ABSTRACT
Little is known about what determines uptake and acceptability of internet-based treatments in eating disorders, and users' experience with such treatments. We investigated these factors in participants of a randomized controlled trial of an internet-based cognitive- behavioural treatment (iCBT) package (Overcoming bulimia online). Nine participants were interviewed using purposive sampling. The content of interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Additionally, participants received questionnaires about their impressions of iCBT. Participants talked about their experience of using iCBT, its impact and compared it to other treatments. Questionnaire responses echoed themes identified in the interviews. iCBT was received positively as a way of fitting treatment into busy lives. Comments on the layout of some of the package content and the practitioner support offered were identified as areas that could be modified or improved.
Subject(s)
Bulimia Nervosa/therapy , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , Internet , Self Care/methods , Therapy, Computer-Assisted/methods , Adult , Bulimia Nervosa/psychology , Female , Humans , Qualitative Research , Self Care/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Bulimic eating disorders are common among female students, yet the majority do not access effective treatment. Internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT) may be able to bridge this gap. METHOD: Seventy-six students with bulimia nervosa (BN) or eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) were randomly assigned to immediate iCBT with e-mail support over 3 months or to a 3-month waiting list followed by iCBT [waiting list/delayed treatment control (WL/DTC)]. ED outcomes were assessed with the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Other outcomes included depression, anxiety and quality of life. RESULTS: Students who had immediate iCBT showed significantly greater improvements at 3 and 6 months than those receiving WL/DTC in ED and other symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: iCBT with e-mail support is efficacious in students with bulimic disorders and has lasting effects.
