Eating Disorders in Adolescence

This study will compare a psychological treatment (cognitive-behavioral therapy; CBT-BED) and a lifestyle beahvioral obesity intervention (LBOI) for adolescents who experience binge eating and have overweight or obesity. These treatments will be compared to each other and to a control condition that involves self-monitoring eating and mood using an "app". Participants can be located in most states in the United States. All participation occurs remotely by telehealth. The goal is to learn which approach works best for reducing binge eating and excess weight in this age group.

Body dissatisfaction is common among adolescents and is a well-established risk factor for the development of eating disorders. Young athletes may be particularly vulnerable because they are exposed to appearance-related pressures from both society and sport environments. Despite the high prevalence of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders among young athletes, there is a lack of evidence-based, large scale prevention programs specifically designed for young athletes. The Young Athlete Body Project is an age- and sport-adapted version of the evidence-based Body Project, a cognitive dissonance-based prevention program that has been shown to reduce body dissatisfaction, internalization of appearance ideals, and eating disorder risk in adolescents and adults from diverse population groups. A pilot study of the Young Athlete Body Project among adolescent athletes demonstrated that the program was acceptable and perceived as beneficial by participants. The findings also indicated promising improvements in the internalization of the thin body ideal and increased awareness of appearance-related pressures, supporting the need for further evaluation in a larger randomized controlled trial. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Young Athlete Body Project among adolescent athletes attending sports-specialized lower and upper secondary schools in Norway. The program aims to promote positive body image and body acceptance, reduce the internalization of appearance ideals, strengthen resistance to appearance-related pressures, and prevent body dissatisfaction and eating disorders among adolescent athletes. The intervention program will contribute with new evidence-based knowledge on the effect of a prevention program targeting body dissatisfaction and eating disorders among adolescents athletes.

The goal of this observational study is to learn if behavioral and psychological factors are associated with the intestinal microbiota composition and function in children and adolescents with eating disorders (ED). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Are there any differences between the microbiota composition and function in adolescent patients with eating disorders and healthy adolescents? * Are the dietary pattern and other lifestyle habits associated with the intestinal microbiota composition in patients with a recent onset eating disorder? * Is it possible to predict the treatment response at one year by looking at any of the psychological and biological factors measured in the patients at baseline? * Are there any differences in the intestinal microbiota among patients with different subtypes of anorexia nervosa (restrictive, binge-purging, atypical) or with avoidance/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)? Researchers will compare the results with those obtained from a group of healthy children and adolescents matched by sex and age to find out if the associations observed differ between ED and control participants. Participants with ED will fill in different lifestyle questionnaires and psychological tests; they will also undergo anthropometrical measurements and will provide fecal and blood samples at baseline and one year later. Healthy participants will provide the same lifestyle information, anthopometrical measurements and stool and blood samples. They will only undergo the baseline evaluation.

Moving from pediatric (children's) health care to adult health care can be challenging for youth and young adults with eating disorders. Many young people and families report feeling unprepared, unsure of what to expect, and worried about losing support during this time. Gaps in care during this transition can increase stress and make recovery more difficult. This study is testing a structured transition support program called the TransitionED framework. The goal is to see whether this program can be successfully used in real hospital settings and whether youth, caregivers, and clinicians find it helpful. The TransitionED framework is designed to help youth and families prepare for the move to adult care. It includes: 1. A transition planning package for youth 2. A separate planning package for caregivers 3. At least two guided transition meetings with a clinician 4. A short "Personal Transition Profile" written by the youth to help new adult providers understand them better 5. Optional virtual peer support sessions for youth and for caregivers 6. Tools to help pediatric and adult providers communicate more clearly Youth who are 16 years or older and currently receiving care in a participating pediatric eating disorder program may be invited to join, along with one caregiver. Clinicians and program leaders will also take part to help deliver and evaluate the program. Participants will complete surveys at the beginning of the study, about two months later, and six months after finishing the program. Some participants will also take part in interviews to share their experiences. This study is focused on feasibility. That means the main goal is to learn whether this transition program is practical, acceptable, and workable in everyday clinical care. What we learn will help improve transition support for youth and young adults with eating disorders in the future.

Background: Eating Disorders (ED) are mental health conditions, characterized by pathological behaviors toward food intake or a persistent obsession with weight control. EDs have a high prevalence among pre-adolescents in developed countries and pose a significant economic burden. Preventive interventions targeting at-risk populations for ED have proven effective. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) facilitates access to larger population groups while also reducing costs. Objectives: * Develop and validate a universally applied intervention (PRETA), mediated by ICTs, to reduce eating-disorder risk and modifiable risk factors, through cultural adaptation and adjustment of the POtsdam Prevention at Schools (POPS) Program to preadolescents. * Assess the efficacy of the PRETA Program through a randomized controlled trial (RCT). * Evaluate the efficiency of the PRETA Program from a social perspective. Methodology The PRETA Program uses 9 online sessions with interactive activities for pre- adolescents, plus education for their families and teachers. Its content includes addressing key factors in the development of ED, such as eating habits, beauty standards, and media literacy, as well as activities aimed at strengthening psychological dimensions (self-esteem, emotional regulation, problem-solving, psychological flexibility, and resilience) and social skills, including communication styles and distinguishing between jokes and bullying. The study involves schools being randomly assigned to either the PRETA Program or regular health activities. The effect of the intervention will be evaluated 3 months after its start.

The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy, efficiency, and patient experience of a new intervention program on adolescents with high-complexity eating disorders (ED). A prospective group of adolescents with ED (N=60) will follow this treatment program including four different phases: 1) Inpatient treatment; 2) Family Treatment Apartment; 3) Home Treatment; 4) Recovery within the community. The investigators will use a retrospective, control group (N=60) that matched the prospective group in age, sex, ED diagnosis, and severe symptomatology. Primary variables regarding Body Mass Index (BMI), ED symptomatology, functionality, recovery (yes/no), type of outpatient services (low/mid/high intensity), number of readmissions, and patient experience will be assessed at discharge, and after 6 and 12 months. Secondary variables include anxiety, depression, readiness to recover, quality of life symptoms, caregiver skills, and functionality of the family