scholarly journals Identification of high risk and early stage eating disorders: first validation of a digital screening tool

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Bryant ◽  
Jane Miskovic-Wheatley ◽  
Stephen W. Touyz ◽  
Ross D. Crosby ◽  
Eyza Koreshe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Statistical Validity ◽  
Eating Disorders Examination

Abstract Background Eating disorders are amongst the deadliest of all mental disorders, however detection and early intervention rates remain extremely low. Current standardised screening questionnaires can be arduous or confronting and are ill-validated for online use, despite a universal shift to digital healthcare. The present study describes the development and pilot validation of a novel digital screening tool (the InsideOut Institute-Screener) for high risk and early stage eating disorders to drive early intervention and reduced morbidity. Methods We utilised a mixed cross-sectional and repeated measures longitudinal survey research design to assess symptom severity and recognised parameters of statistical validity. Participants were recruited through social media and traditional advertising, and through MTurk. An Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) global score of 2.3 and assessment of eating disorder behaviours was used to determine probable ED. 1346 participants aged 14–74 (mean [SE] age 26.60 [11.14] years; 73.8% female, 22.6% male) completed the survey battery. 19% were randomised to two-week follow-up for reliability analysis. Results Strong positive correlations between the IOI-S and both the EDE-Q global (rs = .88) and SCOFF (rs = .75) total score were found, providing support for the concurrent validity of the scale. Inter-item correlations were moderate to strong (rs = .46–.73). Correlations between the IOI-S and two measures of social desirability diverged, providing support for the discriminant validity of the scale. The IOI-S demonstrated high internal consistency (α = .908, ω = .910) and excellent two-week test–retest reliability (.968, 95% CI 0.959–0.975; p ≤ 0.1). The IOI-S accurately distinguished probable eating disorders (sensitivity = 82.8%, specificity = 89.7% [AUC = .944], LR+  = 8.04, LR− = 0.19) and two stepped levels of risk. Conclusions and relevance The present study provides excellent initial support for the psychometric validity of the InsideOut Institute digital screening tool, which has the potential to streamline early intervention in the hopes of reducing current high morbidity and mortality. Further validation should be undertaken in known clinical populations. Plain English Summary Eating disorders are amongst the deadliest of all mental disorders, however detection and early intervention rates remain extremely low. The present study describes the initial psychometric validation of a novel digital screening tool (the InsideOut Institute Screener) for high risk and early stage eating disorders, for self-referral and/or use in primary care. 1346 participants aged 14–74 of all genders completed a survey battery designed to assess common parameters of statistical validity. Strong support was found for the screener’s ability to accurately measure eating disorder risk and symptomatology. The screener was highly positively correlated with a well known and extensively validated long form self-report questionnaire for eating disorder symptomatology. This study is a pilot validation and the genesis of a project that aims ultimately to drive early intervention leading to reduced morbidity and mortality rates in this illness group.

scholarly journals Transitioning To Digital First Line Intervention – Validation Of A Brief Online Screener For Early Identification Of A Suspected Eating Disorder: Study Protocol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Bryant ◽  
Jane Miskovic-Wheatley ◽  
Stephen Touyz ◽  
Ross D Crosby ◽  
Eyza Koreshe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Test Reliability ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Pathways To Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Only one in four people with eating disorders seeks treatment, and of those who do seek treatment, 20% go on to experience a chronic course. Early intervention has been associated with better prognosis, with those seeking specialised intervention in the early stages of their illness more than twice as likely to achieve remission. Current screening measures typically require expert administration and are rarely validated across a spectrum of DSM-5 eating disorder presentations or for online use. In light of COVID-19 and increasing reliance on telehealth technologies in the intervention and delivery of mental health services, online assessments suitable for self-referral are likely to be the first step to seeking care. InsideOut Institute has developed a 6-item online screening tool for the purposes of identifying eating disorder risk and symptomatology, aimed specifically at increasing help-seeking behaviour in subsyndromal and early presentations. Methods: This study investigates the reliability and validity of the InsideOut Institute Screener (IOI-S), using a cross-sectional survey research design. Participants aged 14 and over will complete an extensive baseline survey battery for evaluation. 50% of participants will be randomly selected for one follow-up re-test of the IOI-S only, two weeks post initial testing. The IOI-S will be analysed for statistical reliability on two parameters: internal consistency and test re-test reliability, and for statistical validity on four parameters: concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity, convergent and discriminant validity. Discussion: The rapid and ongoing shift to digital intervention has highlighted gaps and opportunities in our pathways to care. Adequate screening for eating disorders is a major gap. This study aims to validate an online screening tool for use in telehealth early intervention, designed for users seeking information for a suspected eating disorder. The screener meets those at risk ‘where they are’ (i.e. online) and may improve timely referrals to relevant services. This is of particular salience as face-to-face healthcare and traditional frontline interventions are disrupted, and we are challenged to re-design our practices to deliver diagnostic and treatment services in highly adaptive digital contexts.Trial registration: N/A

