Guided Self-Help Treatment for Children and Young People With Eating Disorders: A Proof-Of-Concept Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a proof-of-concept pilot study of a CBT guided self-help intervention for children and young people with eating disorders.

Method: Children and young people were recruited from two outpatient eating disorder services in England. They received a CBT guided self-help intervention consisting of eight modules and weekly support sessions. Clinical outcomes (eating disorder psychopathology and associated impairment, changes in %median BMI, depression, anxiety, and behavioural difficulties) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks). Qualitative data were collected for future intervention refinement.

Results: Six female adolescents (aged 13-17) received the CBT guided self-help intervention. All participants completed a minimum of six modules and six support sessions. Quantitative and qualitative feedback suggested that the intervention was acceptable. From baseline to post-intervention, there was a reduction in eating disorder psychopathology and impairment, along with an increase in %median BMI. Outcomes for depression, anxiety and behavioural difficulties were mixed.

Conclusions: The CBT guided self-help intervention was feasibly implemented, acceptable to participants, and showed potential to produce clinical benefits. While promising, these findings are preliminary and derived from a small, non-randomised sample of White female adolescents. More rigorous evaluation with a randomised design and a larger, representative sample is warranted.

Keywords: children and young people; eating disorders; guided self‐help; low intensity; pilot study.