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.

The role of readiness and confidence to change in the treatment of atypical anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: Atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder that is more common in the population than AN. Despite this, people with atypical AN are less likely to be referred or admitted for eating disorder treatment and there is evidence that they are less likely to complete or benefit from existing interventions. This study examined whether baseline readiness and/or confidence moderated outcomes from 10-session cognitive behavioral therapy among people with atypical AN and bulimia nervosa (BN), and whether the impact of these variables differed between diagnoses. METHODS: Participants (n = 67; 33 with atypical AN) were a subset from an outpatient treatment study. Linear mixed model analyses were conducted to examine whether baseline readiness and/or confidence moderated outcomes. RESULTS: People with BN who had higher levels of readiness or confidence at baseline had steeper decreases in eating disorder psychopathology over time. There was no evidence that readiness or confidence moderated outcomes for people with atypical AN. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that the moderators that have been identified for other eating disorders may not apply for people with atypical AN and highlights a need for future work to routinely investigate whether theoretically or empirically driven variables moderate outcomes in this little-understood population. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: People with bulimia nervosa with higher readiness and confidence experienced greater decreases in eating disorder symptoms than people with lower readiness and confidence when treated with cognitive behavioral therapy. These findings did not apply to people with atypical anorexia nervosa. Results demonstrate that future work is urgently required to identify helpful treatments for people with atypical anorexia nervosa as well as the variables that have a positive impact on outcomes in treatment for these individuals.

A meta-analysis of disordered eating and its association with self-criticism and self-compassion.

OBJECTIVE: Future treatments for eating disorders (ED) need to be enhanced by targeting maintaining mechanisms. Literature suggests self-criticism and self-critical perfectionism act as key mechanisms exacerbating ED, and self-compassion protects against self-criticism. This meta-analysis examines associations between self-criticism and self-critical perfectionism on disordered eating (DE), and reviews how self-compassion and self-criticism relate to each other with respect to DE. METHOD: Searches across three databases yielded 135 studies across 42,952 participants. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and quality assessments were analyzed. Moderation analyses between self-criticism measures, self-compassion measures, between clinical and nonclinical samples, and between cross-sectional and experimental studies were also conducted. RESULTS: Random-effects models showed a medium positive link between self-criticism and DE (r = .37), and 10 subgroups pertaining to various measures of self-criticism utilized in literature showed small to large positive links with DE (r = .20-.52). Preliminary evidence also suggests negative relationships between self-compassion and DE (r = -.40 to -.43) and negative relationships between self-compassion and self-criticism (r = -.04 to -.88). DISCUSSION: Greater levels of self-criticism is linked with greater levels of DE and reduced levels of self-compassion, suggesting a need to tackle self-criticism and nurture self-compassion in standard treatments for ED. Understanding these interactions better in conjunction with dismantling intervention studies can help develop more effective and efficient interventions targeting self-criticism and self-compassion for people with DE. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Higher levels of self-criticism are linked with higher levels of DE and lower self-compassion. Self-compassion interventions could be more effective and efficient in reducing ED symptoms if self-criticism is tackled early in such treatments.

