Adapting an Online Guided Self-Help CBT Programme Targeting Disordered Eating for Students in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Qualitative Study.

Disordered eating is a significant issue in university student populations. Currently, access to interventions is limited. Online interventions present an innovative way to increase accessibility to treatment for those in need. The current study explored how an online intervention for disordered eating (everyBody) could be modified to suit the needs of university students in Aotearoa New Zealand. Aotearoa New Zealand is a unique cultural context, with an indigenous population that has a high incidence rate of disordered eating, highlighting the need to adapt everyBody to the local context. Individual interviews were conducted with nine students currently at university in Aotearoa New Zealand, aged between 18 and 33 years old (five females, four males). Three first-order themes were identified using template analysis. The themes indicate that participants perceived the programme as acceptable and feasible for use with Aotearoa New Zealand's university student population. Furthermore, the themes provide insight into potential adaptions to the programme to facilitate engagement and uptake. The suggested changes were largely consistent with previous research on E-therapy design (e.g., content length, therapeutic alliance), and also highlight changes specific to fit Aotearoa New Zealand's cultural context. The findings have implications for universities and other funders deciding on services for students with disordered eating and eating disorders.

Adaptation of mental health first aid guidelines for eating disorders for Iran.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to adapt mental health first aid guidelines to support individuals with or at risk of developing eating disorders in Iran. This adaptation seeks to enhance the support available for the Iranian population dealing with these disorders. METHODS: We employed the Delphi expert consensus method, utilizing two panels: health professionals (n = 37 in the first round; n = 29 in the second) and individuals with lived experience (n = 20 in the first round; n = 18 in the second). The health professionals panel was selected from the graduates of various eating disorders associated scientific fields who had a history of providing services to or conducting research on people with eating disorders, and the lived experience panel had a history of eating disorders themselves or in their family. The panel of individuals with lived experience included those who had personal or familial histories of eating disorders. Efforts were made to ensure cultural, gender, and age diversity in the selection of panel members. Panellists rated the importance of each item for inclusion in the guidelines for Iran based on the English-language Mental Health First Aid guidelines for eating disorders. Items deemed essential by at least 80% of both panels were included in the final guideline. Additionally, panel members were invited to suggest any missing items. RESULTS: A total of 57 participants took part in the first round of the survey, and 47 participated in the second round. In the first round, 204 items across 11 categories were assessed, with 174 items endorsed by the panels. Thirteen items were re-scored in the second round, and 17 items were rejected. Participants suggested 11 new items in the first round. In the second round, 18 out of 24 items were endorsed, while six were rejected. Ultimately, 192 items were incorporated into the Iranian guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The adaptation process considered Iran's social and cultural characteristics, including the stigma associated with mental health disorders, religious beliefs and rituals such as fasting, linguistic differences between English and Farsi, distrust of strangers, the influence of friends and family, differences in food access, and low mental health literacy. We recommend piloting the adapted guidelines in high schools, universities, and non-governmental organizations to evaluate their feasibility and effectiveness in real-world settings. Furthermore, it is essential to establish mechanisms for feedback, update content based on the latest evidence, and collaborate with the media to promote educational programs and public participation.

Experts' views on the implementation of digital interventions for eating disorders: a Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders (EDs) constitute a considerable burden for individuals and society, but adequate and timely professional treatment is rare. Evidence-based Digital Mental Health Interventions (DMHIs) have the potential both to reduce this treatment gap and to increase treatment effectiveness. However, their integration into routine care is lacking. Understanding practitioners' attitudes towards DMHIs for EDs is crucial for their effective use. AIMS: To investigate the consensus among German ED treatment experts on the relevance of different influencing factors for DMHI use in EDs. METHODS: This Delphi study consisted of two rounds and was conducted online with an initial sample of N = 24 ED experts (Mage=41.96, SDage=9.92, n = 22 female). Prior to the Delphi rounds, semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews were performed to explore participants' attitudes, experiences, and expectations towards DMHIs. In order to construct the Delphi survey, content analysis was applied to a subset of ten interviews. A total of 63 influencing factors were identified and grouped into three main categories: contextual conditions, design, and content of DMHIs. In both Delphi rounds, the interview participants were subsequently invited to rate each of the factors with regard to their importance on 10-point scales. Group percentages and individual ratings of the first round (n = 23) were presented in the second round (n = 21). Consensus was calculated for each item (defined as IQR ≤ 2). RESULTS: Importance ratings were high across items (M = 7.88, SD = 2.07, Mdn = 8). In the first round, 48% of the items reached consensus, with its most important (Mdn = 10) factors referring to data security, evidence base, technical requirements, usability, and specific DMHI content (psychoeducation, crisis intervention). In the second Delphi round, a consensus was reached on 73% of the items. No consensus was reached on 17 items. CONCLUSIONS: The findings on practitioners' attitudes and priorities have relevant implications for subsequent DMHI development, dissemination, and implementation strategies, indicating that the highest-rated factors should be highlighted in the process.