scholarly journals Transitioning To Digital First Line Intervention – Validation Of A Brief Online Screener For Early Identification Of A Suspected Eating Disorder: Study Protocol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Bryant ◽  
Jane Miskovic-Wheatley ◽  
Stephen Touyz ◽  
Ross D Crosby ◽  
Eyza Koreshe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Test Reliability ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Pathways To Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Only one in four people with eating disorders seeks treatment, and of those who do seek treatment, 20% go on to experience a chronic course. Early intervention has been associated with better prognosis, with those seeking specialised intervention in the early stages of their illness more than twice as likely to achieve remission. Current screening measures typically require expert administration and are rarely validated across a spectrum of DSM-5 eating disorder presentations or for online use. In light of COVID-19 and increasing reliance on telehealth technologies in the intervention and delivery of mental health services, online assessments suitable for self-referral are likely to be the first step to seeking care. InsideOut Institute has developed a 6-item online screening tool for the purposes of identifying eating disorder risk and symptomatology, aimed specifically at increasing help-seeking behaviour in subsyndromal and early presentations. Methods: This study investigates the reliability and validity of the InsideOut Institute Screener (IOI-S), using a cross-sectional survey research design. Participants aged 14 and over will complete an extensive baseline survey battery for evaluation. 50% of participants will be randomly selected for one follow-up re-test of the IOI-S only, two weeks post initial testing. The IOI-S will be analysed for statistical reliability on two parameters: internal consistency and test re-test reliability, and for statistical validity on four parameters: concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity, convergent and discriminant validity. Discussion: The rapid and ongoing shift to digital intervention has highlighted gaps and opportunities in our pathways to care. Adequate screening for eating disorders is a major gap. This study aims to validate an online screening tool for use in telehealth early intervention, designed for users seeking information for a suspected eating disorder. The screener meets those at risk ‘where they are’ (i.e. online) and may improve timely referrals to relevant services. This is of particular salience as face-to-face healthcare and traditional frontline interventions are disrupted, and we are challenged to re-design our practices to deliver diagnostic and treatment services in highly adaptive digital contexts.

scholarly journals Transitioning To Digital First Line Intervention – Validation Of A Brief Online Screener For Early Identification of A Suspected Eating Disorder: Study Protocol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Bryant ◽  
Jane Miskovic-Wheatley ◽  
Stephen Touyz ◽  
Ross D Crosby ◽  
Eyza Koreshe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Test Reliability ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Pathways To Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Only one in four people with Eating Disorders (ED) seeks treatment, and of those who do seek treatment, 20% go on to experience a chronic course. Early intervention has been associated with better prognosis, with those seeking specialised intervention in the early stages of their illness more than twice as likely to achieve remission. Current screening measures typically require expert administration and are rarely validated across a spectrum of DSM-5 eating disorder presentations or for online use. In light of COVID-19 and increasing reliance on telehealth technologies in the intervention and delivery of mental health services, online assessments suitable for self-referral are likely to be the first step to seeking care. InsideOut Institute has developed a 6-item online screening tool for the purposes of identifying eating disorder risk and symptomatology, aimed specifically at increasing help-seeking behaviour in subsyndromal and early presentations. Methods: This study investigates the reliability and validity of the InsideOut Institute Screener (IOI-S), using a cross-sectional survey research design. Participants aged 14 and over will complete a baseline survey battery consisting of the EDE-Q, the SCOFF questionnaire, the IOI-S and either the MC-SDS (adults) or CSD-S (adolescents) for evaluation. 30% of participants will be randomly selected for one follow-up re-test of the IOI-S only, two weeks post initial testing. The IOI-S will be analysed for statistical reliability on two parameters: internal consistency and test re-test reliability, and for statistical validity on four parameters: concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity, convergent and discriminant validity. Discussion: The rapid and ongoing shift to digital intervention has highlighted gaps and opportunities in our pathways to care. Adequate screening for eating disorders is a major gap. This study aims to validate an online screening tool for use in telehealth early intervention, designed for users seeking information for a suspected eating disorder. The screener meets those at risk ‘where they are’ (i.e. online) and may improve timely referrals to relevant services. This is of particular salience as face-to-face healthcare and traditional frontline interventions are disrupted, and we are challenged to re-design our practices to deliver diagnostic and treatment services in highly adaptive digital contexts.Trial registration: N/A