OBJETIVO: Los futuros tratamientos para los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) deben ser mejorados mediante la focalización en los mecanismos de mantenimiento. La literatura sugiere que la autocrítica y el perfeccionismo autocrítico actúan como mecanismos clave que exacerban los TCA, y que la autocompasión protege contra la autocrítica. Este meta-análisis examina las asociaciones entre la autocrítica y el perfeccionismo autocrítico en la alimentación disfuncional (AD), y revisa cómo la autocompasión y la autocrítica se relacionan entre sí con respecto a la AD. MÉTODO: Las búsquedas en tres bases de datos arrojaron 135 estudios con 42,952 participantes. Se analizaron la heterogeneidad, el sesgo de publicación y las evaluaciones de calidad. También se llevaron a cabo análisis de moderación entre las medidas de autocrítica, las medidas de autocompasión, entre muestras clínicas y no clínicas, y entre estudios transversales y experimentales. RESULTADOS: Los modelos de efectos aleatorios mostraron una asociación positiva media entre la autocrítica y la AD (r = .37), y 10 subgrupos relacionados con diversas medidas de autocrítica utilizadas en la literatura mostraron asociaciones positivas pequeñas a grandes con la AD (r = .20-.52). Además, evidencia preliminar sugiere relaciones negativas entre la autocompasión y la AD (r = −0.40-−0.43) y relaciones negativas entre la autocompasión y la autocrítica (r = −.04-−.88). DISCUSIÓN: Los niveles mayores de autocrítica están relacionados con mayores niveles de AD y niveles reducidos de autocompasión, lo que sugiere la necesidad de abordar la autocrítica y fomentar la autocompasión en los tratamientos estándar para los TCA. Comprender mejor estas interacciones en conjunto con estudios de intervención puede ayudar a desarrollar intervenciones más efectivas y eficientes dirigidas a la autocrítica y la autocompasión para personas con AD.

Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the ED-15 in People With an Eating Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the factorial structure and psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder-15 questionnaire (ED-15) in a large clinical sample, as well as the instrument's sensitivity to early clinical change in therapy and ability to measure remission. METHOD: Participants with eating disorders (N = 278) referred to the Flinders University Services for Eating Disorders in South Australia completed the ED-15 as well as other measures of eating disorder symptoms and co-occurring psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, and stress. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed a two-factor model for the ED-15. The ED-15 had good internal consistency. It showed satisfactory concurrent validity with moderate correlations with the EDE-Q global score and contribution of unique variance to that score. Correlations indicated good convergent validity with clinical impairment and good divergent validity from depression, anxiety, and stress. The ED-15 showed a significant medium effect size change within the first four sessions of therapy. Good discriminant validity was indicated by cut-off scores used for remission, with significantly different levels of ED psychopathology and other impairments between the two groups. DISCUSSION: This study adds to the four previous psychometric studies of the ED-15, confirming robustness of the English version in a clinical sample. The brevity and psychometric robustness of the ED-15 makes it a preferable measure to the Eating Disorder Examination for sessional assessment of progress in treatment.

The potential value of brief waitlist interventions in enhancing treatment retention and outcomes: a randomised controlled trial.

People with eating disorders are often placed on lengthy waitlists for treatment. This is problematic, as increased time spent on waitlists has been shown to predict dropout. We examined whether providing brief interventions to people on a waitlist improved retention or outcomes in treatment. Participants (N = 85) were referred to a university training clinic for 10-session cognitive behavioural therapy for non-underweight patients with eating disorders (CBT-T). While waitlisted for CBT-T, participants were randomised to one of two waitlist interventions or a control condition. In one waitlist intervention (CRT-Brief), participants received a cognitive remediation therapy session at the start of the waitlist period. In the other waitlist intervention (brief contact), participants were sent a short supportive email and psychoeducation halfway through the waitlist period. The control condition was waitlist as usual. There was no evidence to suggest that the waitlist interventions improved symptoms during the waitlist period or CBT-T. However, participants who received a waitlist intervention were three times more likely to complete treatment. The present study suggests that providing even brief contact while people are waitlisted for eating disorder treatment significantly improves retention. However, replication in a more adequately powered study is required.

A randomised controlled evaluation of an online perfectionism intervention for people with disordered eating - how perfect does it need to be?

Less help-seeking for an eating disorder is predicted by higher levels of denial of, and failure to perceive, illness severity. This research evaluates a "backdoor" approach to early intervention by investigating whether internet cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism can significantly improve disordered eating. Additionally, we investigated whether a more interactive intervention impacted outcomes. Participants were recruited worldwide online; 368 were screened, 172 (46.7%) met inclusion criteria (endorsed high shape, weight, or eating concerns) and randomised to an interactive (Focused Minds Program; FMP) or static PDF intervention (Centre for Clinical Intervention; CCI-P) or waitlisted (control condition). Participants completed assessments on disordered eating, perfectionism, and a range of secondary variables at the end of treatment, and 1- and 3-month follow-up. Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that, compared to control, FMP resulted in significantly lower levels of disordered eating at each assessment and CCI-P at the 1- and 3-month follow-up (respective 3-month follow-up between group effect sizes of 0.78 and 0.54). There were no significant differences between the two active interventions on any measure except depression and hated self. Results suggest an alternative approach to directly tackling disordered eating that is low-cost is effective, with a more interactive intervention producing a more rapid effect.Trials Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) Trial Number: ACTRN12621001448831.