Systemic Factors Affecting Orthodontic Treatment Outcomes and Prognosis-Part 2.

This article explores the various challenges systemic conditions can pose before and during orthodontic treatment. Cardiovascular conditions like infective endocarditis require antibiotic prophylaxis before certain orthodontic procedures are started. Patients with bleeding disorders require special considerations in regards to viral infection risk and maintenance of excellent atraumatic oral hygiene. Orthodontists play an important role in early identification of signs and symptoms of eating disorders and should deal with these patients sensitively. Congenital disorders, craniofacial anomalies, and nutritional deficiencies require special considerations and should be addressed appropriately before orthodontic treatment is started.

Adolescentes con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria durante la pandemia por COVID-19: cambios en vínculos sociales y modalidades de atención / Adolescents with eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: Changes in social ties and healthcare modalities

Introducción. La pandemia por COVID-19 ha tenido un impacto profundo en la salud de la población joven de todo el mundo y especialmente en personas con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) por situaciones de estrés, ansiedad y cambios en el acceso a la atención médica. Objetivo. Explorar las percepciones de adolescentes sobre los cambios en sus vínculos sociales y modalidades de atención en pacientes con TCA. Población y métodos. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo a través de entrevistas en profundidad a adolescentes con TCA en un hospital universitario durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Resultados. Se entrevistó a 15 adolescentes; el 93 % fueron mujeres y la mediana de edad fue 18 años. El 86,6 % tuvo anorexia nerviosa. Los aspectos negativos percibidos más importantes fueron los malestares en la convivencia familiar (80 %) y la disconformidad con los contenidos de las redes sociales sobre la imagen corporal y dietas (73 %). Los aspectos percibidos positivos fueron la ayuda de los pares (66 %) y mejoras en relación con la alimentación (66 %). El principal cambio identificado en comparación con el tratamiento recibido previo a la pandemia por COVID-19 fue el seguimiento virtual por salud mental (73 %). Conclusión. La población adolescente con TCA durante el ASPO manifestó malestar en la convivencia familiar y disconformidad en los contenidos en redes sociales sobre imagen corporal y dietas. Aunque resaltaron como aspectos positivos la ayuda de los pares y mejoras en su alimentación

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the health of young people worldwide, especially on people with eating disorders (EDs) due to the stress, anxiety, and changes experienced in access to health care. Objective. To explore adolescents' perceptions on changes in their social ties and the modalities of health care for patients with EDs. Population and methods. Qualitative study using in-depth interviews with adolescents with EDs seen at a teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results. Fifteen adolescents were interviewed; their mean age was 18 years; 93% were girls. Anorexia nervosa was observed in 86.6%. The most relevant negative aspects perceived were discomfort with family life (80%) and dissatisfaction with social media content regarding body image and dieting (73%). The aspects perceived as positive were peer support (66%) and improvements in eating habits (66%). The main change identified regarding the management before the COVID-19 pandemic was online followup by the mental healthcare team (73%). Conclusion. The adolescent population with EDs during the mandatory social isolation period reported discomfort with family life and dissatisfaction with social media content regarding body image and dieting. Notwithstanding this, adolescents highlighted peer support and improvements in their eating habits as positive aspects.

