large population studies. Findings from selected studies pertaining to prevention and early intervention in EDs were evaluated and are presented in this review.

RESULTS

In total, 130 studies were identified in the current review, 72% relating to prevention and 28% to early intervention. Most programs were theory-driven and targeted one or more ED risk factors such as thin-ideal internalisation and/or body dissatisfaction. There is reasonable evidence to support prevention programs reducing risk factors, particularly as part of school or university-based programs, with established feasibility and relatively high acceptance among students. There is increasing evidence around the use of technology (to increase dissemination potential) and for use of mindfulness approaches (targeting emotional resilience). Few longitudinal studies assessing incident cases following participation in a prevention program exist.

CONCLUSIONS

Although several prevention and early intervention programs have been shown to significantly reduce risk factors, promote symptom recognition, and encourage help-seeking behaviour, most of these studies have been conducted in older adolescent and university aged students, past the age of peak ED onset. One of the most targeted risk factors, body dissatisfaction, is found in girls as young as 6 years old, indicating a need for further research implementing prevention initiatives at younger ages. Follow-up research is limited; thus, the long-term efficacy and effectiveness of studied programs is unknown. Greater attention should be paid to the implementation of prevention and early intervention programs in identified high-risk cohorts or diverse groups, where a more targeted approach may be necessary.

A Systematic Review of Behavioral Interventions on Children at Risk for Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

In adults, behavioral-based interventions support prevention of Type 2 diabetes; less is known in children. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the impact of behavioral-based interventions on cardiometabolic outcomes among children at risk for diabetes.

METHODS

PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched between September 2011 and September 2021. RCTs in children aged 6-12 years at risk for Type 2 diabetes that implemented a behavioral-based intervention and included ≥1 cardiometabolic outcome were eligible. If reported, dietary quality data were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.

RESULTS

Of the 2,386 records identified, 4 met the inclusion criteria. Study length ranged from 10 weeks to 24 months, with sample sizes ranging from 53 to 113 participants. Among the 4 studies, there were 5 behavioral-based arms. All studies included weight status outcomes, with 3 finding significant between-group differences. Four studies assessed fasting glucose, and 3 assessed HbA1c; none found significant changes between groups. Of the 4 studies reporting blood pressure outcomes, 1 found a significant between-group difference for systolic blood pressure. Three studies assessed cholesterol and found no changes. No studies reported measures of dietary quality. All studies had some concerns about risk of bias.

DISCUSSION

Behavioral-based interventions improved weight status and supported the maintenance of cardiometabolic parameters. Stronger consideration of the most important risk factors in children along with intermediate outcomes (e.g., diet quality) may help to elucidate the relationship between behavioral-based interventions and cardiometabolic outcomes.

Experiences of loss of control eating in women after bariatric surgery: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

Loss of control (LOC) eating following bariatric surgery remains insufficiently understood, reflected in a lack of clear conceptualization, valid measurements, and effective treatments. This study explored patients' perspectives on LOC eating post-bariatric surgery, focusing on the relevance of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5) indicators of impaired control, and patients' experiences before (precipitating factors), during (eating patterns, perpetuating factors), and after the episodes (strategies used to stop eating).

METHODS

This was a qualitative study using descriptive phenomenology. Participants were adults who have undergone gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy and self-reported recent LOC eating. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a combined inductive and deductive approach.

RESULTS

Participants were all women (N = 15; age: 34.5 ± 9.2 years). Results suggested that (1) except for feeling disgusted, guilty, or depressed after eating, other DSM-5 indicators did not seem to be highly relevant to this bariatric cohort; (2) LOC eating could occur across contexts, with food access, boredom, and food craving being consistent triggers; (3) the food amount consumed during a LOC episode was not necessarily considered excessive; (4) "mindlessness" and "satisfying hedonic, physiological, and mental needs" were the main perpetuating factors of LOC eating; and (5) self-talk and distracting attention were the most adopted strategies to stop eating.

