Debra Safer

All Publications

• The role of eco-anxiety in the presentation of bulimia nervosa: a case report. Journal of eating disorders Runfola, C. D., Safer, D. L. 2024; 12 (1): 164

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Despite a growing literature demonstrating the significant impacts of climate change on mental health, research is urgently needed to investigate how climate change-related concerns may contribute to the development, exacerbation, or re-emergence of eating disorders, as well as affect the effectiveness of existing interventions. This case report contributes to this scant knowledge base by offering empirical evidence for how responses to climate change can influence eating disorder symptoms and, importantly, limit the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E).CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old female graduate student studying environmental science presented to a specialized eating disorder clinic with worsening bulimia nervosa. Her symptoms initially improved with CBT-E; however, after three months, concerns about food waste significantly impeded further progress. The therapist, identifying symptoms of eco-anxiety, adapted standard CBT-E strategies to include psychoeducation about eco-anxiety, cognitive restructuring of beliefs about food waste and other eating-related eco-concerns, relevant exposures related to such concerns, and problem-solving to increase social support. These adaptations led to resumed progress, with the patient achieving nutritional adequacy by treatment end (38 sessions) and maintaining treatment gains through one year follow-up.CONCLUSIONS: To our awareness, this is the first case report on the co-occurrence of eco-anxiety and eating disorders. This case underscores the importance of screening for concurrent eco-anxiety, suggests ways in which eating disorders and eco-anxiety can influence one another longitudinally, describes how coexisting eco-anxiety can limit standard CBT-E's effectiveness, and provides examples of successful treatment adaptations tailored to address eco-anxiety-related concerns.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s40337-024-01118-5

  View details for PubMedID 39434189

• Do early indicators of euthyroid sick syndrome predict later post-bariatric weight loss? Exploring a novel hypothesis MEDICAL HYPOTHESES Safer, D. L., Fowler, N., Adler, S., Rowsemitt, C. N., Najarian, T. 2024; 183

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mehy.2023.111256

  View details for Web of Science ID 001159450900001

• A Pilot Multisensory Approach for Emotional Eating: Pivoting from Virtual Reality to a 2-D Telemedicine Intervention during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of clinical medicine Malighetti, C., Schnitzer, C. K., YorkWilliams, S. L., Bernardelli, L., Runfola, C. D., Riva, G., Safer, D. L. 2023; 12 (23)

  Abstract

  Emotional eating (EE), or eating in response to negative emotions or stress, can be understood as a manifestation of difficulties regulating emotions among individuals with eating disorders. To date, many virtual reality treatments for eating disorders have focused on body image or exposure methods and have not exclusively targeted EE. There has been a call made by experts in the field for a "new generation" of virtual reality interventions, capable of utilizing virtual reality's potential more fully. We developed a novel emotion regulation (ER) intervention based upon virtual reality to improve EE among adults with an eating disorder diagnosis. The study hypothesized that a novel ER protocol utilizing evidence-based strategies, as well as innovative techniques, would be feasible and acceptable and show preliminary signals of effectiveness for EE.Due to COVID-19, the study pivoted from the original completely immersive intervention to a 2-D intervention deliverable over telehealth. Twenty-one patients were recruited from the Adult Eating Disorders Program within Stanford University to receive seven weekly one-hour virtual experiences (VEs) focusing on ER. Participants were not randomized but, as part of a pragmatic study design, chose between the novel VE-Emotion Regulation (VE-ER) intervention or continuing their treatment as usual. Before and after the seven sessions, participants completed an assessment by filling out online questionnaires.Overall, VE-ER treatment was feasible, and the participant and therapist acceptability of VE-ER treatment was fairly high. In terms of preliminary effectiveness, the results showed a significant reduction in the frequencies of disordered eating behaviors in both groups, but a greater improvement in EE in the VE-ER group and a significant reduction in emotion dysregulation after the treatment.This novel pilot study makes a valuable contribution to the scant literature by demonstrating the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of combining somatic, multisensory, and cognitive manipulations delivered via telemedicine to help patients with EE to manage their emotions. The findings can serve as the basis for larger, controlled studies evaluating the translation of the somatic marker theory from the research literature into real-world U.S. clinic settings.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/jcm12237402

  View details for PubMedID 38068453

• Correction: Treating binge eating and food addiction symptoms with low-carbohydrate Ketogenic diets: a case series. Journal of eating disorders Carmen, M., Safer, D. L., Saslow, L. R., Kalayjian, T., Mason, A. E., Westman, E. C., Sethi, S. 2023; 11 (1): 171

