Evaluation of a Web-Based Intervention for Binge Eating Disorder
Condition: Binge Eating Disorder
MeSH terms: Bulimia; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Binge-Eating Disorder
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This study evaluates the effectiveness of a web-based intervention specifically designed for
      patients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) in a blinded randomized controlled trial.

      After a sign-up process, a diagnostic interview, and a baseline assessment, eligible
      participants will be randomly allocated either to (1) an intervention group including the
      online web-based intervention for BED or (2) a waitlist control group with delayed access to
      the intervention (12 weeks). The program comprises six mandatory weekly sessions and six
      modular specialization areas resulting in a treatment period of 12 weeks. Minimal guidance is
      provided via a chat function.

      Assessments will be conducted at pretreatment (study entrance), six weeks after baseline
      (mid-treatment), and 12 weeks after baseline (post-treatment).

      The investigators expect that the intervention group will show lower frequencies of binge
      eating episodes as the primary outcome variable after the 12 weeks of treatment compared to a
      waitlist control condition. Moreover, the investigators assume that there will be a higher
      reduction in global eating disorder symptoms, comorbid psychopathology, and a higher increase
      in well-being and self-esteem over 12 weeks in the intervention group compared to the
      waitlist control group.

      Finally, the investigators expect that the intervention group will demonstrate a
      significantly higher reduction in functional impairment, substantially better restoration of
      work capacity, and an improved ability to regulate emotions after the 12 weeks of treatment.
    

Detailed description: 
      Background: Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by persistent episodes of
      uncontrolled eating, associated with marked impairments in physical and mental health, social
      integration, professional performance, and overall quality of life. Although
      cognitive-behavioral therapies are effective for Binge Eating Disorder, access to specialized
      treatment in Germany is limited due to patient-related barriers and insufficient healthcare
      resources. Internet-based interventions can overcome this treatment gap and reduce the burden
      of BED for both patients and the healthcare system by making evidence-based interventions
      more accessible.

      Goal: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a web-based intervention specifically
      designed for patients with BED in a blinded randomized controlled trial.

      Method: After a sign-up process, a structured diagnostic interview, and a baseline
      assessment, eligible participants will be randomly allocated either to (1) an intervention
      group including the online web-based intervention for BED or (2) a waitlist control group
      with delayed access to the intervention (12 weeks). The program comprises six mandatory
      weekly sessions covering topics related to eating behaviors, emotion regulation, and stress
      management, followed by an optional set of up to six modular specialization areas based on
      individual therapy goals. Moreover, minimal guidance is included, consisting of technical
      support and answering questions via a chat function. Assessments will be conducted at
      pretreatment (study entrance), six weeks after baseline (mid-treatment), and 12 weeks after
      baseline (post-treatment). The primary outcome will be the number of binge eating episodes.
      Secondary measures include global eating pathology, comorbid psychopathology, quality of
      life, self-esteem, emotion regulation, work capacity, and functional impairments.

      Statistical Analyses: An intention-to-treat analysis will be performed to examine differences
      between the intervention and the control group in the change of eating disorder symptoms and
      secondary outcomes from pre- to post-treatment.

      Hypotheses: The investigators expect that the intervention group will show lower frequencies
      of binge eating episodes as the primary outcome variable after the 12 weeks of treatment
      compared to a waitlist control condition. The investigators assume that there will be a
      higher reduction in global eating disorder symptoms, comorbid psychopathology, and a higher
      increase in well-being and self-esteem over 12 weeks in the intervention group compared to
      the waitlist control group. Moreover, the investigators expect that the intervention group
      will demonstrate a significantly higher reduction in functional impairment, substantially
      better restoration of work capacity, and an improved ability to regulate negative emotions
      after the 12 weeks of treatment.
    

Intervention name(s): Selfapy for Binge Eating Disorder
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): Web-based intervention for Binge Eating Disorder with six mandatory weekly sessions covering topics related to eating behaviors, emotion regulation, and stress management, followed by an optional set of up to six modular specialization areas based on individual therapy goals. During the intervention, participants can access an online chat providing crisis management, answering questions concerning the exercises, and technical support. The chat does not include the opportunity to discuss individual topics and concerns about treatment.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: Randomized controlled trial with an intervention group and a waiting list control group
Masking: Triple (Care Provider, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Ecological Momentary Assessment; Internet-based Intervention; Randomized Controlled Trial