DISCUSSION

Study findings have implications concerning the conceptualization, measurement, and intervention of LOC eating among bariatric patients. For example, results suggested the need for more data to determine the appropriate indicators of LOC eating and the inclusion of boredom as an intervention target in bariatric patients.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Loss of control (LOC) eating is characterized by a sense of being unable to stop while eating. LOC eating is prevalent in patients who have undergone weight loss surgery and is associated with worse surgical outcomes. This qualitative study that explored post-bariatric surgery patients' experiences of LOC eating will inform efforts to better assess and intervene in this disordered eating behavior, thus ultimately optimizing patients' health following weight loss surgery.

Interpersonal psychotherapy for treatment of obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Social and interpersonal context are associated with the onset and persistence of psychiatric disorders. We compared the effects of short-term interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) on weight loss, binge eating behaviors, and depressive symptoms against cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), health education (HE), and behavioral weight loss (BWL).

METHODS

We searched until May 28th, 2022 following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus. Articles on parallel randomized clinical trials were included. Outcomes were body mass index (BMI), binge days (bulimic episode), and depressive symptoms. These outcomes were self-reported or measured with specific scales (BMI) or instrument (depressive symptoms).

RESULTS

The initial search retrieved 820 articles, a total of 10 studies met the eligibility criteria, and seven were included in the meta-analysis. Participants with overweight/obesity were women (62-100 %), aged between 11 and 50 years. There was a trivial to small effect on BMI favoring IPT over other interventions (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.10; 95%CI: -0.27 to 0.07, I² = 0 %), especially when compared to health education (SMD = -0.21; 95%CI: -0.54 to 0.12, I² = 0 %); no effect on number of binge days (SMD = -0.09; 95%CI: -0.30 to 0.11, I² = 0 %); and a small effect on depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.25, 95%CI = -0.50 to 0.00, I² = 0 %).

LIMITATIONS

Small number of studies, the discrepancy in age cohorts, and racial diversity. Psychotherapeutic protocols and assessment tools had to be adapted across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with overweight/obesity and depression had some benefit from IPT when compared with other interventions. In view of existing evidence, an IPT program adapted to obesity could help to achieve reliable and long-term effects.

Effect of stimulant medication on loss of control eating in youth with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a prospective, observational case series study protocol

BACKGROUND

Loss of control eating (LOC-E) in youth predicts the later development of full-syndrome binge-eating disorder (BED), and therefore, could be a relevant target for prevention treatments. To develop these treatments, it is important to understand the underlying disease processes and mechanisms. Based on the putative role of neurocognitive impairments in the pathogenesis of LOC-E, treatments that modulate these neurocognitive factors warrant further exploration. For instance, stimulants are an effective treatment for impulsivity in youth with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and have been shown to improve symptoms of BED in adults. Notably, stimulants have not been examined as a treatment for LOC-E in youth. To explore this gap, we aim to measure change in LOC-E episodes and secondary outcomes in youth with comorbid ADHD and LOC-E who are being started on stimulants.

METHODS

We will collect prospective observational data on forty 8-to-13-year-old youth diagnosed with comorbid ADHD and LOC-E who are initiating a stimulant for ADHD. Prior to stimulant initiation, participants will complete baseline measures including LOC-E episode frequency in the last 3 months (primary outcome), and secondary outcomes including disordered eating cognitions, emotions and behaviors, ADHD symptom severity, parental LOC-E, impulsivity and reward sensitivity, and anxiety/mood severity. Outcome measurements will be gathered again at 3-months after initiating the stimulant. Within-patient standardized effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals will be calculated from baseline to 3-month follow-up for all outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Many individuals with LOC-E or binge eating do not fully remit over the course of psychotherapy. Whereas psychotherapy may address psychological and sociocultural domains associated with LOC-E, some individuals with neurocognitive impairments (e.g., ADHD) and neurobiological deficits (e.g., low intrasynaptic dopamine or norepinephrine) may benefit from adjunctive treatment that targets those factors. This will be the first study to provide pilot data for future studies that could examine both the effect of stimulants on LOC-E in youth and underlying mechanisms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration number: NCT05592119.

