Assessing clinician competence in the delivery of cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders: development of the Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Scale for Eating Disorders (CBTS-ED).

Evidence-based cognitive-behaviour therapy for eating disorders (CBT-ED) differs from other forms of CBT for psychological disorders, making existing generic CBT measures of therapist competence inadequate for evaluating CBT-ED. This study developed and piloted the reliability of a novel measure of therapist competence in this domain-the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Scale for Eating Disorders (CBTS-ED). Initially, a team of CBT-ED experts developed a 26-item measure, with general (i.e. present in every session) and specific (context- or case-dependent) items. To determine statistical properties of the measure, nine CBT-ED experts and eight non-experts independently observed six role-played mock CBT-ED therapy sessions, rating the therapists' performance using the CBTS-ED. The inter-item consistency (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega) and inter-rater reliability (ICC) were assessed, as appropriate to the clustering of the items. The CBTS-ED demonstrated good internal consistency and moderate/good inter-rater reliability for the general items, at least comparable to existing generic CBT scales in other domains. An updated version is proposed, where five of the 16 "specific" items are reallocated to the general group. These preliminary results suggest that the CBTS-ED can be used effectively across both expert and non-expert raters, though less experienced raters might benefit from additional training in its use.

A framework for conceptualising early intervention for eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This paper outlines the evidence base for early intervention for eating disorders; provides a global overview of how early intervention for eating disorders is provided in different regions and settings; and proposes policy, service, clinician and research recommendations to progress early intervention for eating disorders. METHOD AND RESULTS: Currently, access to eating disorder treatment often takes many years or does not occur at all. This is despite neurobiological, clinical and socioeconomic evidence showing that early intervention may improve outcomes and facilitate full sustained recovery from an eating disorder. There is also considerable variation worldwide in how eating disorder care is provided, with marked inequalities in treatment provision. Despite these barriers, there are existing evidence-based approaches to early intervention for eating disorders and progress is being made in scaling these. CONCLUSIONS: We propose action steps for the field that will transform eating disorder service provision and facilitate early detection, treatment and recovery for everyone affected by eating disorders, regardless of age, socioeconomic status and personal characteristics.

Implementing evidence-based individual psychotherapies for adults with eating disorders in a real world clinical setting.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of evidenced-based psychological treatments (specifically, Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders [CBT-ED] and Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults [MANTRA]) for a transdiagnostic eating disorder population in a routine clinical setting. In particular, it aimed to determine the extent to which treatment was provided in line with current clinical guidelines (NICE, 2017) and how effective treatment was in improving eating disorder and general psychopathology. METHOD: Three hundred and seventy-nine participants meeting criteria for DSM-5 anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder or other specified feeding or eating disorder completed pre- and posttreatment measures of eating disorder pathology and general distress. Clinicians recorded weight and episodes of bingeing and purging. RESULTS: Ninety seven percent of participants received treatment in line with evidence-based psychotherapies. Treatment was completed by 59.9% of the whole sample. Using stringent criteria and ITT analysis 21.4% met criteria for remission at end of treatment. In the underweight sample, there was a significant increase in BMI, averaging 1.38 kg/m2 over treatment, with similar outcomes for MANTRA and CBT-ED. DISCUSSION: These findings, in a large transdiagnostic population, add to emerging literature on the translation of evidence-based psychotherapies to real-world clinical settings. Our results converge well with prior similar studies. Findings highlight the need for routine data collection in services and for the ongoing improvement of treatments for the eating disorders.

Exploring the use of individualised patient-reported outcome measures in eating disorders: Validation of the Psychological Outcome Profiles.

