Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co-occur with eating disorders (EDs), however, evidence-based treatments for individuals who experience these conditions concomitantly are limited. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a 10-week outpatient compassion-focused group intervention to treat comorbid EDs among individuals with current PTSD symptoms. Method Five women with an ED and PTSD symptoms (M = 33.40years, SD = 15.61) participated. Primary outcomes of interest were ED symptoms, PTSD symptoms and self-compassion.Participants provided qualitative feedback via semi-structured interviews. Results Participation was high, and all participants completed the programme. The group modality was viewed positively, and participants described increased engagement with compassion, greater ability to recognise and regulate emotions and reduced self-criticism. From baseline to endpoint, four participants reported reliable change on PTSD symptoms, and three on self-compassion. Three participants reported clinically significant change on PTSD symptoms and self-compassion. No reliable or clinically significant change was reported on ED symptoms. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that compassion-focused group interventions may be an acceptable and feasible treatment for people with EDs and comorbid PTSD symptoms. Research to assess long-term symptom change and refinement of content and delivery to optimise outcomes, is warranted.
Published Version
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