Exposure with response prevention (ERP) for body dissatisfaction in a group therapy format: an exploratory study.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Adult Eating Disorders Program (AEDP) of Hotel Dieu Hospital, Adult Outpatient Psychiatry, 166 Brock Street, Kingston, ON, K7L5G2, Canada. macneib@hdh.kari.net.|Department of Psychiatry, Queens University, 752 King Street West, Postal Bag 603, Kingston, ON, K7L7X3, Canada. macneib@hdh.kari.net.|Department of Psychology, Queens University, 62 Arch Street Humphrey Hall, Room 232 Kingston, Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada. macneib@hdh.kari.net.
Brad A
BA
Mac Neil
Adult Eating Disorders Program (AEDP) of Hotel Dieu Hospital, Adult Outpatient Psychiatry, 166 Brock Street, Kingston, ON, K7L5G2, Canada.|Department of Psychology, Queens University, 62 Arch Street Humphrey Hall, Room 232 Kingston, Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada.
Pauline
P
Leung
Adult Eating Disorders Program (AEDP) of Hotel Dieu Hospital, Adult Outpatient Psychiatry, 166 Brock Street, Kingston, ON, K7L5G2, Canada.
Vanessa
V
Montemarano
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D001835:Body Weight; D004644:Emotions; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
Body dissatisfaction; Body image; Exposure with response prevention (ERP); Group therapy; Patient satisfaction