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s40337-023-00881-1

  View details for PubMedID 37773142

  View details for PubMedCentralID 6988301

• Coping with eco-anxiety: An interdisciplinary perspective for collective learning and strategic communication The Journal of Climate Change and Health Wang, H., Safer, D. L., Cosentino , M., Cooper, R., Van Susteren , L., Coren, E., Nosek, G., Lertzmann, R., Sutton, S. 2023

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.joclim.2023.100211

• Pilot study of responsive nucleus accumbens deep brain stimulation for loss-of-control eating. Nature medicine Shivacharan, R. S., Rolle, C. E., Barbosa, D. A., Cunningham, T. N., Feng, A., Johnson, N. D., Safer, D. L., Bohon, C., Keller, C., Buch, V. P., Parker, J. J., Azagury, D. E., Tass, P. A., Bhati, M. T., Malenka, R. C., Lock, J. D., Halpern, C. H. 2022

  Abstract

  Cravings that precede loss of control (LOC) over food consumption present an opportunity for intervention in patients with the binge eating disorder (BED). In this pilot study, we used responsive deep brain stimulation (DBS) to record nucleus accumbens (NAc) electrophysiology during food cravings preceding LOC eating in two patients with BED and severe obesity (trial registration no. NCT03868670). Increased NAc low-frequency oscillations, prominent during food cravings, were used to guide DBS delivery. Over 6 months, we observed improved self-control of food intake and weight loss. These findings provide early support for restoring inhibitory control with electrophysiologically-guided NAc DBS. Further work with increased sample sizes is required to determine the scalability of this approach.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41591-022-01941-w

  View details for PubMedID 36038628

• Aberrant impulse control circuitry in obesity. Molecular psychiatry Barbosa, D. A., Kuijper, F. M., Duda, J., Wang, A. R., Cartmell, S. C., Saluja, S., Cunningham, T., Shivacharan, R. S., Bhati, M. T., Safer, D. L., Lock, J. D., Malenka, R. C., de Oliveira-Souza, R., Williams, N. R., Grossman, M., Gee, J. C., McNab, J. A., Bohon, C., Halpern, C. H. 2022

  Abstract

  The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) to nucleus accumbens (NAc) circuit has been implicated in impulsive reward-seeking. This disinhibition has been implicated in obesity and often manifests as binge eating, which is associated with worse treatment outcomes and comorbidities. It remains unclear whether the vmPFC-NAc circuit is perturbed in impulsive eaters with obesity. Initially, we analyzed publicly available, high-resolution, normative imaging data to localize where vmPFC structural connections converged within the NAc. These structural connections were found to converge ventromedially in the presumed NAc shell subregion. We then analyzed multimodal clinical and imaging data to test the a priori hypothesis that the vmPFC-NAc shell circuit is linked to obesity in a sample of female participants that regularly engaged in impulsive eating (i.e., binge eating). Functionally, vmPFC-NAc shell resting-state connectivity was inversely related to body mass index (BMI) and decreased in the obese state. Structurally, vmPFC-NAc shell structural connectivity and vmPFC thickness were inversely correlated with BMI; obese binge-prone participants exhibited decreased vmPFC-NAc structural connectivity and vmPFC thickness. Finally, to examine a causal link to binge eating, we directly probed this circuit in one binge-prone obese female using NAc deep brain stimulation in a first-in-human trial. Direct stimulation of the NAc shell subregion guided by local behaviorally relevant electrophysiology was associated with a decrease in number of weekly episodes of uncontrolled eating and decreased BMI. This study unraveled vmPFC-NAc shell circuit aberrations in obesity that can be modulated to restore control over eating behavior in obesity.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41380-022-01640-5

  View details for PubMedID 35697760

• Can responsive deep brain stimulation be a cost-effective treatment for severe obesity? Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) Mahajan, U. V., Ojukwu, D. I., Azagury, D. E., Safer, D. L., Cunningham, T., Halpern, C. H. 1800; 30 (2): 338-346

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: A first-in-human responsive deep brain stimulation (rDBS) trial (NCT03868670) for obesity is under way, which is based on promising preclinical evidence. Given the upfront costs of rDBS, it is prudent to examine the success threshold for cost-effectiveness compared with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB).METHODS: Efficacy and safety data on LRYGB and safety data on rDBS were collected for established indications through a literature search. The success threshold was defined as minimum BMI reduction. Treatment costs were calculated via Medicare national reimbursement data.RESULTS: LRYGB had a mean BMI reduction of 13.75 kg/m2 . Based on adverse events, LRYGB was a less-preferred health state (overall adverse event utility of 0.96 [0.02]) than rDBS (0.98 [0.01]), but LRYGB ($14,366 [$6,410]) had a significantly lower treatment cost than rDBS ($29,951 [$4,490]; p < 0.0001). Therefore, for rDBS to be cost-effective compared with LRYGB, the multiple models yielded a success threshold range of 13.7 to 15.2 kg/m2 .CONCLUSIONS: This study established a preliminary efficacy success threshold for rDBS to be cost-effective for severe obesity, and results from randomized controlled trials are needed. This analysis allows for interpretation of the economic impact of advancing rDBS for obesity in light of ongoing trial results and suggests an attainable threshold is needed for cost-effectiveness.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/oby.23324