The Inpatient Management of Adolescents with Eating Disorders.

Eating disorders affect individuals of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, races, and socioeconomic statuses. They can lead to serious medical complications that require inpatient treatment. The eating disorders that are most likely to lead to medical complications requiring medical inpatient stabilization include anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa, avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder, bulimia nervosa, and purging disorder. There are criteria that can help determine if a patient requires inpatient stabilization. Nearly all body systems may be affected. Patients are often treated by following a refeeding protocol that reduces the risk of developing refeeding syndrome, a dangerous and life-threatening state of metabolic derangements that can arise when a malnourished individual begins a renourishment process. Following stabilization, patients should receive further care through a number of different treatment options directed at their underlying eating disorder and by working with a multidisciplinary team. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(8):e283-e287.].

Behavior Change Techniques Within Digital Interventions for the Treatment of Eating Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous systematic reviews of digital eating disorder interventions have demonstrated effectiveness at improving symptoms of eating disorders; however, our understanding of how these interventions work and what contributes to their effectiveness is limited. Understanding the behavior change techniques (BCTs) that are most commonly included within effective interventions may provide valuable information for researchers and developers. Establishing whether these techniques have been informed by theory will identify whether they target those mechanisms of action that have been identified as core to changing eating disorder behaviors. It will also evaluate the importance of a theoretical approach to digital intervention design. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to define the BCTs within digital self-management interventions or minimally guided self-help interventions for adults with eating disorders that have been evaluated within randomized controlled trials. It also assessed which of the digital interventions were grounded in theory and the range of modes of delivery included. METHODS: A literature search identified randomized controlled trials of digital intervention for the treatment of adults with eating disorders with minimal therapist support. Each digital intervention was coded for BCTs using the established BCT Taxonomy v1; for the application of theory using an adapted version of the theory coding scheme (TCS); and for modes of delivery using the Mode of Delivery Ontology. A meta-analysis evaluated the evidence that any individual BCT moderated effect size or that other potential factors such as the application of theory or number of modes of delivery had an effect on eating disorder outcomes. RESULTS: Digital interventions included an average of 14 (SD 2.6; range 9-18) BCTs. Self-monitoring of behavior was included in all effective interventions, with Problem-solving, Information about antecedents, Feedback on behavior, Self-monitoring of outcomes of behavior, and Action planning identified in >75% (13/17) of effective interventions. Social support and Information about health consequences were more evident in effective interventions at follow-up compared with postintervention measurement. The mean number of modes of delivery was 4 (SD 1.6; range 2-7) out of 12 possible modes, with most interventions (15/17, 88%) being web based. Digital interventions that had a higher score on the TCS had a greater effect size than those with a lower TCS score (subgroup differences: χ21=9.7; P=.002; I²=89.7%) within the meta-analysis. No other subgroup analyses had statistically significant results. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high level of consistency in terms of the most common BCTs within effective interventions; however, there was no evidence that any specific BCT contributed to intervention efficacy. The interventions that were more strongly informed by theory demonstrated greater improvements in eating disorder outcomes compared to waitlist or treatment-as-usual controls. These results can be used to inform the development of future digital eating disorder interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023410060; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=410060.

Body weight and eating attitudes influence improvement of depressive symptoms in children and pre-adolescents with eating disorders: a prospective multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients with eating disorders in a multicenter joint study on 11 facilities were enrolled and prospectively investigated to determine whether improvement in body weight, eating attitudes, and psychosocial factors in children with eating disorders would also improve depressive symptoms. METHODS: In this study, 91 patients were enrolled between April 2014 and March 2016. The severity of underweight was assessed using the body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), eating behavior was assessed using the children's eating attitude test (ChEAT26), the outcome of childhood eating disorders was assessed using the childhood eating disorder outcome scale, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) score. RESULTS: After 12 months of treatment, depressive symptoms were evaluated in 62 of the 91 cases where it was evaluated at the initial phase. There was no difference in background characteristics between the included patients and the 29 patients who dropped out. A paired-sample t-test revealed a significant decrease in CDI scores after 12 months of treatment (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 2.401-7.373) and a significant increase in the BMI-SDS (p < 0.001, 95% CI: - 2.41973-1.45321). Multiple regression analysis revealed that BMI-SDS and ChEAT26 scores at the initial phase were beneficial in CDI recovery. In addition, BMI-SDS at the initial phase was useful for predicting BMI-SDS recovery after 12 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms in children with eating disorders improved with therapeutic intervention on body weight and eating attitudes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Clinical Trial Number for this study is UMIN000055004.