A guide for self-help guides: best practice implementation.

Guided self-help is an evidence-based intervention used globally. Self-help is a fundamental part of the stepped care model of mental health services that enables the efficient use of limited resources. Despite its importance, there is little information defining the role of the guide and the key competences required. In this context, the guide is defined as the person who facilitates and supports the use self-help materials. This article sets out the role of the guide in guided self-help. It considers practical issues such as the importance of engagement to motivate clients for early change, personalising the intervention, structuring sessions, how best to use routine outcome monitoring and supervision requirements. Key competences are proposed, including generic competences to build the relationship as well as specific competences such as being able to clearly convey the role of the guide to clients. Guides should be prepared for "self-help drift", a concept akin to therapist drift in more traditional therapies. Knowing how to identify mental health problems, use supervision and manage risk and comorbidity are all key requirements for guides. The paper concludes by calling for increased recognition and value of the role of the guide within mental health services.

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.

Clinicians' confidence in diagnosing atypical anorexia nervosa: An experimental study of the role of patient and clinician characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: This experimental study investigated the weight loss parameters and resulting end weight that influence clinician confidence in diagnosing atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN). METHODS: Clinicians (N = 67) read a series of vignettes where patient weight loss and end weight varied, then rated their confidence in an AAN diagnosis and alternatives. Using repeated measures ANOVAs, we examined patient (weight loss, end weight) and the possible relationship between clinician (e.g., age, profession) characteristics and confidence in diagnosing AAN. RESULTS: Clinicians were most confident in an AAN diagnosis when patients had lost 10% or 15% of their body weight, leaving them at a high or normal weight. Clinicians considered 5% as significant weight loss for AAN, but only when the patient ended at a high or normal weight. However, they did not clearly differentiate AAN from unspecified feeding and eating disorder (UFED) when there was a 5% weight loss resulting in high or normal end weight. Clinician characteristics did not impact on confidence in diagnoses. CONCLUSION: The DSM's 'significant weight loss' criterion leaves room for clinicians to interpret it idiosyncratically. The lack of a clear pattern of UFED and AAN diagnosis has important clinical implications, as UFED tends to be dismissed as being less serious.

Developing the "single-session mindset" in eating disorder research: Commentary on Schleider et al., 2023 "Realizing the untapped promise of single-session interventions for eating disorders".

Schleider and colleagues' paper on the application of single-session interventions (SSIs) to eating disorders is timely given the broader focus in mental health on flexible approaches to delivering support at the time the person needs it most. The eating disorder field needs to embrace these innovations including developing a "single-session mindset" with greater attention paid to testing the relevance of SSI for eating disorders. The use of well-powered trials of brief, focused and rapidly scalable interventions is an ideal vehicle for generation and evaluation of new and longer interventions. Our future research agenda needs to carefully consider our target audience, the primary outcome variable of most relevance, and the SSI topic that would be most likely to effect change. Research in prevention might focus on weight concern and evaluation of SSIs that focus on self-compassion or cognitive dissonance related to appearance ideals in the media. Work in early intervention could target denial and disordered eating using SSIs on growth mindset, behavioral activation, and imagery rescripting. Treatment waitlists provide another suitable opportunity, evaluating SSIs that aim to increase hope for change, treatment retention, and kick start early change in therapy, a robust predictor of better treatment outcome.