RATIONALE: Psychotherapies for eating disorders (EDs) are routinely assessed using standardised patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). PROMs have been criticised for their lack of patient centeredness and clinical utility. The Psychological Outcome Profiles (PSYCHLOPS) is an individualised PROM that allows patients to specify their own outcomes. AIMS: (1) To validate the use of the PSYCHLOPS in ED treatment, and (2) to identify patient concerns beyond those measured by common ED PROMs. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-eight emerging adult patients, presenting with a first-episode ED (aged 16-25, illness duration <3 years) completed the PSYCHLOPS and two standardised ED PROMs (the EatingDisorder Examination Questionnaire [EDE-Q] and the Clinical Impairment Assessment Questionnaire [CIA]) at four time points across 12 months. Psychometrics of the PSYCHLOPS were assessed quantitatively against the EDE-Q and CIA. Content analysis assessed unique patient concerns identified by PSYCHLOPS. RESULTS: The PSYCHLOPS had adequate to good psychometric properties. A total of 53.3% of participants reported a concern not addressed by the EDE-Q or the CIA, the most common being depression/anxiety, academic problems, treatment concerns and disturbed sleep. DISCUSSION: PROMs can be complemented by the PSYCHLOPS to identify problems specific to an individual's context. As ED patients are typically ambivalent about change, understanding their concerns is vital in building motivation for change.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy in the time of coronavirus: Clinician tips for working with eating disorders via telehealth when face-to-face meetings are not possible.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus pandemic has led to a dramatically different way of working for many therapists working with eating disorders, where telehealth has suddenly become the norm. However, many clinicians feel ill equipped to deliver therapy via telehealth, while adhering to evidence-based interventions. This article draws together clinician experiences of the issues that should be attended to, and how to address them within a telehealth framework. METHOD: Seventy clinical colleagues of the authors were emailed and invited to share their concerns online about how to deliver cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders (CBT-ED) via telehealth, and how to adapt clinical practice to deal with the problems that they and others had encountered. After 96 hr, all the suggestions that had been shared by 22 clinicians were collated to provide timely advice for other clinicians. RESULTS: A range of themes emerged from the online discussion. A large proportion were general clinical and practical domains (patient and therapist concerns about telehealth; technical issues in implementing telehealth; changes in the environment), but there were also specific considerations and clinical recommendations about the delivery of CBT-ED methods. DISCUSSION: Through interaction and sharing of ideas, clinicians across the world produced a substantial number of recommendations about how to use telehealth to work with people with eating disorders while remaining on track with evidence-based practice. These are shared to assist clinicians over the period of changed practice.

A 10-session cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-T) for eating disorders: Outcomes from a case series of nonunderweight adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: Existing forms of evidence-based cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders (CBT-ED) are relatively effective for nonunderweight cases. However, they are also expensive compared to CBT for other disorders. This study reports the first outcomes for a shorter, 10-session form of CBT-ED (CBT-T) for such cases, designed to be less demanding of resources. METHOD: A case series of 106 nonunderweight eating disordered cases were considered for this effectiveness study. A protocolized 10-session version of CBT-ED was delivered by clinical assistants, under supervision. Measures assessed eating attitudes and behaviors, anxiety, depression, personality pathology, and the working alliance. Intention-to-treat analyses were used. RESULTS: Suitability, acceptability, working alliance ratings, and retention were all positive. Outcomes by the end of therapy and at three-month follow-up were positive for all symptoms, with levels of change, abstinence and remission that were comparable to those from effectiveness studies of longer forms of CBT. Higher levels of pretreatment anxiety predicted retention in treatment, but no factors predicted poorer response. Early change in eating attitudes and the working alliance were the strongest predictors of a positive response. DISCUSSION: This 10-session form of CBT-ED for nonunderweight eating disorders performed at a level that is comparable to versions of CBT-ED that are twice as long, despite being delivered by nonspecialist therapists. Replication and longer-term follow-ups are needed to ensure retained effects. However, CBT-T has promise as a therapy for use in a range of healthcare settings, to enhance access to treatment for such eating disorders.

A pilot evaluation of a novel First Episode and Rapid Early Intervention service for Eating Disorders (FREED).

This pilot study assesses the impact of FREED (First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders [ED]), a novel transdiagnostic service for emerging adults with recent ED onset, on clinical outcomes. Data were collected from 56 patients and 19 carers for 12 months following enrolment. FREED patients showed significant improvements in ED and other symptoms across time. Carers also showed psychological improvements. For FREED anorexia nervosa (AN) patients, body mass index (BMI) at initial clinical assessment was similar to that of comparable patients (audit cohort) seen in our service before (16.4 vs 16.1 kg/m2 ). By start of treatment, because of their shorter wait, FREED-AN had gained weight whereas audit patients had lost (16.7 vs 15.8 kg/m2 ). This difference continued throughout treatment, and at 12 months, nearly 60% FREED-AN patients returned to a BMI of 18.5 or greater. FREED shows promise as a service model for emerging adults with EDs.