Management of eating disorders for people with higher weight: clinical practice guideline

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of eating disorders is high in people with higher weight. However, despite this, eating disorders experienced by people with higher weight have been consistently under-recognised and under-treated, and there is little to guide clinicians in the management of eating disorders in this population.

AIM

The aim of this guideline is to synthesise the current best practice approaches to the management of eating disorders in people with higher weight and make evidence-based clinical practice recommendations.

METHODS

The National Eating Disorders Collaboration Steering Committee auspiced a Development Group for a Clinical Practice Guideline for the treatment of eating disorders for people with higher weight. The Development Group followed the 'Guidelines for Guidelines' process outlined by the National Health and Medical Research Council and aim to meet their Standards to be: 1. relevant and useful for decision making; 2. transparent; 3. overseen by a guideline development group; 4. identifying and managing conflicts of interest; 5. focused on health and related outcomes; 6. evidence informed; 7. making actionable recommendations; 8. up-to-date; and, 9. accessible. The development group included people with clinical and/or academic expertise and/or lived experience. The guideline has undergone extensive peer review and consultation over an 18-month period involving reviews by key stakeholders, including experts and organisations with clinical academic and/or lived experience.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Twenty-one clinical recommendations are made and graded according to the National Health and Medical Research Council evidence levels. Strong recommendations were supported for psychological treatment as a first-line treatment approach adults (with bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder), adolescents and children. Clinical considerations such as weight stigma, interprofessional collaborative practice and cultural considerations are also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

This guideline will fill an important gap in the need to better understand and care for people experiencing eating disorders who also have higher weight. This guideline acknowledges deficits in knowledge and consequently the reliance on consensus and lower levels of evidence for many recommendations, and the need for research particularly evaluating weight-neutral and other more recent approaches in this field.

Loss-of-Control Eating and Cardiometabolic Health in Relation to Overweight and Obesity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Loss-of-control (LOC) eating, the subjective feeling of being unable to control what or how much is being consumed, is common. The purpose of this review was to examine the relationships among LOC eating, cardiometabolic health, and weight management intervention outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

In youth and adults, LOC eating is associated with and predictive of psychological symptoms, high weight, and worsened cardiometabolic health. While LOC eating pre-intervention does not appear to impact outcomes, LOC eating during or following is associated with worsened outcomes from behavioral and surgical weight management interventions. When individuals are undergoing weight management interventions, it may be important to regularly assess for LOC eating. There is limited research on the examined relationships in diverse populations (e.g., males, individuals of a lower socio-economic status, racial/ethnic minority groups). Future research should examine these relationships across the lifespan in diverse populations, with a focus on how these relationships can be impacted through targeted interventions.

Couple and family interventions for high mortality health conditions: A strategic review (2010-2019)

The earliest publications in the field of marriage and family therapy introduced interventions conducted with families experiencing complex health conditions. This strategic review captures an evaluation of efficacy for 87 couple and family interventions published between 2010 and 2019 with a focus on the leading causes of mortality in the United States. These health conditions include chromosomal anomalies and accidents with infants aged 0-4 years; accidents and cancer among children aged 5-14; accidents among adolescents aged 15-24; and heart disease, cancer, accidents, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, influenza/pneumonia, and nephritis/nephrosis among adults 25 and older. Results support the need for greater inclusion of couples and families in assessments and interventions. The greatest chasm in efficacy research was with minoritized couples and families. Implications include ways to initiate couple and family interventions in the context of health conditions with attention given to accessibility, recruitment, retention, and evaluation.

A systematic review of binge eating, loss of control eating, and weight loss in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

This review synthesizes literature on changes in binge eating (BE) and loss of control eating (LOC) following weight loss and the association between BE/LOC and weight loss in children and adolescents.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycInfo. Eligible studies included all peer-reviewed journal articles of primary research that assessed BE/LOC and weight change following a weight-loss intervention in individuals under 18 years of age.

