Journal Article

Exploring the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of food-based exposure therapy for eating disorders: A case series of adult inpatients

Bowie, Owen R., Smith, Brad E. R., Farrell, Nicholas R., Riemann, Bradley C., Levinson, Cheri A., Cimperman, Maxine M.

2019

Overview

Although exposure therapy is effective in reducing eating-related fears and avoidance in individuals with eating disorders (EDs), there has been little study of this treatment in inpatient settings. To address this gap, we conducted a case series to evaluate the effects of a food-based exposure therapy intervention on eating-related fears and avoidant behaviors among adults being treated for an ED in an inpatient hospital setting. Patients (N = 106) were provided psychoeducation on the treatment approach, aided in the development of an exposure hierarchy containing fear-evoking stimuli related to eating (e.g., feared foods), and guided in completing exposure exercises and gradually progressing through the hierarchy. Results showed that patients experienced significant reductions in eating-related fears and avoidant behaviors from pretreatment to posttreatment. Acceptability of the intervention was reasonably well-established by (a) acceptable rates of treatment participation and completion, (b) favorable ratings of the intervention provided in a posttreatment satisfaction survey, and (c) the absence of any exacerbations in the frequency of compensatory weight control behaviors (e.g., self-induced vomiting) over the course of treatment. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed in the light of clinicians’ concerns about and underutilization of food-based exposure therapy for EDs, particularly in inpatient settings.

• Publisher: SAGE Publications,Sage Publications Ltd,SAGE Publishing
• Subject: Eating disorders / Food / Patients / Vomiting