Development, psychometric properties and preliminary clinical validation of a brief, session-by-session measure of eating disorder cognitions and behaviors: The ED-15.

OBJECTIVE: In the treatment research literature on other psychological disorders, there is a move towards session-by-session symptom measurement. The necessary measures need to be brief, focused on core features since the last session, and readily available to clinicians. There is no measure in the eating disorders that meets those criteria. This research reports the development and validation of such a self-report questionnaire. METHOD: The authors generated and refined a brief set of attitudinal and behavioral items. The resulting questionnaire (the ED-15) and an existing measure (Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire; EDE-Q) were completed by a large nonclinical adult sample (N = 531), a group of self-reported eating disorder sufferers (N = 63), and a group of women (N = 33) diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or atypical bulimia nervosa and undertaking cognitive-behavioral therapy. RESULTS: Factor analysis identified two scales (Weight and Shape Concerns; Eating Concerns), with strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Correlations with the EDE-Q (r = 0.889) indicates that the ED-15 and EDE-Q measure near-identical constructs. The ED-15 differentiated self-reported eating-disordered and nonclinical groups to the same degree as the longer EDE-Q. Session-by-session analysis of the CBT treatment group demonstrated that the different ED-15 scales changed in different patterns across therapy. DISCUSSION: The ED-15 is not proposed as an alternative to existing measures, but as a complementary tool, used to measure session-by-session change for clinical and research purposes. Future research will track changes in ED-15 scores across therapy, to determine the importance of very early response to therapy and sudden changes.

BodyWise: evaluating a pilot body image group for patients with anorexia nervosa.

Body image disturbance can be enduring and distressing to individuals with eating disorders and effective treatments remain limited. This pilot study evaluated a group-based treatment-BodyWise-developed for use in full and partial hospitalization with patients with anorexia nervosa at low weight. A partial crossover waitlist design was used. BodyWise (N = 50) versus treatment as usual (N = 40) were compared on standardized measures of body image disturbance. Results demonstrated significant improvement in the group compared to treatment as usual for the primary outcome measure (Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire Shape Concern subscale) and other manifestations of body image disturbance including body checking and body image quality of life. BodyWise appeared acceptable to participants, and was easy to deliver within the pragmatics of a busy eating disorder service. There is potential for its wider dissemination as a precursor to more active body image interventions.

Premature termination of treatment for anorexia nervosa: differences between patient-initiated and staff-initiated discharge.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate treatment drop-out by comparing clinical indicators of patients whose discharge was initiated by staff with those who initiated discharge themselves. METHOD: Ninety participants with anorexia completed questionnaires at admission and four weeks into hospitalized treatment. Weight data was collected over this same period. At discharge, participants were categorized into completer (n = 38) or patient-initiated (n = 36) /staff-initiated (n = 16) premature termination groups. RESULTS: Significant differences between staff-initiated and patient-initiated discharge groups were found at admission. Staff initiated groups were on average older (p = .035), and more likely to have had prior compelled treatment (p = .039). At 4 weeks those in the patient-initiated group had put on weight at a faster rate (p = .032) and reported a decrease in alliance (p = .017). At discharge, staff initiated discharge demonstrated greater time in treatment (p = .001), greater weight gain (p = .027), and a higher discharge BMI (p = .013). At discharge, staff-initiated drop-outs had comparable end-of-treatment outcomes to those who completed treatment as planned. DISCUSSION: There are key differences between those who prematurely discharge themselves from treatment, compared to those who are prematurely discharged by clinical staff. Future research into drop-out needs to take into account and recognize these differences.

Rules of engagement: qualitative experiences of therapeutic alliance when receiving in-patient treatment for anorexia nervosa.

Recent research has emphasised the importance of therapeutic alliance to treatment outcomes for anorexia nervosa. This study aimed to examine the experiences of service users in developing therapeutic alliance whilst in treatment for their eating disorders. This qualitative study, using purposive sampling, recruited a sample of service users receiving treatment at a national eating disorders service. In-depth interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, with transcriptions being subject to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants were eight adult women receiving tertiary level eating disorder treatment in a specialist setting. The text analysis produced four dominant categories: alliance as a key experience; being active, not passive; taboo talking; and first impressions count. The development of therapeutic alliance is a core component of treatment. This study identifies important areas that contribute to the successful cultivation of positive therapeutic alliance.

