Evaluation of a Web-Based Intervention for Bulimia Nervosa

Summary

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a web-based intervention specifically designed for patients with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) 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 BN 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 and compensatory behavior as the primary outcome variables after the 12 weeks of treatment compared to a waitlist control condition. Moreoever, 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.

Conditions

• Bulimia Nervosa

Interventions

OTHER

Selfapy for Bulimia Nervosa

Web-based intervention for Bulimia Nervosa 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Selfapy GmbH

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Heidelberg University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Luise Pruessner · Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University

• Christina Timm, PhD · Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University

• Steffen Hartmann · Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University

• Sven Barnow, Prof. · Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-01-12

Primary Completion

2022-07-07

Completion

2022-07-07

Countries

• Germany

Study Locations