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Wise Eating: A Guided Digital DBT-Based Intervention for Binge Eating

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Behaviour
Anorexia Nervosa
Eating Disorders
Registration Number
NCT07143214
Lead Sponsor
Shanghai Mental Health Center
Brief Summary

Bulimia Nervosa (BN), characterized by binge eating and purging behaviors, constitutes a chronic psychiatric disorder predominantly affecting young females, characterized by high prevalence and relapse rates. Its core features include recurrent binge-eating episodes accompanied by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting and laxative misuse, resulting in significant impairment to patients' physiological, psychological, and social functioning. Recent epidemiological trends in China indicate a rising BN incidence, with suspected prevalence rates reaching 4.7%-17% among secondary and tertiary education cohorts.

Nevertheless, current treatment modalities present substantial concerns. Despite established evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, merely 25% of affected individuals receive appropriate intervention. Multiple systemic barriers impede care access, including: (1) scarcity of adequately trained clinicians; (2) patient-endorsed stigma and apprehension regarding eating disorders (EDs); (3) geographical constraints; (4) financial burdens associated with in-person therapy; and (5) insufficient treatment-seeking motivation.

The proliferation of mobile technologies has positioned mHealth as a viable solution to expand patient coverage. This modality offers self-diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic opportunities for populations with limited access to traditional care, while simultaneously mitigating treatment-related stigmatization. Consequently, this project investigates the efficacy of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-based self-help system for binge-eating behaviors. Employing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, BN patients will be allocated to intervention and control groups. Comparative analysis of clinical psychological metrics will be conducted at baseline, 2-week, 4-week, and 8-week intervals post-intervention, with feasibility assessed through structured interviews. This research aims to establish an effective, low-cost remote self-help intervention to enhance treatment accessibility and therapeutic outcomes for BN patients.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
101
Inclusion Criteria

Participants must fulfill all following conditions:

(i) Aged ≥18 years; (ii) Proficient in operating WeChat-enabled smartphones; (iii) Exhibit binge-eating behaviors: ≥4 binge-eating episodes within the preceding 28-day period; (iv) If receiving psychotropic medication: stable dosing regimen maintained for ≥1 month prior to enrollment, with no planned dosage adjustments during the trial period; concurrent psychotherapy is exclusionary; (v) Absence of structured nutritional therapy or formal psychological interventions within 30 days preceding enrollment; (vi) Demonstrated comprehension of the study protocol and provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

(i) Severe anxiety or depressive symptom. (ii) Investigator-determined contraindications to trial participation based on clinical assessment.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
BES, Binge Eating ScaleBaseline, treatment period (4 weeks) post-treatment (4 weeks past day 1.), 1 month follow up after treatment, 3 months follow up after treatment
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
DERS, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation ScaleBaseline, treatment period (4 weeks) post-treatment (4 weeks past day 1.), 1 month follow up after treatment, 3 months follow up after treatment
PHQ, Patient Health QuestionnaireBaseline, treatment period (4 weeks) post-treatment (4 weeks past day 1.), 1 month follow up after treatment, 3 months follow up after treatment
GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scaleBaseline, treatment period (4 weeks) post-treatment (4 weeks past day 1.), 1 month follow up after treatment, 3 months follow up after treatment
BIS, Barratt Impulsiveness ScaleBaseline, treatment period (4 weeks) post-treatment (4 weeks past day 1.), 1 month follow up after treatment, 3 months follow up after treatment
EDE-Q, Eating Disorder Examination QuestionnaireBaseline, treatment period (4 weeks) post-treatment (4 weeks past day 1.), 1 month follow up after treatment, 3 months follow up after treatment

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Shanghai Mental Health Center

🇨🇳

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China

Shanghai Mental Health Center
🇨🇳Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China

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