MedPath

Psychological Treatment of Overweight Binge Eaters

Phase 1
Completed
Conditions
Binge Eating Disorder
Cognitive Therapy/Methods
Mental Disorders/Epidemiology
Obesity/Epidemiology
Obesity/Therapy
Interventions
Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Behavioral: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Registration Number
NCT01208272
Lead Sponsor
Washington University School of Medicine
Brief Summary

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has documented efficacy for the treatment of binge eating disorder (BED). Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) has been shown to reduce binge eating but its long-term impact and time course on other BED-related symptoms remain largely unknown. This study compares the effects of group CBT and group IPT across BED-related symptoms among overweight individuals with BED.

Detailed Description

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has documented efficacy for the treatment of binge eating disorder (BED). Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) has been shown to reduce binge eating but its long-term impact and time course on other BED-related symptoms remain largely unknown. This study compares the effects of group CBT and group IPT across BED-related symptoms among overweight individuals with BED. METHODS: One hundred sixty-two overweight patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for BED were randomly assigned to 20 weekly sessions of either group CBT or group IPT. Assessments of binge eating and associated eating disorder psychopathology, general psychological functioning, and weight occurred before treatment, at posttreatment, and at 4-month intervals up to 12 months following treatment. RESULTS: Binge-eating recovery rates were equivalent for CBT and IPT at posttreatment (64 \[79%\] of 81 vs 59 \[73%\] of 81) and at 1-year follow-up (48 \[59%\] of 81 vs 50 \[62%\] of 81). Binge eating increased slightly through follow-up but remained significantly below pretreatment levels. Across treatments, patients had similar significant reductions in associated eating disorders and psychiatric symptoms and maintenance of gains through follow-up. Dietary restraint decreased more quickly in CBT but IPT had equivalent levels by later follow-ups. Patients' relative weight decreased significantly but only slightly, with the greatest reduction among patients sustaining recovery from binge eating from posttreatment to 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Group IPT is a viable alternative to group CBT for the treatment of overweight patients with BED. Although lacking a nonspecific control condition limits conclusions about treatment specificity, both treatments showed initial and long-term efficacy for the core and related symptoms of BED.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
162
Inclusion Criteria
  • DSM-IV research criteria for binge-eating disorder
  • Average of greater than or equal to 2 days of binge eating per week for at least 6 months' duration
  • Marked stress regarding binge eating
  • At least 3 to 5 associated behavioral features (e.g. eating when not physically hungry) Other study criteria
  • 18-65 years old
  • Body mass index, 27-48 kg/m squared
Read More
Exclusion Criteria
  • Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • Taking weight-affecting or psychotropic medications
  • Psychiatric conditions warranting immediate treatment
  • Current enrollment in psychotherapy or a weight loss program
Read More

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Binge Eating Disorder/TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-
Binge Eating Disorder/TherapyInterpersonal Therapy (IPT)-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
To investigate the short and long-term efficacy of two treatments for binge eating among the overweight: Group Cognitive-Behavior (CBT) and Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).

Assessments of binge eating and associated eating disorder paychopathology, general psychological functioning, and weight occurred before treatment, at post treatment, and at 4-month intervals up to 12 months following treatment.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Yale University

🇺🇸

New Haven, Connecticut, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath