Feasibility and acceptability of a digital tele-guided intervention targeting components of the addictive appetite model for bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder in Korea.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact of a tele-guided digital-based intervention based on the addictive appetite model of recurrent binge eating. METHOD: Female college students with bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge-eating disorder (BED) (n = 22) received a 6-week guided intervention targeting addictive processes and emotion regulation. The feasibility of the intervention was evaluated, and the outcomes were assessed at baseline, the end of the intervention, and 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Of the participants, 86.4% (n = 19) completed the intervention. The self-help materials were viewed 6.03 ± 3.06 times per week, and the duration of using the self-help materials was 113.16 ± 160.19 min/week. The intervention group experienced a significant reduction with a moderate effect on binge eating at the end of the intervention (Hedges' g = 0.58), and the effects lasted through follow-up (Hedges' g = 0.82). DISCUSSION: The results suggest that the digital intervention targeting a maintenance mechanism of recurrent binge eating was feasible and acceptable for patients with BN and BED, proving the potential for symptom improvement. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The addictive appetite model provides the framework for new interventions to improve treatments for BN and BED. This study found that the digital intervention based on the model was feasible and acceptable for patients with BN and BED.

Mobile Self-Help Interventions as Augmentation Therapy for Patients with Anorexia Nervosa.

Background: It has been suggested that patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) who are resistant to first-line treatment would benefit from second-level interventions targeting specific features, an adaptive form of intervention. Guided self-help programs administered via mobile technology have the dual focus of instigating behavior change and managing anxiety associated with eating disorders in the moment and in users' naturalistic environments. Introduction: We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary augmentative effects of mobile-based, guided self-help interventions (Recovery vodcasts) after initial unsuccessful first-line treatments for patients with AN. Materials and Methods: Patients with AN who were unsuccessful in their treatments were recruited to access Recovery vodcasts as augmentation treatment for 3 weeks in Korea. Acceptability and feasibility of the intervention were evaluated, and qualitative feedback was collected. Preliminary treatment effects of adding the Recovery vodcasts were assessed, including eating disorder pathology, anxiety and depression symptoms, and body mass index. Results: The Recovery vodcasts were acceptable for patients with AN. The patients' psychopathologies of eating disorders improved with augmentation of the vodcasts in their first-line treatments. In addition, there was a tendency toward improvement of affective symptoms. The participants' feedback suggested that the intervention could be improved. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the Recovery vodcasts were well accepted by Korean patients with AN. Moreover, augmentation of the Recovery vodcasts could facilitate improvements in psychopathology of eating disorders, anxiety, and mood symptoms for patients with AN.