Acute Augmentations to Psychological Therapies in Eating Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the use and efficacy of acute augmentation therapies in eating disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: A meta-analysis addressing this topic across psychological disorders found augmentation significantly improved therapy outcome with strongest findings for augmentations targeting biological mechanisms; however, only one study examined eating disorders. Our systematic review identified 29 studies examining people with eating disorders (N = 1831 participants, 93.7% female), of which 17 RCTs (n = 1162 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Small subgroups of acute augmentations were identified. Adding acute augmentations to an intervention was effective in 72.4% of studies, with a significant effect on eating disorder outcomes (Hedges' g = 0.14, 95% CI: [0.02, 0.26]). Acute augmentation looks to be a promising approach regardless of weight status or whether it is added to treatment as usual or a single therapy approach.

Emotional Eating in Primary Care: Considerations for Assessment and Management.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After participating in this CME activity, the psychiatrist should be better able to:• Describe how to identify and address emotional eating in the primary care setting. ABSTRACT: Emotional eating (i.e., eating in response to negative emotional states and stress) is a highly prevalent concern within primary care settings. It is associated with myriad health issues such as the experience of overweight or obesity, increased difficulty losing weight and sustaining weight loss, various eating disorders, diabetes, and heart disease. Given the effects of emotional eating on patient health goals regarding weight loss or management, it is imperative to incorporate interventions that address emotional underpinnings alongside traditional, behaviorally based weight-loss treatment. Ensuring that primary care providers, who represent pivotal frontline touch points for patients interested in weight-related treatment, can identify emotional eating is an important first step in supporting these patients' goals. The primary purpose of this paper is to provide background information and practical guidance for addressing emotional eating in the primary care setting. We summarize theorized biological and psychological mechanisms that underlie emotional eating, and review traditional (i.e., psychological) interventions, with special consideration for adapting available treatments for use in primary care contexts.

Thought-shape fusion in residential eating disorder treatment: Cognitive defusion as a mediator between thought-action fusion and treatment outcome.

An understudied cognitive bias within eating disorder (ED) psychopathology is Thought-Shape Fusion (TSF), which involves irrational beliefs about the likelihood and moral implications of feared outcomes related to shape, weight, and food. This phenomenon has received less attention within the context of ED treatment, with little known about potential processes of change to address TSF and ultimately promote ED recovery. We propose cognitive defusion as a process of change, a metacognitive process that emphasizes observing thoughts objectively rather than appraising thoughts as absolute truth. We explored whether cognitive defusion, that is, reductions in body image-related cognitive fusion, mediated the relationship between trait-level TSF and treatment outcomes in a transdiagnostic ED sample of adult and adolescent females (N = 130) presenting to residential care. We found that reductions in body image-related cognitive fusion mediates the association between trait-level TSF at baseline and ED severity at discharge. However, when the sample was separated into adolescent and adult subgroups, these results only remained significant for adolescents. These findings underscore the relevance of targeting cognitive defusion as a potential mechanism to address the impact of trait levels of TSF cognitions on ED psychopathology.

