A randomized, comparative pilot trial of family‐based interpersonal psychotherapy for reducing psychosocial symptoms, disordered‐eating, and excess weight gain in at‐risk preadolescents with loss‐of‐control‐eating. Issue 9 (17th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shomaker, Lauren B.; Tanofsky‐Kraff, Marian; Matherne, Camden E.; Mehari, Rim D.; Olsen, Cara H.; Marwitz, Shannon E.; Bakalar, Jennifer L.; Ranzenhofer, Lisa M.; Kelly, Nichole R.; Schvey, Natasha A.; Burke, Natasha L.; Cassidy, Omni; Brady, Sheila M.; Dietz, Laura J.; Wilfley, Denise E.; Yanovski, Susan Z.; Yanovski, Jack A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of eating disorders. Volume 50:Issue 9(2017)
• Page Start: 1084
• Page End: 1094
• Publication Date: 2017-07-17
• Subjects: interpersonal psychotherapy -- loss‐of‐control eating -- obesity -- overweight -- preadolescents; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Ingestion disorders -- Periodicals; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1002/eat.22741
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0276-3478

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Preadolescent loss‐of‐control‐eating (LOC‐eating) is a risk factor for excess weight gain and binge‐eating‐disorder. We evaluated feasibility and acceptability of a preventive family‐based interpersonal psychotherapy (FB‐IPT) program. FB‐IPT was compared to family‐based health education (FB‐HE) to evaluate changes in children's psychosocial functioning, LOC‐eating, and body mass. Method: A randomized, controlled pilot trial was conducted with 29 children, 8 to 13 years who had overweight/obesity and LOC‐eating. Youth‐parent dyads were randomized to 12‐week FB‐IPT ( n = 15) or FB‐HE ( n = 14) and evaluated at post‐treatment, six‐months, and one‐year. Changes in child psychosocial functioning, LOC‐eating, BMI, and adiposity by dual‐energy‐X‐ray‐absorptiometry were assessed. Missing follow‐up data were multiply imputed. Results: FB‐IPT feasibility and acceptability were indicated by good attendance (83%) and perceived benefits to social interactions and eating. Follow‐up assessments were completed by 73% FB‐IPT and 86% FB‐HE at post‐treatment, 60% and 64% at six‐months, and 47% and 57% at one‐year. At post‐treatment, children in FB‐IPT reported greater decreases in depression (95% CI −7.23, −2.01, Cohen's d = 1.23) and anxiety (95% CI −6.08, −0.70, Cohen's d = .79) and less odds of LOC‐eating (95% CI −3.93, −0.03, Cohen's d = .38) than FB‐HE. At six‐months, children in FB‐IPT had greater reductions in disordered‐eating attitudes (95% CI −0.72, −0.05, Cohen's d = .66) and at one‐year, tended to have greater decreases in depressive symptoms (95% CI −8.82, 0.44, Cohen's d = .69) than FB‐HE. There was no difference in BMI gain between the groups. Discussion: Family‐based approaches that address interpersonal and emotional underpinnings of LOC‐eating in preadolescents with overweight/obesity show preliminary promise, particularly for reducing internalizing symptoms. Whether observed psychological benefits translate into sustained prevention of disordered‐eating or excess weight gain requires further study.