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Exposure with response prevention (ERP) for body dissatisfaction in a group therapy format: an exploratory study

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Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this exploratory study was to examine patient satisfaction and outcomes from exposure with response prevention (ERP) delivered in a group therapy format. The group was aimed at addressing eating disorder symptoms associated with body dissatisfaction in the later stages of outpatient treatment.

Methods

33 adults with a DSM-5 diagnosis of an eating disorder participated in the ERP group. Participants completed pre- and post-ERP group measures of depression, anxiety, self-evaluation based on body image, restraint, eating concern, weight concern, shape concern, upward and downward appearance comparisons, and patient satisfaction.

Results

Involvement in the ERP group was associated with significant decreases in self-evaluation based on body image, restraint, eating concern, weight concern, shape concern, and upward physical appearance comparisons post-group treatment. This adjunct treatment group was well received and viewed as being helpful by participants.

Conclusions

ERP in a group therapy format for addressing body dissatisfaction may represent a complimentary approach to current evidence-based treatments for an eating disorder, and warrant further investigation.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all members of the AEDP, and the patients who consented to take part in the clinics program evaluation research as part of their care. Special thanks to Cathy O’Brien, social worker who was a group facilitator, Dr. Pallavi Nadkarni, attending psychiatrist, as well as the clinical psychology practicum students and psychiatry residents from Queens University who helped co-facilitate the group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Adult Eating Disorders Program (AEDP) of Hotel Dieu Hospital, Adult Outpatient Psychiatry, 166 Brock Street, Kingston, ON, K7L5G2, Canada

    Brad A. Mac Neil, Pauline Leung & Vanessa Montemarano

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Queens University, 752 King Street West, Postal Bag 603, Kingston, ON, K7L7X3, Canada

    Brad A. Mac Neil

  3. Department of Psychology, Queens University, 62 Arch Street Humphrey Hall, Room 232 Kingston, Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada

    Brad A. Mac Neil & Pauline Leung

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  1. Brad A. Mac Neil
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Correspondence to Brad A. Mac Neil.

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The authors have none to disclose.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained and all participants provided written consent to participate.

Research involving human participants

This study met ethical compliance and clearance through the Queens University Health Sciences and Affiliated Teaching Hospitals Research Ethics Board as part of the clinics ongoing program evaluation research.

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Mac Neil, B.A., Leung, P. & Montemarano, V. Exposure with response prevention (ERP) for body dissatisfaction in a group therapy format: an exploratory study. Eat Weight Disord 23, 225–232 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-016-0340-2

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