Suicide in individuals with eating disorders who had sought mental health treatment in England: a national retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although studies have suggested a high risk of suicide in people with eating disorders, most studies have focused on suicidal ideation and attempts. There is little research on the characteristics of people with eating disorders who died by suicide, nor investigation of trends over time. We aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with eating disorders who died by suicide versus patients with other mental health diagnoses who died by suicide in England and to examine the trends in rates. METHODS: In this national retrospective cohort study, data on all people (aged ≥10 years) who died by suicide in England, UK, between Jan 1, 1997, and Dec 31, 2021, while under the care (within the previous 12 months) of mental health services were obtained from the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH), in which clinical information is collected via a questionnaire completed by the mental health professional responsible for the patient's care. Incidence of suicide in, and demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics of, patients with a diagnosis of eating disorder (as recorded by the treating clinician) who died by suicide were compared with patients with other mental health diagnoses who died by suicide within the same timeframe using univariable logistic regression analysis. People with related lived experience were involved in the study design, implementation, interpretation, and writing of the manuscript. FINDINGS: Of 119 446 people for whom NCISH were notified of dying by suicide in England, 30 795 were under the recent care of mental health services, of whom 30 246 had known diagnoses and were included in analyses. Of these individuals, 10 373 (34%) were female and 19 873 (66%) were male; 2236 (8%) were of minority ethnicity; 382 (1%) had a diagnosis of eating disorder and 29 864 (99%) had another mental health diagnosis. Compared with patients with other mental health diagnoses who died by suicide, patients with eating disorders were younger (median age 33 years [range 15-90] vs 45 years [10-100]), more often female (343 [90%] female and 39 [10%] male in the eating disorders group; 10 030 [34%] female and 19 834 [66%] male in the other diagnoses group), and less likely to have evidence of conventional risk factors for suicide such as living alone (odds ratio [OR] 0·68, 95% CI 0·55-0·84). 22 (6%) of 382 were from a minority ethnic group. Patients with an eating disorder were characterised by a greater clinical complexity (eg, self-harm [OR 2·31, 95% CI 1·78-3·00], comorbidity [9·79, 6·81-14·1], and longer duration of illness [1·95, 1·56-2·43]), and were more likely to have died following overdoses (2·00, 1·62-2·45) than patients with other diagnoses. Childhood abuse (52 [37%] of 140) and domestic violence (18 [20%] of 91) were common in patients with eating disorders. Similar to patients with other diagnoses, most (244 [75%] of 326) of those with eating disorders who died by suicide were rated as low risk by clinicians at last contact. The number of suicide deaths in patients with eating disorders rose between 1997 and 2021 (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1·03, 95% CI 1·02-1·05; p<0·0001), but rates fell when accounting for the greater number of patients entering mental health services (IRR 0·97, 0·95-1·00; p=0·033). INTERPRETATION: This study was focused on people who sought help from mental health services. It did not consider subtypes of eating disorders or include a control group, but it does highlight possible areas for intervention. The comprehensive provision of evidence-based treatment for eating disorders and underlying conditions to address the clinical complexity in these patients might help to reduce suicide. Recognising limitations in clinical risk assessment, addressing early life experiences and current adversities, and appropriate prescribing might also be of benefit. Suicide prevention must remain a priority for eating disorder services and mental health care more widely. FUNDING: The Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership.

"I don't know how, if, it's ever going to end": narratives of caring for someone with an enduring eating disorder.

BACKGROUND: Families and carers are pivotal in supporting loved ones experiencing eating disorders. This role can bring immense distress and burden, yet the experience of caring for someone with an enduring eating disorder has had minimal research focus. Thus, the purpose of this study is to give voice to carers empowering their stories to increase awareness and understanding, which could inform support to carers and consequently people with a lived and/or living experience of eating disorders. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 carers supporting individuals who had been experiencing an eating disorder for 7 or more years. Data were collected and analysed using narrative inquiry approach. RESULTS: Carers' narratives revealed feelings of guilt and personal failure; a profound sense of disillusion with current treatment approaches; and immense grief and anguish. As they negotiated a tenuous relationship with hope and the uncertainty of their loved one's future, carers spoke to a complex myriad of feelings of acceptance, letting go, and forging on. CONCLUSION: Carers deserve to have their voices heard where they are too often silenced. Their narratives provide an urgent call for transformation in our treatments for eating disorders and further involvement of carers within the treatment journey, and their lived experience perspectives have great potential to guide this endeavour. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, qualitative interviews.

Impact of a 6-week dietary and lifestyle modification intervention on food cravings and eating behaviors in women.

