Digital Therapies

Digitally delivered guided self-help programs for eating disorders can reduce treatment barriers like cost, shame, geography, and availability of clinicians (Traviss‐Turner, West and Hill, 2017). Research indicates that digital self-help interventions are effective in reducing symptoms of an eating disorder (Aardoom et al., 2013; Anastasiadou, Folkvord and Lupiañez-Villanueva, 2018, Barakat et al., 2019; Rom et al., 2023).

Online therapies can be used at home as a treatment option for those with emerging, mild and moderate disordered eating behaviours. They can also be helpful as interim support while on a waitlist, as a relapse/deterioration prevention strategy, step-down or discharge support, during holiday periods or staff absences. They can provide Carer Support, or supplement community-based treatment providing evidence-based treatment to clients with comorbid eating disorder symptoms.

Please refer to the Initial Medical Assessment section of the toolkit in order to assess medical stability and suitability for online therapy. In particular, BMI <18.5, rapid weight loss, postural BP/HR instability or for example hypoglycaemia, hypokalaemia  (https://gp.insideoutinstitute.org.au/diagnosis-and-assessment/when-to-worry) may warrant further assessment, closer medical monitoring and/or referral for in person treatment as clinically indicated.

InsideOut eClinic

Free, self-guided, evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to help individuals better understand and manage eating disorder symptoms.

Current eTherapies available include a 10‑session eTherapy program for people aged 16 and over with emerging, subclinical or clinical symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa symptoms. Evidence shows a reduction in binging episodes and increase in QOL can be seen after the first 4 sessions.

Clinical trials have shown that IOI’s eTherapy for binge eating disorders – Binge Eating eTherapy (BEeT), significantly reduce symptoms (Barakat et al., 2019; Rom et al., 2023), the trials showed a very high retention rate of approx. 80% completion.

How to use the eClinic

• Individuals can self-refer by visiting the InsideOut eClinic
• Health professionals can recommend an eTherapy via a short e-form or create a dashboard on the InsideOut eClinic to guide and monitor patient progress.
• The InsideOut eClinic also provides access to clinical trials of new transdiagnostic eTherapy options.

Clinical e-therapies can be a valuable adjunct to clinical practice but should not replace clinical diagnosis, in-person intervention, or GP-led care. The InsideOut Digital Therapy is also not suitable for everyone, particularly individuals with serious medical or psychological symptoms, including:

• Those who are medically unstable, have experienced rapid weight changes (gain or loss), or are severely underweight (BMI < 18.5).
• Those who are currently suicidal or at risk of harming themselves or others.

Additionally, the current Digital Therapies available on the InsideOut eClinic have not been tested for and are not recommended for individuals:

• With a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, Pica, Rumination Disorder, or Body Dysmorphia.

To find more information on new eTherapies visit the InsideOut eClinic for access to clinical trials of transdiagnostic eTherapy options.