The effectiveness of lived experience involvement in eating disorder treatment: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review sought to understand the effectiveness of lived experience mentoring, by people recovered from an eating disorder, with clinical samples currently receiving eating disorder treatment. METHODS: The systematic review was conducted using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global and reviewing reference lists of included papers. Articles were included if they: (1) were intervention studies that included peer (recovered from an eating disorder) involvement, (2) delivered the intervention to clinical samples (or carers with direct involvement in treatment), (3) were in English, and (4) included quantitative results. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included across randomized control trials (RCTs), case series, and a case study; there was variation in quality. Findings varied considerably with some concluding that lived experience mentoring led to significant improvements for mentees, while other studies found no significant differences. Mentor outcomes were often not evaluated. Of those that did assess mentors, there is preliminary evidence for some benefits to participation but also the potential for harm. DISCUSSION: There is a need for further research in this area using high-quality RCTs that address the risk of bias. It is important that lived experience peer mentors are monitored on key outcomes, provided with adequate training and ongoing supervision, and are reimbursed for their involvement. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This systematic review is the first review to focus on the use of peer mentors recovered from an eating disorder contributing to interventions for people receiving treatment for an eating disorder. All included studies present quantitative results. Given the emerging interest of lived experience mentoring, understanding its effectiveness for both mentees and impacts on mentors continues to be of critical importance.

OBJETIVO: Esta revisión sistemática buscó comprender la efectividad de la consejería de la experiencia vivida por parte de personas recuperadas de un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria, con muestras clínicas que actualmente reciben tratamiento para el trastorno alimentario. MÉTODO: La revisión sistemática se realizó utilizando PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus y ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses Global y revisando las listas de referencias de los artículos incluidos. Los artículos se incluyeron si: (1) eran estudios de intervención que incluían la participación de pares (recuperados de un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria), (2) administraban la intervención a muestras clínicas (o cuidadores con participación directa en el tratamiento), (3) estaban en inglés y (4) incluían resultados cuantitativos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron once estudios en ensayos controlados aleatorios (ECA), series de casos y un estudio de caso; hubo variación en la calidad. Los hallazgos variaron considerablemente y algunos concluyeron que la consejería de la experiencia vivida condujo a mejoras significativas para los aprendices, mientras que otros estudios no encontraron diferencias significativas. Los resultados del mentor a menudo no se evaluaron. De los que evaluaron a los mentores, hay evidencia preliminar de algunos beneficios de la participación, pero también del potencial de daño. DISCUSIÓN: Se necesitan estudios de investigación adicionales en esta área que utilicen ECA de alta calidad que aborden el riesgo de sesgo. Es importante que los mentores de pares de la experiencia vivida sean monitoreados en los resultados clave, provistos de capacitación adecuada y supervisión continua, y sean remunerados por su participación.

Pathways to improve early intervention for eating disorders: Findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment-seeking rates among eating disorder (ED) populations are relatively low, with only one in four individuals seeking help. Previous research has identified many factors that might be associated with help-seeking in EDs, but to date no review has investigated the quantitative association between these factors and actual help-seeking behavior. The aim of the current review was to synthesize the relevant quantitative literature on factors (i.e., perceived barriers, characteristics associated with treatment seeking, demographic variables) associated with help-seeking using meta-analytic strategies, as well as provide recommendations on future early intervention research strategies to promote early help-seeking. METHOD: Overall, 19 studies were included, identifying 141 perceived barriers (e.g., stigma) or individual characteristics (e.g., BMI, duration of illness) and 56 demographic variables (e.g., ethnicity), which were synthesized into 24 unique variables. RESULTS: Less help-seeking was predicted by higher levels of denial and less perceived ability of others to provide help. DISCUSSION: Given the small number of studies these results should be considered preliminary. Future studies should consider barriers to help-seeking when creating early intervention approaches. To improve help-seeking rates we suggest the use of targeted psychoeducational materials and co-design with people with lived experience when developing new strategies. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The present study addresses a significant gap in the literature by synthesizing factors associated with help-seeking, with the aim of informing early intervention strategies to promote early help-seeking in eating disorder populations. Denial of illness and perceived inability of others to provide help were associated with lower help-seeking. Future studies should consider barriers to help-seeking and co-design with people with lived experience when creating new early intervention strategies.