Introduction: Introduction: the multifaceted nature of food craving mirrors the complexity underlying the development of eating disorders. Objectives: the study aimed to investigate the impact of a 6-week dietary and lifestyle intervention on food cravings, eating behaviors, and changes in physical and biochemical measures among women. Methods: this study constitutes a behavior modification investigation involving a cohort of 35 female participants who sought consultation at a private nutrition counseling facility. At first, anthropometric and biochemical data were recorded; Information Form, Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait Scale (FCQ-T), Three-Factor Eating Scale (TFEQ-R21) were applied and 3-Day Food Consumption Records were taken. After 6 weeks of dietitian follow-up, the data collection tools were repeated and the individuals were compared with the baseline. Results: after 6-week follow-up, according to the examination of the food consumption records, differences in daily energy, fat, monounsaturated fatty acid, fibre, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron intake levels were found significant (p < 0.05). Differences in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist/height ratio, fat mass, fat ratio and fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, AST, TSH, free T3, free T4 levels were found significant (p < 0.05). According to the FCQ-T evaluation; differences in total and nine sub-dimension scores of the scale were found significant (p < 0.001). According to the TFEQ-R21 evaluation; differences in cognitive restraint, emotional eating and uncontrolled eating scores were found significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: a successful 6-week dietary and lifestyle intervention with improvement in anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters is effective in reducing food cravings and regulating eating behaviours.

Introducción: Introducción: la compleja relación entre el deseo de alimentos y los trastornos alimentarios es el foco de este estudio. Objetivos: investigamos el efecto de una intervención de 6 semanas en la dieta y el estilo de vida sobre los antojos, los comportamientos alimentarios y las mediciones físicas y bioquímicas en mujeres. Métodos: este estudio involucró a 35 mujeres que buscaban asesoramiento nutricional privado. Inicialmente, se recopilaron datos antropométricos y bioquímicos, se aplicó el Formulario de Información, el Cuestionario de Ansia Alimentaria-Escala de Rasgos (FCQ-T), la Escala de Tres Factores Alimentarios (TFEQ-R21) y se registró la ingesta de alimentos durante 3 días. Tras 6 semanas de seguimiento por un dietista, se repitieron las evaluaciones y se compararon con los datos iniciales. Resultados: tras 6 semanas se observaron diferencias significativas (p < 0.05) en la ingesta diaria de energía, grasas, ácidos grasos monoinsaturados, fibra, vitamina E, potasio, magnesio y hierro. También se encontraron diferencias significativas en el peso corporal, el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la relación cintura/altura, la masa grasa, la proporción de grasa y los niveles de glucosa en ayunas, HbA1c, colesterol total, triglicéridos, LDL, AST, TSH, T3 libre y T4 libre (p < 0,05). En cuanto al FCQ-T, las puntuaciones totales y de las nueve subdimensiones mostraron diferencias significativas (p < 0,001). Además, según el TFEQ-R21, las puntuaciones de restricción cognitiva, alimentación emocional y alimentación incontrolada fueron significativamente diferentes (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: una intervención dietética y de estilo de vida de 6 semanas, que mejora las medidas antropométricas y los parámetros bioquímicos, resulta eficaz en la reducción del deseo por la comida y la regulación de los comportamientos alimentarios en mujeres.

Disordered Eating/Eating Disorders in Adolescents.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic was as tressful time for adolescents, with increased isolation, loss of routines, and changes in access to medical care. In this setting, the medical system saw a significant rise in the number of adolescents seeking care for eating disorders, as well as increased severity of patient presentation. Telehealth treatment for eating disorders was a unique shift during the pandemic, with some benefits but not universally positive experiences among patients, families and providers.

Who gets treated for an eating disorder? Implications for inference based on clinical populations.

