Personalized networks of eating disorder symptoms predicting eating disorder outcomes and remission

Int J Eat Disord. 2020 Dec;53(12):2086-2094. doi: 10.1002/eat.23398. Epub 2020 Nov 11.

Abstract

Enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) is one of the primary evidence-based treatments for adults with eating disorders (EDs). However, up to 50% of individuals do not respond to CBT-E, likely because of the high heterogeneity present even within similar diagnoses. This high heterogeneity, especially in regard to presenting pathology, makes it difficult to develop a treatment based "on averages" and for clinicians to accurately pinpoint which symptoms should be targeted in treatment. As such, new models based at both the group, and individual level, are needed to more accurately refine targets for personalized evidence-based treatments that can lead to full remission. The current study (Expected N = 120 anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa) will build both group and individual longitudinal models of ED behaviors, cognitions, affect, and physiology. We will collect data for 30 days utilizing a mobile application to assess behaviors, cognition, and affect and a sensor wristband that assesses physiology (heart rate, acceleration). We will also collect outcome data at 1- and 6-month follow-ups to assess ED outcomes and remission status. These data will allow for identification of "on average" and "individual" targets that maintain ED pathology and test if these targets predict outcomes, including ED remission.

Keywords: eating disorders; longitudinal modeling; network analysis; physiology; remission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Precision Medicine / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult