title: A Survey of Attitudes towards Computerized Self-Help for Eating Disorders within a Community-Based Sample.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder with many physical, psychological and social consequences. Guided self-help (GSH) is recommended in the treatment of BN (NICE, 2004). One of the ways in which to provide GSH is via the internet using evidence-based packages with regular support from a clinician or trained support worker.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this community-based survey was to investigate attitudes towards online self-help for eating disorders and the support required whilst using such an approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two-hundred and fifty-three participants with bulimic symptoms completed the survey. The sample was recruited primarily online. The mean age was 29.11 years (SD = 8.67; min = 16, max = 64).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Attitudes towards online self-help (SH) for eating disorders were very positive. The inclusion of some form of support to accompany such an intervention was important to the majority of participants. Remote mediums of support such as e-mail, a forum and text messaging were most often selected as helpful. Most participants expressed a preference for weekly support contacts and for flexible support lengths that could respond to support needs as required.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Online self-help for eating disorders is a desirable treatment option for many individuals. The information gathered regarding preferences in the type, medium, duration and frequency of support could be used in the development of future self-help strategies in order to maximize uptake, retention and outcomes.
authors.affiliation: University of Glasgow,Scotland.
authors.forename: Carrie-Anne
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: McClay
authors.affiliation: University of Glasgow,Scotland.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Waters
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry,London,UK.
authors.forename: Ulrike
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.affiliation: University of Glasgow,Scotland.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D060145:Text Messaging
keywords: Bulimia nervosa; CBT; attitudes; cCBT; psychotherapy; self-help; treatment