OBJETIVO: Los índices de búsqueda de tratamiento entre las poblaciones con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) son relativamente bajas, con solo una de cada cuatro personas que buscan ayuda. Investigaciones previas han identificado muchos factores que podrían estar asociados con la búsqueda de ayuda en los TCA, pero hasta la fecha ninguna revisión ha investigado la asociación cuantitativa entre estos factores y el comportamiento real de búsqueda de ayuda. El objetivo de la presente revisión fue sintetizar la bibliografía cuantitativa relevante sobre los factores (es decir, las barreras percibidas, las características asociadas con la búsqueda de tratamiento, las variables demográficas) asociados con la búsqueda de ayuda mediante estrategias metaanalíticas, así como proporcionar recomendaciones sobre futuras estrategias de investigación de intervención temprana para promover la búsqueda temprana de ayuda. MÉTODO: En general, se incluyeron 19 estudios, que identificaron 141 barreras percibidas (p.ej., estigma) o características individuales (p.ej., IMC, duración de la enfermedad) y 56 variables demográficas (p.ej., origen étnico), que se sintetizaron en 24 variables únicas. RESULTADOS: Se predijo una menor búsqueda de ayuda por niveles más altos de negación y menos capacidad percibida de otros para proporcionar ayuda. DISCUSIÓN: Dado el pequeño número de estudios, estos resultados deben considerarse preliminares. Los estudios futuros deben considerar las barreras para la búsqueda de ayuda durante la creación de enfoques de intervención temprana. Para mejorar los índices de búsqueda de ayuda, sugerimos el uso de materiales psicoeducativos específicos y el diseño conjunto con personas con experiencia vivida al desarrollar nuevas estrategias.

Developing a protocol to address co-occurring mental health conditions in the treatment of eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: While co-occurring mental health conditions are the norm in eating disorders, no testable protocol addresses management of these in psychotherapy. METHOD: The literature on managing mental health conditions that co-occur with eating disorders is outlined and reviewed. RESULTS: In the absence of clear evidence to inform managing co-occurring mental health conditions, we advocate for use of an iterative, session-by-session measurement to guide practice and research. We identify three data-driven treatment approaches (focus solely on the eating disorder; multiple sequential interventions either before or after the eating disorder is addressed; integrated interventions), and the indications for their use. Where a co-occurring mental health condition/s impede effective treatment of the eating disorder, and an integrated intervention is required, we outline a four-step protocol for three broad intervention approaches (alternate, modular, transdiagnostic). A research program is suggested to test the usefulness of the protocol. DISCUSSION: Guidelines that provide a starting point to improving outcomes for people with eating disorders that can be evaluated/researched are offered in the current paper. These guidelines require further elaboration with reference to: (1) whether any difference in approach is required where the co-occurring mental health condition is a comorbid symptom or condition; (2) the place of biological treatments within these guidelines; (3) precise guidelines for selecting among the three broad intervention approaches when adapting care for co-occurring conditions; (4) optimal approaches to involving consumer input into identifying the most relevant co-occurring conditions; (5) detailed specification on how to determine which adjuncts to add. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Most people with an eating disorder also have another diagnosis or an underlying trait (e.g., perfectionism). Currently no clear guidelines exist to guide treatment in this situation, which often results in a drift away from evidence-based techniques. This paper outlines data-driven strategies for treating eating disorders and the accompanying comorbid conditions and a research program that can test the usefulness of the different approaches suggested.