RESULTS

The 29 articles included studies on behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions. Of the 14 studies that assessed the relationship between weight loss and BE/LOC at baseline, 4 showed that higher baseline BE/LOC was associated with less weight loss, whereas 10 showed no significant association. BE/LOC behaviors significantly decreased following weight-loss interventions in 20 of 21 studies. A greater decrease in BE/LOC was associated with improved weight loss in 4 of 9 studies that assessed this change.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight-loss interventions are associated with improved BE/LOC in youth with obesity. The persistence of BE/LOC symptoms may be associated with less weight loss. These results can aid in guiding future treatment for youth with BE/LOC seeking weight-loss treatment.

Impact of Strategies for Preventing Obesity and Risk Factors for Eating Disorders among Adolescents: A Systematic Review

An effective behavior change program is the first line of prevention for youth obesity. However, effectiveness in prevention of adolescent obesity requires several approaches, with special attention paid to disordered eating behaviors and psychological support, among other environmental factors. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the impact of two types of obesity prevention programs, inclusive of behavior change components, on weight outcomes. "Energy-balance" studies are aimed at reducing calories from high-energy sources and increasing physical activity (PA) levels, while "shared risk factors for obesity and eating disorders" focus on reducing disordered eating behaviors to promote a positive food and eating relationship. A systematic search of ProQuest, PubMed, PsycInfo, SciELO, and Web of Science identified 8825 articles. Thirty-five studies were included in the review, of which 20 regarded "energy-balance" and 15 "shared risk factors for obesity and eating disorders". "Energy-balance" studies were unable to support maintenance weight status, diet, and PA. "Shared risk factors for obesity and eating disorders" programs also did not result in significant differences in weight status over time. However, the majority of "shared risk factors for obesity and eating disorders" studies demonstrated reduced body dissatisfaction, dieting, and weight-control behaviors. Research is needed to examine how a shared risk factor approach can address both obesity and eating disorders.

Family-Based Interpersonal Psychotherapy: An Intervention for Preadolescent Depression

Family-based interpersonal psychotherapy (FB-IPT) is an evidence-based psychosocial intervention for depression in preadolescents (ages 8-12 years). Adapted from interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents with depression and modified for younger children, this therapy includes structured dyadic sessions with preadolescents and their parents, guidance for parents in supporting their children and decreasing negative parent-child interactions, and a focus on preadolescents' comorbid anxiety and peer relationships. This article reviews the conceptual foundations and risk factors related to preadolescent depression and the rationale for focusing on improving preadolescents' interpersonal relationships to decrease depressive symptoms and risk for depression during adolescence. The structure and goals for the initial, middle, and termination phases of FB-IPT are described, as well as the specific communication and problem-solving strategies presented to preadolescents and parents. Last, research on the efficacy of FB-IPT is summarized, as are future directions for implementing this promising psychosocial intervention for preadolescent depression in community settings.

Association of Pediatric Obesity Treatment, Including a Dietary Component, With Change in Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Children and adolescents with obesity are at higher risk of developing depression and anxiety, and adolescent dieting is a risk factor for the development of depression. Therefore, determining the psychological effect of obesity treatment interventions is important to consider.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between obesity treatment interventions, with a dietary component, and the change in symptoms of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity.

DATA SOURCES

Searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsychINFO were conducted from inception to August 2018. Hand searching of references was conducted to identify missing studies.

