33 Predictors of outcome for cognitive behaviour therapy in binge eating disorder 2 Treatment Patients were offered 20 days of group therapy, one day per week. One such day consisted of three therapy components of 75 minutes each: discussing daily self-monitoring of eating behaviour, cognitive therapy and psychomotor therapy (a body-oriented and movement-oriented therapy). In addition, weight was monitored weekly. The main objectives of treatment were to help patients regain control over eating (i.e. establish a regular and sufficient eating pattern, and to stop bingeing), to develop a more realistic body image, to decrease body dissatisfaction and to diminish the influence of shape and weight on self-esteem. These goals were targeted in the different modules with techniques such as psycho education, discussion of registered eating behaviour, identifying triggers for binge eating, challenging thoughts, conducting behavioural experiments, doing mirror exposure, stopping body checking, practising relaxation and awareness exercises. Weekly weighing was introduced to monitor the course of weight and to support the process of diminishing the influence of shape and weight on self-esteem. All patients were actively involved in the different modules and helpful group dynamics (such as seeking support and exchanging experiences) were stimulated. This intensive outpatient treatment programme was based on the manual developed by Fairburn et al., (1993) and was led by a psychologist, a sociotherapist and a psychomotor therapist. Patients were allowed to miss a maximum of 3 out of 20 days. Additionally, six informative group meetings of 90 minutes each were held for patients and their partners. The main objective was to enhance mutual understanding and support during the process of change. A maximum of nine patients could participate in each round of the 1-day group treatment. The group treatment had a half open group format: new patients could enter every 10th week. After treatment had been completed, 99 (out of 304) patients received an additional intervention focusing on maintenance of treatment effect and relapse prevention. Furthermore, 58 (out of 304) patients received extended treatment for the eating disorder with a focus on getting around maintaining factors, and 11 (out of 304) patients received further psychotherapy for psychopathology not related to their eating disorder. These ‘additional treatments’ were controlled for in the post-treatment prediction analyses (by treating this information as a covariate). Test procedure Patients who gave consent to participate in the present study were tested directly before entering the group therapy, on their last day of group therapy, and six months after completion of treatment. Patients received all questionnaires on each test occasion, with the exception of questions regarding marital status, living situation and level of education (only at pretreatment).
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