Is the therapeutic alliance overvalued in the treatment of eating disorders?

In this article, we make the case for a systematic program of research into the causal relationship between the therapeutic alliance and outcomes of psychological treatments for the eating disorders. To make that case, we need to begin by considering the validity of existing assumptions about that alliance-outcome relationship. We will then suggest what research is needed to allow clinicians to structure their work to best effect (e.g., should therapists focus on establishing a strong alliance even if it means not applying more therapy-specific techniques, or should they stress the application of those techniques even when the working alliance might seem likely to be weakened as a result). Although the authors have a background in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), our aim is to suggest a research base that applies to a variety of psychotherapies, allowing for common or different conclusions about the alliance-outcome relationship, depending on what the proposed research indicates.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for individuals with longstanding anorexia nervosa: adaptations, clinician survival and system issues.

Despite recent advances in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, some individuals will progress to a severe and enduring illness, with associated physical, psychological and social consequences. Working with these patients, however, may leave clinicians feeling overwhelmed, risking difficulties in the therapeutic relationship including disengagement or despair. Cognitive behaviour therapy has shown some promise in the treatment of eating disorders, yet some features may not be appropriate for this group. In this paper, we outline the ways in which we have adapted cognitive behaviour therapy to best meet the complex and challenging needs of this group. We stress the importance of maintaining a reassuring, accepting and motivational approach in combination with clear goal setting and boundaries.

The First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders - Upscaled study: Clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) is a service model and care pathway for emerging adults aged 16 to 25-years with a recent onset eating disorder (ED) of <3 years. A previous single-site study suggests that FREED significantly improves clinical outcomes compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU). The present study (FREED-Up) assessed the scalability of FREED. A multi-centre quasi-experimental pre-post design was used, comparing patient outcomes before and after implementation of FREED in participating services. METHODS: FREED patients (n = 278) were consecutive, prospectively ascertained referrals to four specialist ED services in England, assessed at four time points over 12 months on ED symptoms, mood, service utilization and cost. FREED patients were compared to a TAU cohort (n = 224) of similar patients, identified retrospectively from electronic patient records in participating services. All were emerging adults aged 16-25 experiencing a first episode ED of <3 years duration. RESULTS: Overall, FREED patients made significant and rapid clinical improvements over time. 53.2% of FREED patients with anorexia nervosa reached a healthy weight at the 12-month timepoint, compared to only 17.9% of TAU patients (X2 [1, N = 107] = 10.46, p < .001). Significantly fewer FREED patients required intensive (i.e., in-patient or day-patient) treatment (6.6%) compared to TAU patients (12.4%) across the follow-up period (X2 [1, N = 40] = 4.36, p = .037). This contributed to a trend in cost savings in FREED compared to TAU (-£4472, p = .06, CI -£9168, £233). DISCUSSION: FREED is robust and scalable and is associated with substantial improvements in clinical outcomes, reduction in inpatient or day-patient admissions, and cost-savings.

Assessing implementation fidelity in the First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders service model.

BACKGROUND: The First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) service model is associated with significant reductions in wait times and improved clinical outcomes for emerging adults with recent-onset eating disorders. An understanding of how FREED is implemented is a necessary precondition to enable an attribution of these findings to key components of the model, namely the wait-time targets and care package. AIMS: This study evaluated fidelity to the FREED service model during the multicentre FREED-Up study. METHOD: Participants were 259 emerging adults (aged 16-25 years) with an eating disorder of <3 years duration, offered treatment through the FREED care pathway. Patient journey records documented patient care from screening to end of treatment. Adherence to wait-time targets (engagement call within 48 h, assessment within 2 weeks, treatment within 4 weeks) and care package, and differences in adherence across diagnosis and treatment group were examined. RESULTS: There were significant increases (16-40%) in adherence to the wait-time targets following the introduction of FREED, irrespective of diagnosis. Receiving FREED under optimal conditions also increased adherence to the targets. Care package use differed by component and diagnosis. The most used care package activities were psychoeducation and dietary change. Attention to transitions was less well used. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an indication of adherence levels to key components of the FREED model. These adherence rates can tentatively be considered as clinically meaningful thresholds. Results highlight aspects of the model and its implementation that warrant future examination.