STUDY SELECTION

Obesity treatment interventions, with a dietary component, conducted in children and adolescents (age <18 years) with overweight/obesity, and validated assessment of depression and/or anxiety were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data were independently extracted by 1 reviewer and checked for accuracy. Meta-analysis, using a random-effects model, was used to combine outcome data and moderator analysis conducted to identify intervention characteristics that may influence change in depression and anxiety. The meta-analyses were finalized in May 2019.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Change in symptoms of depression and anxiety postintervention and at the latest follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 3078 articles screened, 44 studies met inclusion criteria with a combined sample of 3702 participants (age range, 5.6 to 16.6 years) and intervention duration of 2 weeks to 15 months. Studies reported either no change or a statistically significant reduction in symptoms of depression or anxiety. Meta-analyses of 36 studies found a reduction in depressive symptoms postintervention (standardized mean difference [SE], -0.31 [0.04]; P < .001), maintained at follow-up in 11 studies at 6 to 16 months from baseline (standardized mean difference [SE], -0.25 [0.07]; P < .001). Anxiety was reduced postintervention (10 studies; standardized mean difference [SE], -0.38 [0.10]; P < .001) and at follow-up (4 studies; standardized mean difference [SE], -0.32 [0.15]; P = .03). Longer intervention duration was associated with a greater reduction in anxiety (R2 = 0.82; P < .001). Higher body mass index z score at baseline was associated with a greater reduction in depression (R2 = 0.19; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Structured, professionally run pediatric obesity treatment is not associated with an increased risk of depression or anxiety and may result in a mild reduction in symptoms. Treatment of weight concerns should be considered within the treatment plan for young people with depression and obesity.

Treatment of obesity, with a dietary component, and eating disorder risk in children and adolescents: A systematic review with meta-analysis

This review aimed to investigate the impact of obesity treatment, with a dietary component, on eating disorder (ED) prevalence, ED risk, and related symptoms in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. Four databases were searched to identify pediatric obesity treatment interventions, with a dietary component, and validated pre-post intervention assessment of related outcomes. Of 3078 articles screened, 36 met inclusion criteria, with a combined sample of 2589 participants aged 7.8 to 16.9 years. Intervention duration ranged from 1 week to 13 months, with follow-up of 6 months to 6 years from baseline. Prevalence of ED was reported in five studies and was reduced post-intervention. Meta-analyses showed a reduction in bulimic symptoms (eight studies, standardized mean difference [SE], -0.326 [0.09], P < 0.001), emotional eating (six studies, -0.149 [0.06], P = 0.008), binge eating (three studies, -0.588 [0.10], P < 0.001), and drive for thinness (three studies, -0.167 [0.06], P = 0.005) post-intervention. At follow-up, a reduction in ED risk (six studies, -0.313 [0.13], P = 0.012), emotional eating (five studies, -0.259 [0.05], P < 0.001), eating concern (three studies, -0.501 [0.06], P < 0.001), and drive for thinness (two studies, -0.375 [0.07], P < 0.001) was found. Structured and professionally run obesity treatment was associated with reduced ED prevalence, ED risk, and symptoms.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy and the Treatment of Eating Disorders

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for the treatment of eating disorders is a brief treatment that addresses the social and interpersonal context in which the disorder begins and is maintained. IPT is classified as a strongly supported evidence-based treatment of bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, and more research is needed to understand the effectiveness of IPT for anorexia nervosa and IPT for preventing excess weight gain. This article describes the core components and elements of IPT, the empirical evidence that supports its effectiveness, efforts to increase the dissemination and implementation of IPT, and future directions.

Loss-of-Control Eating and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes findings on pediatric loss-of-control (LOC) eating and obesity published since 2013 in relation to physiological, socioenvironmental, and psychological factors.

RECENT FINDINGS

LOC eating and obesity are highly comorbid in youth. Genetic and physiological risk factors are associated with the development of LOC eating. Adverse physiological outcomes of LOC eating include increased risk for overweight and obesity and greater dysfunction in components of metabolic syndrome. Socioenvironmental, psychological, and behavioral factors, such as weight-based teasing, dieting, negative affect, emotion dysregulation, and aspects of cognitive functioning, are consistently related to LOC eating in youth, independent of weight. Prospectively, LOC eating may predict the onset of anxiety disorders, depression, and more severe eating psychopathology later in life. Updates on interventions and future directions are discussed. LOC eating may be a key symptom to target adverse physiological and psychological outcomes; however, treatments are limited and require further examination.

Feeding and Eating Disorders in Children

This article provides an update based on recently published literature and expert consensus on the current state of knowledge regarding feeding and eating disorders in children aged 2 to 12 years. It covers the 6 main diagnostic categories-pica, rumination disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder-discussing issues and findings specific to this age group. It highlights the need for ongoing research in a number of key areas, to include improved understanding of etiologic pathways, characterization of presenting disorders, and the development of standardized evidence-based assessment tools and treatment interventions.

