The Acceptability and Effectiveness of Receiving a Low-intensity Self-guided Psychoeducational Intervention for Individuals Waitlisted for Specialized Eating-disorder Treatment

The Acceptability and Effectiveness of a Virtual Psychoeducational Intervention for Individuals Waitlisted for Specialized Eating Disorder Treatment

It is often difficult for people with eating disorders to get timely access to specialized treatment, as waitlists can be long. The present study examines whether or not providing educational materials by email could help individuals with eating disorders while they wait for specialized care. The investigators hypothesize that a low-intensity self-guided intervention will lead to a reduction in eating-disorder attitudes and cognitions, and an increase in motivation to change and body satisfaction.

Sixty-two adults (primarily women) are randomly assigned to one of two groups while being on the waitlist for specialized eating-disorder services. One group receives weekly emails for four weeks with psychoeducational materials about eating disorders; the other group does not receive any materials. The content was adapted from a validated eating-disorder workbook developed by the Centre for Clinical Interventions in Australia and translated into French. Each week, as well as one week after the intervention period, all participants complete brief questionnaires assessing eating-disorder thoughts, body satisfaction, and readiness to make changes in eating behaviours. Participants who receive the materials also rate their level of satisfaction with the materials as well as how useful and engaging they find the content.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Between 18-65 years and have a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) as defined by DSM-5 criteria.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current substance use disorder
• Comorbid psychotic disorder
• Major physical symptoms that could interfere with the intervention or or requiring urgent care (referred to priority 1 during phone evals)
• Body mass index lower than 15
• Pregnancy
• Insufficient access to the internet (by phone, tablet or computer) to complete the intervention
• Not being able to access 2-3 modules for 4 consecutive weeks.

Information on presence of current substance use disorder, comorbid psychotic disorder, major physical symptoms, body mass index and pregnancy are based on information from the clinical referal form and information from the initial screening for treatment eligibility in the eating-disorder program.