Effectiveness of a group psychoeducation program for the treatment of subclinical disordered eating in women with type 1 diabetes.
The coexistence of type 1 diabetes mellitus and disordered eating is associated with poor metabolic control, poor adherence to diabetes treatment regimens, and increased risk of long-term diabetic complications. This study assessed whether a six-session group psychoeducation program would improve metabolic control, diabetes treatment adherence, eating disorder symptomatology, and general psychopathology in women with coexisting type 1 diabetes and subclinical disordered eating. Fourteen women were assigned to the treatment group (n=8) or wait-list control group (n=6). Measurements were taken at baseline, post-intervention, and one month post-intervention. There were no significant differences in how the treatment group and wait-list control group changed over time. Between the first and second measurements, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in depression and general emotional distress. The results suggest that a six-session group psychoeducation program is no more effective than a wait-list control group for treating subclinical disordered eating in women with type 1 diabetes. Further research is required to determine the most effective treatment for this population.