Interpersonal psychotherapy for eating disorders: current perspectives

Background

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited and affect-, life-event-, and present-focused psychotherapy originally conceptualized for unipolar depression, and then adapted to the treatment of other disorders, including eating disorders (EDs). The purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of studies on IPT for EDs.

Methods

The authors performed literature searches, study selection, method, and quality evaluation independently. Data were summarized using a narrative approach.

Results

Of the 534 papers retrieved, 37 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 15 were considered for the systematic review (randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up studies derived from the randomized controlled trials). Their analysis revealed six main findings: 1) no significant differences between IPT and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) were found when administered as monotherapy to patients with anorexia nervosa; 2) when administered as monotherapy to patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), IPT had lower outcomes than CBT and its enhanced version; 3) patients with BN who remitted with IPT showed a prolonged time spent in clinical remission, when followed up on the long term; 4) IPT and CBT, with different timings and methods, have both shown efficacy in the mid-term/long-term period in patients with BN; 5) CBT and its enhanced version produced rapid changes in the acute phase. IPT led to improvements occurring later, with slower changes that tended to maintain efficacy in the long term; 6) abstinence from binge eating with group IPT for binge eating disorder is stable and maintained (or further improved) in the long term.

Conclusion

IPT is a reasonable, cost-effective alternative to CBT for the overall ED spectrum.

Disordered Eating Attitudes and Behaviors in Youth with Overweight and Obesity: Implications for Treatment

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Children with obesity experience disordered eating attitudes and behaviors at high rates, which increases their risk for adult obesity and eating disorder development. As such, it is imperative to screen for disordered eating symptoms and identify appropriate treatments.

RECENT FINDINGS

Family-based multicomponent behavioral weight loss treatment (FBT) is effective at treating childhood obesity and demonstrates positive outcomes on psychosocial outcomes, including disordered eating. FBT utilizes a socio-ecological treatment approach that focuses on the development of individual and family healthy energy-balance behaviors as well as positive self- and body esteem, supportive family relationships, richer social networks, and the creation of a broader environment and community that facilitates overall physical and mental health. Existing literature suggests FBT is an effective treatment option for disordered eating and obesity in children. Future work is needed to confirm this conclusion and to examine the progression and interaction of obesity and disordered eating across development to identify the optimal time for intervention.

Rates of abstinence following psychological or behavioral treatments for binge-eating disorder: Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Standardized effect sizes reported in previous meta-analyses of binge-eating disorder (BED) treatment are sometimes difficult to interpret and are criticized for not being a useful indicator of the clinical importance of a treatment. Abstinence from binge eating is a clinically relevant component of a definition of a successful treatment outcome. This meta-analysis estimated the prevalence of patients with BED who achieved binge eating abstinence following psychological or behavioral treatments.

METHOD

This meta-analysis included 39 randomized controlled trials, with 65 treatment conditions and 2,349 patients. Most conditions comprised cognitive-behavioral therapy (n = 40). Pooled event rates were calculated at posttreatment and follow-up using random effects models.

RESULTS

The total weighted percentage of treatment-completers who achieved abstinence at posttreatment was 50.9% (95% CI = 43.9, 57.8); this estimate was almost identical at follow-up (50.3%; 95% CI = 43.6, 56.9). The total weighted percentage of patients who achieved abstinence at posttreatment in the intention-to-treat analysis (all randomized patients) was 45.1% (95% CI =40.7, 49.5), and at follow-up it was 42.3% (95% CI =37.5, 47.2). Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) produced the highest abstinence rates. Clinician-led group treatments produced significantly higher posttreatment (but not follow-up) abstinence estimates than guided self-help treatments. Neither timeframe for achieving abstinence, assessment type (interview/questionnaire), number of treatment sessions, patient demographics, nor trial quality, moderated the abstinence estimates.

DISCUSSION

The present findings demonstrate that 50% of patients with BED do not fully respond to treatment. Continued efforts toward improving eating disorder treatments are needed.