  View details for PubMedID 35088556

• Rescripting emotional eating with virtual reality: a case study ANNUAL REVIEW OF CYBERTHERAPY AND TELEMEDICINE Malighetti, C., Schnitzer, C., Potter, G., Nameth, K., Brown, T., Vogel, E., Riva, G., Runfola, C., Safer, D. 2021; 19: 117-121

  View details for Web of Science ID 000836499200020

• Translating Virtual Reality Cue Exposure Therapy for Binge Eating into a Real-World Setting: An Uncontrolled Pilot Study JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE Nameth, K., Brown, T., Bullock, K., Adler, S., Riva, G., Safer, D., Runfola, C. 2021; 10 (7)

  View details for DOI 10.3390/jcm10071511

  View details for Web of Science ID 000638653600001

• Opioid use among patients with pain syndromes commonly seeking surgical consultation: A retrospective cohort. Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) Kin, C., Chou, L., Safer, D. L., Morris, A., Ding, Q., Trickey, A., Girod, S. 2021; 69: 102704

  Abstract

  Surgeons often see patients with pain to exclude organic pathology and consider surgical treatment. We examined factors associated with long-term opioid therapy among patients with foot/ankle, anorectal, and temporomandibular joint pain to aid clinical decision making.Using the IBM MarketScan® Research Database, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients aged 18-64 with a clinical encounter for foot/ankle, anorectal, or temporomandibular joint pain (January 2007-September 2015). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for factors associated with long-term opioid therapy, including age, sex, geographic region, pain condition, psychiatric diagnoses, and surgical procedures in the previous year.The majority of the cohort of 1,500,392 patients were women (61%). Within the year prior to the first clinical encounter for a pain diagnosis, 14% had an encounter for a psychiatric diagnosis, and 11% had undergone a surgical procedure. Long-term opioid therapy was received by 2.7%. After multivariable adjustment, older age (age 50-64 vs. 18-29: aOR 4.47, 95% CI 4.24-4.72, p < 0.001), region (South vs. Northeast, aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.70-1.81, p < 0.001), recent surgical procedure (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.78-1.87, p < 0.001), male sex (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.12-1.16, p < 0.001) and recent psychiatric diagnosis (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 2.43-2.54, p < 0.001) were independently associated with long-term opioid therapy.Among patients with foot/ankle, anorectal, or temporomandibular joint pain, the risk of long-term opioid therapy significantly increased with older age, recent psychiatric diagnoses and surgical history. Surgeons should be aware of these risk factors in order to make high quality clinical decisions in consultations with these patients.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102704

  View details for PubMedID 34466218

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8384768

• Bringing Virtual Reality From Clinical Trials to Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Eating Disorders: An Example Using Virtual Reality Cue Exposure Therapy. Journal of medical Internet research Brown, T., Nauman Vogel, E., Adler, S., Bohon, C., Bullock, K., Nameth, K., Riva, G., Safer, D. L., Runfola, C. D. 2020; 22 (4): e16386

  Abstract

  Novel treatment options for eating disorders (EDs) are critically needed to enhance treatment outcomes and reduce the rates of treatment dropouts. On average, only 50% of individuals receiving evidence-based care remit, whereas 24% drop out before treatment completion. One particularly promising direction involves integrating virtual reality (VR) with existing evidence-based treatments (EBTs) such as cue exposure therapy (CET). Across psychiatric disorders, VR-based interventions are demonstrating at least preliminary efficacy and noninferiority to traditional treatments. Furthermore, VR technology has become increasingly portable, resulting in improved acceptance, increased access, and reductions in cost. However, more efficient research processes may be needed to uncover the potential benefits of these rapid technological advances. This viewpoint paper reviews existing empirical support for integrating VR with EBTs (with a focus on its use with EDs) and proposes key next steps to more rapidly bring this innovative technology-based intervention into real-world clinic settings, as warranted. VR-CET for EDs is used to illustrate a suggested process for developing such treatment enhancements. We recommend following a deployment-focused model of intervention development and testing to enable rapid implementation of robust, practice-ready treatments. In addition, our review highlights the need for a comprehensive clinical protocol that supports clinicians and researchers in the implementation and testing of VR-CET and identifies key missing protocol components with rationale for their inclusion. Ultimately, this work may lead to a more complete understanding of the full potential of the applications and integrations of VR into mental health care globally.

