Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective
Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT‐T) has been developed as an accessible treatment for eating disorders in non‐underweight individuals. It is important to understand the factors that predict response to this treatment in this population. This study examined predictors of outcomes from CBT‐T using a large naturalistic sample. The aims were to determine outcomes of CBT‐T and to identify the role of pre‐therapy characteristics and early change in predicting outcomes.
Method
The sample consisted of 371 adults who entered CBT‐T (10 sessions). All completed measures at sessions 1, 4, and 10, including eating pathology (EDE‐Q); anxiety (GAD‐7); and depression (PHQ‐9). Body Mass Index was calculated from clinician‐measured weight and height. Intent‐to‐treat (GLMM) and completer analyses were used.
Results
Of the 371 participants, 53.1% completed therapy. There were no factors that predicted attrition. In ITT analyses, patients showed significant changes in EDE‐Q scores overall and between sessions 1–4 and 4–10, with large effect sizes and ending substantially below clinical cut‐off. In ITT analyses, BMI did not change over treatment, regardless of baseline BMI. Completer analyses indicated a small increase in BMI, although the magnitude of change was small. Baseline scores (EDE‐Q, BMI, PHQ‐9, GAD‐7) offered minimal prediction of outcome at end of therapy, whereas early change (session 1–4) in restraint and weight concerns were strong predictors of overall outcome.
Conclusions
CBT‐T replicated its strong effects for non‐underweight patients, while BMI remained broadly stable, with only small increases observed in completer analyses.