Groundbreaking Digital Therapies to improve access to evidence-based treatment for Binge Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses affecting more than 1 million Australians, but only one in five people living with them receive care in the health system, and when they do, just a small number receive evidence-based care.

InsideOut’s Digital Therapies aim to change this by offering people with symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa access to evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programs that are available Australia-wide, 24 hours per day.

The therapies are funded by the Australian Government under the National Leadership Mental Health program to address gaps in service provision for anyone in Australia experiencing symptoms of eating disorders or disordered eating.

"People with eating disorders often struggle to access treatment due to barriers like geography, cost and accessing specialist care. This is especially the case for early intervention," InsideOut’s Clinical Lead on the Digital Therapies project, Sarah Horsfield said.

"Our Digital Therapies overcome some of these barriers by providing free access to evidence-based treatment that is available to anyone in Australia, 24 hours per day."

The Digital Therapies were developed through a rigorous codesign process involving key partners to ensure they were effective.

"Co-designed by people with lived experience of an eating disorder as well as clinical and digital experts, our Digital Therapies will support people living with binge eating symptoms to access evidence-based treatment that works," Professor Dr Sarah Maguire , Director at InsideOut Institute said.

“Our clinical trials have shown that both the 4-session and 10-session versions of InsideOut’s Digital Therapies can significantly reduce symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa,” said Dr Sarah Barakat, who’s held a lead role in evaluating the Digital Therapies.

“This was an exciting outcome because it means we can make a real difference to people who are struggling with these debilitating conditions by making evidence-based treatments accessible and affordable.”

Writer and comedian Lucinda Price, has already experienced the benefits of the Binge Eating eTherapy (BEeT) program – one of the Digital Therapies currently available.

For Lucinda, the program played a central role in her eating disorder recovery.

“During the program, my approach to food shifted dramatically. It felt like I was both the subject and the witness, observing changes in my behaviour and thinking patterns,” she wrote on her blog, Froomsworld.

“Now I really do eat whatever I want, and the result is nothing my disordered eating brain could have ever imagined. I still love food, but it doesn’t have a monkey grip over me anymore, not like it used to.”

If you live in Australia, aged 16 or over and experiencing symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder or Bulimia Nervosa, you can find out more about our Digital Therapies at eclinic.insideoutinstitute.org.au

DISCLAIMER:

Please note: the digital therapies currently available have not been tested and are not recommended for people:

·      With a current diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa (even if binging and purging are present), Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, Pica, Rumination and Body Dysmorphia.

·      Who are underweight (a Body Mass Index or BMI <18.5).

Digital therapies may also not be indicated for people with severe psychological distress, who are medically unwell or who have experienced significant changes in their weight. In this case, we suggest guidance from a GP or health professional.

Our Digital Therapies are not monitored by health professionals and is not a substitute for clinical diagnosis or face-to-face intervention.

Anyone needing further support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:

Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or email support@butterfly.org.au

For crisis support call Lifeline 13 11 14