A randomized controlled trial of an internet-based intervention for eating disorders

Completed

Conditions: EnglishEating disorder, internet, intervention, E-health, expert patient, peer supportNederlandsEetstoornis, internet, interventie, E-health, ervaringsdeskundige

Registration Number: NL-OMON23136

Lead Sponsor: GGZ Rivierduinen Eetstoornissen Ursula

Brief Summary: Rohrbach, P. J., Dingemans, A. E., Spinhoven, P., Van den Akker-Van Marle, E., Van Ginkel, J. R., Fokkema, M., Moessner, M., Bauer, S., & Van Furth, E. F. (2019). A randomized controlled trial of an Internet-based intervention for eating disorders and the added value of expert-patient support: study protocol. Trials, 20(1), 1-17. The current study builds on results from a previous study on Featback from the same research group (trial registration: NTR3646). References earlier research regarding Featback of this research group: Aardoom, J. J., Dingemans, A. E., Spinhoven, P., Hakkaart-van Roijen, L., & Van Furth, E. F. (2013). An internet-based intervention for eating disorders consisting of automated computer-tailored feedback with or without supplemented frequent or infrequent support from a coach: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 14, 340. Aardoom, J. J., Dingemans, A. E., Spinhoven, P., Van Ginkel, J. R.., De Rooij, M., & Van Furth, E. F. (2016). Web-based fully automated self-help with different levels of therapist support for individuals with eating disorder symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 18, e159. Aardoom, J. J., Dingemans, A. E., Van Ginkel, J. R., Spinhoven, P., Van Furth, E. F., & Van den Akker-van Marle, M. E. (2016). Cost-utility of an internet-based intervention with or without therapist support in comparison with a waiting list for individuals with eating disorder symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 49, 1068-1076. Aardoom, J. J., Dingemans, A. E., Fokkema, M., Spinhoven, P., & Van Furth, E. F. (2016). Moderators of change in an internet-based intervention for eating disorders with different levels of therapist support: what works for whom? Behaviour Research and Therapy, 89, 66-74.

Detailed Description: Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: Completed

Sex: Not specified

Target Recruitment: 352

Inclusion Criteria

Eligible participants are aged 16 years or above, have access to the internet, have self-reported ED symptoms as defined as scoring 52 or higher on the Weight Concern Scale (Killen et al., 1993) or report one or more of the following ED symptoms assessed by the Short Evaluation of Eating Disorders (SEED; Bauer, Winn, Schmidt & Kordy, 2005): a body mass index lower than or equal to 18.5, one or more binge eating episodes a week over the past four weeks, or one or more compensatory behaviors a week over the past four weeks.

Exclusion Criteria

For the current study there are no predefined exclusion criteria. Participants who indicate a BMI lower than 15 or report to be engaged in self-induced vomiting, binge eating or use of laxatives at least once a day over the past four weeks will be send an e-mail with the message that their test scores indicate severe ED symptoms and that we strongly recommend seeking professional help if they are not yet in
treatment. However, these individuals will not be excluded from the study, as there is no reason to
withhold Featback or expert patient support. It could well be that these individuals are reluctant to seek (face-to-face) treatment or that they are not fully aware of the severity of their symptoms.
Accordingly, Featback may serve as an important first step to regular health care, because it could help individuals with the process of recognition and acknowledgement of the severity of their ED symptoms and the need to seek professional help. Moreover, Featback and/or the individualized support from expert patients may serve as an important and unique source of
support that could help individuals deal with their (eating) problems more effectively.

Study & Design

Study Type: Interventional

Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
ED symptomatology as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Experienced Social Support (SSL-12)<br /><br>Self-Efficacy (GSES)<br /><br>Anxiety and Depression (PHQ-4)<br /><br>Motivation to change<br /><br>Satisfaction with intervention<br /><br>Compliance<br /><br>Help seeking attitudes and behaviors