A randomized controlled feasibility trial of metacognitive training with adolescents receiving treatment for anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study investigated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the metacognitive training for eating disorders (MCT-ED) program in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). We report attrition and subjective evaluation as well as changes to cognitive flexibility, perfectionism and eating disorder pathology relative to waitlist controls. METHOD: Female (n = 35, aged 13-17 years) outpatients with a diagnosis of AN (n = 20) or atypical AN (n = 15) completed baseline measures of cognitive flexibility, perfectionism, and eating disorder pathology (May 2020-May 2022). Participants were randomly allocated to either treatment-as-usual (TAU) plus MCT-ED or TAU waitlist condition. All participants completed post-intervention and 3-month follow-up questionnaires. RESULTS: The MCT-ED condition had a treatment attrition rate <15%. Participants provided positive evaluation of the program. There were large between groups differences favoring MCT-ED at post-intervention and 3-month follow-up for concern over mistakes perfectionism (respective ds = -1.25, 95% CI [-2.06, -.45]; -.83, 95% CI [-1.60, .06]) with a significant group difference post-intervention but not 3-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: Findings provide tentative support for the feasibility of MCT-ED as an adjunct intervention for young people with AN, however replication is needed with a larger sample size to further explore its efficacy. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Metacognitive training for eating disorders (MCT-ED) is a feasible adjunct intervention for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. The intervention, which targets thinking styles and is delivered online by a therapist, received positive feedback, had high treatment retention, and led to reductions in perfectionism by the end of treatment compared to wait-list controls. Although these gains were not sustained long-term, the program is suitable adjunct intervention for young people with eating disorders.

Development of transdiagnostic clinical risk prediction models for 12-month onset and course of eating disorders among adolescents in the community.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and internally validate risk prediction models for adolescent onset and persistence of eating disorders. METHODS: N = 963 Australian adolescents (11-19 years) in the EveryBODY Study cohort completed online surveys in 2018 and 2019. Models were built to predict 12-month risk of (1) onset, and (2) persistence of a DSM-5 eating disorder. RESULTS: Onset Model. Of the n = 687 adolescents without an eating disorder at baseline, 16.9% were identified with an eating disorder after 12 months. The prediction model was based on evidence-based risk factors for eating disorder onset available within the dataset (sex, body mass index percentile, strict weight loss dieting, history of bullying, psychological distress, weight/shape concerns). This model showed fair discriminative performance (mean AUC = .75). The most important factors were psychological distress, weight and shape concerns, and female sex. Diagnostic Persistence Model. Of the n = 276 adolescents with an eating disorder at baseline, 74.6% were identified as continuing to meet criteria for an eating disorder after 12 months. The prediction model for diagnostic persistence was based on available evidence-based risk factors for eating disorder persistence (purging, distress, social impairment). This model showed poor discriminative performance (mean AUC = .65). The most important factors were psychological distress and self-induced vomiting for weight control. DISCUSSION: We found preliminary evidence for the utility of a parsimonious model for 12-month onset of an eating disorder among adolescents in the community. Future research should include additional evidence-based risk factors and validate models beyond the original sample. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrated the feasibility of developing parsimonious and accurate models for the prediction of future onset of an eating disorder among adolescents. The most important predictors in this model included psychological distress and weight and shape concerns. This study has laid the ground work for future research to build and test more accurate prediction models in diverse samples, prior to translation into a clinical tool for use in real world settings to aid decisions about referral to early intervention.

Assessing the validity and responsiveness of a generic preference quality of life measure in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder.

PURPOSE: There is limited research exploring the usefulness of generic preference-based quality of life (GPQoL) measures used to facilitate economic evaluation in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of the current study was to explore the validity and responsiveness of a common GPQoL measure (Assessment of Quality of Life 8 Dimension [AQoL-8D]) in relation to a PTSD condition-specific outcome measure (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the DSM-5 [PCL-5]). METHOD: This aim was investigated in a sample of individuals (N = 147) who received trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder. Convergent validity was investigated using spearman's correlations, and the level of agreement was investigated using Bland-Altman plots. Responsiveness was investigated by exploring the standardised response means (SRM) from pre-post-treatment across the two measures, which allow the comparison of the magnitude of change between the measures over time. RESULTS: Correlations between the AQoL-8D (dimensions, utility and summary total scores) and the PCL-5 total score ranged from small to large and agreement between the measures was considered moderate to good. While SRMs were large for the AQoL-8D and PCL-5 total scores, the SRM for the PCL-5 was nearly double that of the AQoL-8D. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that the AQoL-8D has good construct validity but present preliminary evidence that economic evaluations using only GPQoL measures may not fully capture the effectiveness of PTSD treatments.

