A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Group-based Guided Self-help Approach to Pure Self-help for the Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in adults, affecting 2.8% of the population. The disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating which are not followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviours such as self-induced vomiting. BED is associated with an increased risk of health complications, significant impairment to social and occupational functioning, and reduced quality of life. Despite the negative consequences associated with this disorder, standard therapy for BED is often inaccessible and costly.

To address the limitations of standard therapy for BED our research team has developed Binge Focused Therapy (BFT) as an innovative, guided self-help approach to BED treatment. BFT was derived from elements of "The Brain Over Binge Recovery Guide" by Kathryn Hansen, which incorporates fundamental aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and addictions treatment. We further streamlined this approach into a protocol that can be delivered by non eating disorder specialists (e.g., honours psychology students, nurses, occupational therapists).

In 2018, our research team conducted a proof-of-concept pilot study with a sample of 40 individuals with BED. Unpublished results of this uncontrolled study indicated that the sample experienced significant reductions in binge episodes per month, binge eating severity, general eating disorder symptomology, and improved confidence in changing binge eating behaviours.

Although the results from this small, uncontrolled, proof-of-concept study are encouraging, qualitative and quantitative data highlighted several aspects of the BFT intervention that could be altered and tested in a randomized controlled trial that compares BFT to an active comparator.