scholarly journals Transitioning to digital first line intervention – validation of a brief online screener for early identification of a suspected eating disorder: study protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Bryant ◽  
Jane Miskovic-Wheatley ◽  
Stephen Touyz ◽  
Ross D. Crosby ◽  
Eyza Koreshe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Test Reliability ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Pathways To Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Only one in four people with eating disorders seeks treatment, and of those who do seek treatment, 20% go on to experience a chronic course. Early intervention has been associated with better prognosis, with those seeking specialised intervention in the early stages of their illness more than twice as likely to achieve remission. Current screening measures typically require expert administration and are rarely validated across a spectrum of DSM-5 eating disorder presentations or for online use. In light of COVID-19 and increasing reliance on telehealth technologies in the intervention and delivery of mental health services, online assessments suitable for self-referral are likely to be the first step to seeking care. InsideOut Institute has developed a 6-item online screening tool for the purposes of identifying eating disorder risk and symptomatology, aimed specifically at increasing help-seeking behaviour in subsyndromal and early presentations. Methods This study investigates the reliability and validity of the InsideOut Institute Screener (IOI-S), using a cross-sectional survey research design. Participants aged 14 and over will complete an extensive baseline survey battery for evaluation. 50% of participants will be randomly selected for one follow-up re-test of the IOI-S only, 2 weeks post initial testing. The IOI-S will be analysed for statistical reliability on two parameters: internal consistency and test re-test reliability, and for statistical validity on four parameters: concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity, convergent and discriminant validity. Discussion The rapid and ongoing shift to digital intervention has highlighted gaps and opportunities in our pathways to care. Adequate screening for eating disorders is a major gap. This study aims to validate an online screening tool for use in telehealth early intervention, designed for users seeking information for a suspected eating disorder. The screener meets those at risk ‘where they are’ (i.e. online) and may improve timely referrals to relevant services. This is of particular salience as face-to-face healthcare and traditional frontline interventions are disrupted, and we are challenged to re-design our practices to deliver diagnostic and treatment services in highly adaptive digital contexts.

Pharmacotherapy for Eating Disorders

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan McElroy ◽  
Anna I. Guerdjikova ◽  
Nicole Mori ◽  
Paul E. Keck
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Binge Eating Disorder ◽  
Night Eating Syndrome ◽  
Night Eating

This chapter addresses the pharmacotherapy of the eating disorders (EDs). Many persons with EDs receive pharmacotherapy, but pharmacotherapy research for EDs has lagged behind that for other major mental disorders. This chapter first provides a brief rationale for using medications in the treatment of EDs. It then reviews the data supporting the effectiveness of specific medications or medication classes in treating patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and other potentially important EDs, such as night eating syndrome (NES). It concludes by summarizing these data and suggesting future areas for research in the pharmacotherapy of EDs.