Interventions for perinatal borderline personality disorder and complex trauma: a systematic review.

Perinatal borderline personality disorder (BPD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) are associated with significant impairment to interpersonal functioning, and risk of intergenerational transmission of psychopathology. Evaluation of interventions, however, is scarce. To date, no systematic review has addressed interventions for perinatal BPD, cPTSD, and associated symptomatology. Given the modest evidence to support informed clinical guidelines, the objective of this systematic review is to synthesise the literature on interventions for perinatal BPD and cPTSD, and to generate future directions for research. A comprehensive literature search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in PsycInfo, MEDLINE, Emcare, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global databases. Seven original studies were included, of which only two were randomised controlled trials, using less intensive comparison conditions. Results suggest an association between Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) group skills training, a multimodal therapeutic approach at a Mother-Baby Unit (MBU), and Child-Parent Psychotherapy with improved perinatal mental health outcomes and remission of symptoms. MBU admission and home-visiting programs were associated with healthy postpartum attachment relationships. Home-visiting programs and DBT group skills were additionally associated with improved maternal parenting capabilities. Conclusions to inform clinical guidelines are limited by a lack of credible comparison conditions, and low quantity and quality of evidence. The feasibility of implementing intensive interventions in real-world settings is dubious. Hence, it is suggested that future research considers utilising antenatal screening to identify at-risk mothers, and the implementation of early intervention, using robust designs that can inform robust conclusions.

A systematic review: Solutions to problems caused by age transition between eating disorder services.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review examines age transition issues specific to young people with eating disorders, including the extent of, and reasons for, problematic transition. Suggested solutions are examined, with focus on age-integrated services. METHOD: PsycINFO, Medline and SCOPUS databases were searched on 4 April, 2022 using two inclusion criteria: (1) a peer-reviewed journal article in English, (2) focus on service transition caused by moving from childhood to adulthood for people with eating disorders. A narrative integration of the content was used. RESULTS: Of the 17 non-overlapping studies located in the review, 6 involved quantitative data. Problematic transition between age-based services was indicated, where a substantial minority of young people who still require help lose contact with speciality services. A variety of reasons for this problematic transition were identified, including differing and sometimes adversarial cultures between age-based services. While a variety of solutions have been suggested, the least explored was the development of age integrated services; only 3 papers focussed primarily on this. CONCLUSION: The consideration of the advantages of integration and the similarities between age-based services suggested that these potentially outweigh the barriers to integration. An implementation science research agenda is required to test this hypothesis.

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.

Improving programme-led and focused interventions for eating disorders: An experts' consensus statement-A UK perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Eating disorders are associated with significant illness burden and costs, yet access to evidence-based care is limited. Greater use of programme-led and focused interventions that are less resource-intensive might be part of the solution to this demand-capacity mismatch. METHOD: In October 2022, a group of predominantly UK-based clinical and academic researchers, charity representatives and people with lived experience convened to consider ways to improve access to, and efficacy of, programme-led and focused interventions for eating disorders in an attempt to bridge the demand-capacity gap. RESULTS: Several key recommendations were made across areas of research, policy, and practice. Of particular importance is the view that programme-led and focused interventions are suitable for a range of different eating disorder presentations across all ages, providing medical and psychiatric risk are closely monitored. The terminology used for these interventions should be carefully considered, so as not to imply that the treatment is suboptimal. CONCLUSIONS: Programme-led and focused interventions are a viable option to close the demand-capacity gap for eating disorder treatment and are particularly needed for children and young people. Work is urgently needed across sectors to evaluate and implement such interventions as a clinical and research priority.