BACKGROUND: The minority of people with an eating disorder receive treatment. Little is known about predictors of receiving treatment. METHODS: Using data from the Growing Up Today Study we identified correlates of receiving treatment for an eating disorder among the 1237 U.S. women who answered questions on treatment history in 2013 and reported meeting criteria for subthreshold eating disorder in ≥ 1 year between 1996 and 2013. Logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the relative odds of receiving treatment. RESULTS: Approximately 11% of the women reported receiving treatment for an eating disorder. Independent of type of eating disorder, those who had received a diagnosis of depression or anxiety were more likely (odds ratio (OR) = 3.05 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.87-4.97) to receive treatment for an eating disorder. Women with obesity were approximately 85% less likely to receive treatment (OR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.46) regardless of their type of eating disorder or history of depression of anxiety diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Most women meeting criteria for an eating disorder do not receive treatment. Women with BED or obesity are the least likely to receive treatment.

Food Addiction Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment: A Protocol for Residential Treatment of Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorders and Trauma-Related Psychiatric Comorbidity.

Food addiction, or ultra-processed food addiction (UPFA), has emerged as a reliable and validated clinical entity that is especially common in individuals seeking treatment for eating disorders (EDs), substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring psychiatric disorders (including mood, anxiety and trauma-related disorders). The clinical science of UPFA has relied on the development and proven reliability of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), or subsequent versions, e.g., the modified YFAS 2.0 (mYFAS2.0), as well as neurobiological advances in understanding hedonic eating. Despite its emergence as a valid and reliable clinical entity with important clinical implications, the best treatment approaches remain elusive. To address this gap, we have developed and described a standardized assessment and treatment protocol for patients being treated in a residential program serving patients with psychiatric multi-morbidity. Patients who meet mYFAS2.0 criteria are offered one of three possible approaches: (1) treatment as usual (TAU), using standard ED treatment dietary approaches; (2) harm reduction (HR), offering support in decreasing consumption of all UPFs or particular identified UPFs; and (3) abstinence-based (AB), offering support in abstaining completely from UPFs or particular UPFs. Changes in mYFAS2.0 scores and other clinical measures of common psychiatric comorbidities are compared between admission and discharge.

Issues Related to the Use of Visual Social Networks and Perceived Usefulness of Social Media Literacy During the Recovery Phase: Qualitative Research Among Girls With Eating Disorders.

BACKGROUND: The patient-centered approach is essential for quality health care and patient safety. Understanding the service user's perspective on the factors maintaining the health problem is crucial for successful treatment, especially for patients who do not recognize their condition as clinically relevant or concerning. Despite the association between intensive use of visual social media and body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, little is known about the meanings users assign to posting or searching for edited photos and the strategies they use to protect themselves from digital risks. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine how young women recovering from eating disorders in Northern Italy perceive the health risks and potential benefits associated with visual social networks (ie, Instagram and Snapchat). The literature has found these platforms to be detrimental to online body comparisons. It also explores the perceived usefulness, willingness, and personal interest in coconstructing social media literacy programs with girls recovering from eating disorders. METHODS: A total of 30 semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescent girls aged 14-17 years at the end of their treatment for eating disorders. The following areas of research were addressed: (1) the meanings associated with the use of Instagram and Snapchat; (2) the investment in the photographic dimension and feedback; (3) the impact of visual social networks on body experiences; (4) the potential and risks perceived in their use; (5) the importance of supporting girls undergoing treatment for eating disorders in using social networks; and (6) the usefulness and willingness to co-design social network literacy programs. Content analysis was applied. RESULTS: A total of 7 main contents emerged: active or passive role in using social networks, the impact of online interactions on body image, investment in the photographic dimension, effects on self-representation, perceived risks, self-protective strategies, and potential benefits. The findings highlight a strong awareness of the processes that trigger body comparisons in the virtual context, creating insecurity and worsening the relationship with oneself. The self-protective behaviors identified are the development of critical thinking, the avoidance of sensitive content, increased control over social networking site use, and a certain skepticism toward developing antagonistic ideologies. All these topics were considered fundamental. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide important insights for health professionals working with youth in preparing media literacy programs. These programs aim to reduce potential risks and amplify the positive effects of online resources. They underscore the importance of addressing this issue during hospitalization to develop skills and critical thinking aimed at changing small habits that perpetuate the problem in everyday life. The inherent limitations in current service practices, which may not adequately address individual needs or impact posttreatment life, must also be considered.