Pharmacotherapy of the Eating Disorders

2010 ◽  
pp. 416-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan L. McElroy ◽  
Anna I. Guerdjikova ◽  
Anne M. O’Melia ◽  
Nicole Mori ◽  
Paul E. Keck
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Binge Eating Disorder ◽  
Night Eating Syndrome ◽  
Night Eating

Many persons with eating disorders (EDs) receive pharmacotherapy, but pharmacotherapy research for EDs has lagged behind that for other major mental disorders. In this chapter, we first provide a brief rationale for using medications in the treatment of EDs. We then review the data supporting the effectiveness of specific medications or medication classes in treating patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder (BED), and other potentially important EDs, such as night eating syndrome (NES) and sleep-related eating disorder (SRED). We conclude by summarizing these data and suggesting future areas for research in the pharmacotherapy of EDs.

scholarly journals “I’m truly free from my eating disorder”: Emerging adults’ experiences of FREED, an early intervention service model and care pathway for eating disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Potterton ◽  
Amelia Austin ◽  
Michaela Flynn ◽  
Karina Allen ◽  
Vanessa Lawrence ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Support Network ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Service Model ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Rapid Access

Abstract Background Eating disorders (EDs) typically start during adolescence or emerging adulthood, periods of intense biopsychosocial development. FREED (First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for EDs) is a service model and care pathway providing rapid access to developmentally-informed care for emerging adults with EDs. FREED is associated with reduced duration of untreated eating disorder and improved clinical outcomes, but patients’ experiences of treatment have yet to be assessed. Objective This study aimed to assess emerging adults’ experiences of receiving treatment through FREED. Method This study triangulated qualitative data on participants’ experiences of FREED treatment from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Participants were 106 emerging adults (aged 16–25; illness duration < 3 yrs) (questionnaire only = 92; interview only = 6; both = 8). Data were analysed thematically. Results Most participants reported psychological and behavioural changes over the course of treatment (e.g. reduction in symptoms; increased acceptance and understanding of difficulties). Participants identified five beneficial characteristics of FREED treatment: i) rapid access to treatment; ii) knowledgeable and concerned clinicians; iii) focusing on life beyond the eating disorder; iv) building a support network; v) becoming your own therapist. Conclusion This study provides further supports for the implementation of early intervention and developmentally-informed care for EDs. Future service model development should include efforts to increase early help-seeking.

Age of onset of mental disorders and use of mental health services: needs, opportunities and obstacles

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. de Girolamo ◽  
J. Dagani ◽  
R. Purcell ◽  
A. Cocchi ◽  
P. D. McGorry
Keyword(s):  
Early Intervention ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Health Services Needs

Purpose of review.In this review, we provide an update of recent studies on the age of onset (AOO) of the major mental disorders, with a special focus on the availability and use of services providing prevention and early intervention.Recent findings.The studies reviewed here confirm previous reports on the AOO of the major mental disorders. Although the behaviour disorders and specific anxiety disorders emerge during childhood, most of the high-prevalence disorders (mood, anxiety and substance use) emerge during adolescence and early adulthood, as do the psychotic disorders. Early AOO has been shown to be associated with a longer duration of untreated illness, and poorer clinical and functional outcomes.Summary.Although the onset of most mental disorders usually occurs during the first three decades of life, effective treatment is typically not initiated until a number of years later. There is increasing evidence that intervention during the early stages of disorder may help reduce the severity and/or the persistence of the initial or primary disorder, and prevent secondary disorders. However, additional research is needed on effective interventions in early-stage cases, as well as on the long-term effects of early intervention, and for an appropriate service design for those with emerging mental disorders. This will mean not only the strengthening and re-engineering of existing systems, but is also crucial the construction of new streams of care for young people in transition to adulthood.

The links between body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders

2000 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 302-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Rabe-Jablonska Jolanta ◽  
M. Sobow Tomasz
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Anorexia Nervosa ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Bulimia Nervosa ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Affective Disorders ◽  
Body Dysmorphic Disorder ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Controls

SummaryThe aim of the study was to search for a body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) period preceding the symptoms meeting the criteria of either anorexia or bulimia nervosa, and an evaluation of the prevalence of BDD symptoms in a control group of girls without any eating disorder. Ninety-three girls (12–21 years old) were included in the study (36 with anorexia nervosa, 17 with bulimia nervosa and 40 healthy controls). The Structured Clinical Interview (SCID), including the BDD module, and a novel questionnaire (for the presence of preceding life events) were used. We found the symptoms of BDD in 25% of anorexia nervosa sufferers for at least six months before observing a clear eating disorder picture. Moreover, other mental disorders were also present among these patients. The results may support the idea that BDD and anorexia nervosa both belong to either OCD or affective disorders spectra.

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