Mindfulness and acceptance-based behavioral treatment for bulimia-spectrum disorders: A pilot feasibility randomized trial

Objective Although existing research supports the efficacy of mindfulness- and acceptance-based treatments (MABTs) for eating disorders (EDs), few studies have directly compared outcomes from MABTs to standard CBT. Method Participants (N = 44), treatment-seeking adults with bulimia-spectrum EDs, were screened for eligibility, consented, and randomized to receive 20 sessions of outpatient, individual CBT or MABT treatment. Treatment outcomes (binge eating and compensatory behavior episodes, global ED severity, depressive symptoms, quality of life, emotional awareness/clarity, distress tolerance, values-based decision-making, and emotion modulation) were measured at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow up. Data on feasibility and acceptability are also presented. Results Treatment and assessment retention rates were comparable between MABT and CBT (p range = .51-.73) and between-group differences on acceptability measures were very small (d range = 0.03-0.19). Both conditions produced notable and generally comparable changes in most treatment outcomes at post-treatment (within group d range = 0.06-1.77). Discussion The MABT and CBT conditions demonstrated comparable degrees of feasibility, acceptability, and symptom improvement, suggesting that MABTs warrant further evaluation as ED treatments.