Exploring the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of food-based exposure therapy for eating disorders: A case series of adult inpatients. Issue 1 (6th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farrell, Nicholas R.; Bowie, Owen R.; Cimperman, Maxine M.; Smith, Brad E. R.; Riemann, Bradley C.; Levinson, Cheri A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of experimental psychopathology. Volume 10:Issue 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-03-06
• Subjects: Cognitive behavioral therapy -- eating disorders -- exposure therapy -- inpatient setting; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1177/2043808718824886
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2043-8087

Abstract

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.