Feasibility of guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of guided internet cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for anorexia nervosa. METHODS: We conducted a prospective single-arm study between January 2020 and March 2021. The intervention was built using videos, web programs, and chat tools. The intervention program was largely based on metacognitive training. Participants performed the self-help program once a week for 12 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome was the global Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) score. Secondary outcomes included clinical symptoms of eating disorders, metacognitive function, body mass index, depression, and generalized anxiety. The main statistical analysis examined whether the EDE-Q score and other outcomes at the end of the intervention differed from the baseline. RESULTS: Fourteen participants underwent the trial treatment, and 13 completed the intervention. There was a significant reduction in the global EDE-Q score from 3.48 (SD = 1.4) to 2.54 (SD = 1.5, p = 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.75) from baseline to post-intervention. Some EDE-Q subscales and body checking questionnaire scale demonstrated statistically significant improvements, with moderate to large effect sizes. Although there was no significant improvement in body mass index, metacognitive function, or depressive symptoms, there was a significant improvement in the severity of generalized anxiety (M = −4.0, p = 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.95). No adverse events were observed. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that guided ICBT for anorexia nervosa is well accepted by female patients and practical as a telemedicine approach that improves symptoms. In the future, tightly controlled randomized controlled trials should be conducted for efficacy verification.