"What Are You Thinking When You Look at Me?" A Pilot Study of the Use of Virtual Reality in Body Image.

Body image disturbance (BID) is implicated in the etiology, maintenance, and relapse of the eating disorders, and remains challenging to treat. New paradigms such as virtual reality (VR) may offer an ecologically viable method to assess and treat BID. This pilot study aimed to determine if a VR environment could elicit increased BID in a nonclinical group of women who were dieting due to body image concerns or nonclinical women who were not dieting. Forty-one nonclinical females participated in the VR paradigm (a London Bus Journey), completing pre and post measures of body image satisfaction, and social evaluative concerns. Results did not support the hypothesis that the virtual London Bus would elicit increased BID. However, dieters reported significantly higher levels of social evaluative concerns and comparison to avatars during the virtual environment compared with nondieters. Participants reported acceptable levels of sense of presence and enjoyment of the VR environment. Possible explanations for the failure of the VR environment to trigger increased BID are discussed, including choice of environment and avatar fidelity. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that VR might have potential in the treatment of disturbed body image, while highlighting the need for further research into the required levels of representational and behavioral fidelity of virtual environments and avatars.

Weighing patients within cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders: How, when and why.

While weight, beliefs about weight and weight changes are key issues in the pathology and treatment of eating disorders, there is substantial variation in whether and how psychological therapists weigh their patients. This review considers the reasons for that variability, highlighting the differences that exist in clinical protocols between therapies, as well as levels of reluctance on the part of some therapists and patients. It is noted that there have been substantial changes over time in the recommendations made within therapies, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). The review then makes the case for all CBT therapists needing to weigh their patients in session and for the patient to be aware of their weight, in order to give the best chance of cognitive, emotional and behavioural progress. Specific guidance is given as to how to weigh, stressing the importance of preparation of the patient and presentation, timing and execution of the task. Consideration is given to reasons that clinicians commonly report for not weighing patients routinely, and counter-arguments and solutions are presented. Finally, there is consideration of procedures to follow with some special groups of patients.

Social anhedonia and work and social functioning in the acute and recovered phases of eating disorders.

Interpersonal difficulties are proposed to maintain eating disorders (EDs). This study explored whether social anhedonia (SA) was an additional social emotional maintenance factor which might also explain work/social problems in EDs. Additionally, the study explored SA and work and social adjustment in recovered participants. Women with anorexia nervosa (AN; n=105), bulimia nervosa (BN; n=46), recovered from AN (RAN; n=30) and non-ED controls (n=136) completed the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) and the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale. ED participants reported greater SA and WSAS scores than non-ED controls; the RAN group reported an intermediate profile. AN participants had poorer work/social adjustment than BN participants. SA was associated with longer illness duration. SA, current severity (BMI) and lifetime severity (lowest adult BMI) significantly predicted work/social difficulties. Recovered participants scoring in the clinical range for SA experienced significantly greater work/social difficulties than recovered participants scoring outside the clinical range for SA. EDs are associated with clinical levels of SA and poor work/social functioning which reduce in recovery. SA may maintain the interpersonal functioning difficulties.

Clinicians' concerns about delivering cognitive-behavioural therapy for eating disorders.

Despite research supporting the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions in the treatment of eating disorders, those interventions are under-utilised in routine clinical practice, possibly due to clinicians' concerns about delivering the relevant techniques. This study examined what elements of therapy clinicians worry about when delivering cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for the eating disorders, and what clinician variables are associated with such concerns. The participants were 113 clinicians who used individual CBT with eating disorder patients. They completed a novel measure of concerns about delivering elements of CBT, as well as demographic characteristics and a standardised measure of intolerance of uncertainty. Clinicians worried most about body image work and ending treatment, but least about delivering psychoeducation. Their concerns fell into four distinct factors. Older, more experienced clinicians worried less about delivering the CBT techniques, but those with greater levels of prospective and inhibitory anxiety worried more about specific factors in the CBT techniques. Clinicians' capacity to tolerate uncertainty might impair their delivery of evidence-based CBT, and merits consideration as a target in training and supervision of CBT clinicians.