  View details for DOI 10.2196/16386

  View details for PubMedID 32324145

• The offspring of parents undergoing a weight loss surgery: asystematicreview. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery Dickens, C. E., Safer, D. L., Runfola, C. D., Gibbs, E. L., Welch, H., Sadeh-Sharvit, S. 2020

  Abstract

  The offspring of parents with obesity are at an increased risk of developing this condition themselves because of genetic and environmental factors. One subgroup that may be at particularly high risk of developing obesity is the offspring of parents who have undergone weight loss surgery (PWLS). To date, little research has focused on these offspring or their parents. This systematic review addresses this gap by integrating available literature and assessing the quality of the evidence. To be included, studies were required to have researched characteristics of the offspring of PWLS or parental feeding practices within this population. After review, 12 studies met inclusion criteria. Findings include evidence for heightened risk of obesity among children of PWLS. However, research suggests these children may experience positive, although time-limited, health outcomes after their parents' surgeries. Quality of the evidence was rated as low, primarily because of the lack of randomized controlled studies and information regarding available interventions specifically targeting this vulnerable population. This review underscores the need for research to improve understanding of PWLSfamilies to better support them and capitalize on postbariatric surgery benefits.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.soard.2020.02.006

  View details for PubMedID 32334972

• Solutions Stories: An Innovative Strategy for Managing Negative Physical and Mental Health Impacts from Extreme Weather Events Climate Change, Hazards and Adaptation Options Coren, E., Safer, D. L. edited by Leal, W. F., Nagy, G., Borga, M., Chavez, D., Magnuszewsk, A. Springer Nature Switzerland AG. 2020

  View details for DOI /10.1007/978-3-030-37425-9_23

• Solutions Stories: An Innovative Strategy for Managing Negative Physical and Mental Health Impacts from Extreme Weather Events CLIMATE CHANGE, HAZARDS AND ADAPTATION OPTIONS: HANDLING THE IMPACTS OF A CHANGING CLIMATE Coren, E., Safer, D. L., Filho, W. L., Nagy, G. J., Borga, M., Munoz, P. D., Magnuszewski, A. 2020: 441-462

  View details for DOI 10.1007/978-3-030-37425-9_23

  View details for Web of Science ID 000677532400024

• Body Image Disturbance and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms Improve After Orthognathic Surgery. Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Häberle, A. n., Alkofahi, H. n., Qiao, J. n., Safer, D. n., Mittermiller, P. n., Menorca, R. n., Trickey, A. W., Girod, S. n. 2020

  Abstract

  Although body image disturbance (BID), anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are the most common comorbid psychological conditions among patients presenting for orthognathic surgery (OS), little is known about whether psychological symptoms relate to facial deformity or how symptoms change after OS. To fill these knowledge gaps, this study investigated preoperative and postoperative psychological symptoms and preoperative baseline facial deformity in patients who underwent OS.This study included 49 patients who underwent OS by a single surgeon between 2011 and 2018. The patients completed validated psychological tests to assess symptoms of anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), BID (BID Questionnaire, BIDQ), and OCD (Florida Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory). In addition, we measured severity of preoperative facial deformity with the Facial Aesthetic Index (FAI). We compared preoperative and postoperative symptoms using univariate nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank tests. We tested associations between the 4 types of preoperative psychological symptoms and baseline Facial Aesthetic Index category using Spearman's rank correlations.Postoperatively, both BIDQ scores (median 2 to 1.2, P < .001) and Florida Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory scores (median number of OCD symptoms 1 to 0, P < .001) decreased, whereas anxiety and depression symptoms showed no change (P > .45). Preoperative BIDQ was significantly associated with the severity of the facial deformity (ρ = 0.32, P = .025; median BIDQ: mild FAI = 1.0, severe FAI = 2.1).Our results show that patients with more severe facial deformity have a higher BID preoperatively and that both BID and OCD improve after OS. Interestingly, anxiety and depression symptoms did not change after OS.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.joms.2020.07.021

  View details for PubMedID 32810443

• Parent-based prevention after parental weight loss surgery: a pilot case-series trial. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery Sadeh-Sharvit, S. n., Runfola, C. D., Welch, H. A., Gibbs, E. L., Dickens, C. E., Lock, J. n., Safer, D. L. 2020

  Abstract

  Overeating and obesity are elevated in children of parents who have undergone weight loss surgery. Parents who have undergone weight loss surgery often report their personal history of obesity interferes with their knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in developing their children's healthy habits, thus reducing the likelihood of addressing obesogenic environmental factors.This study examines whether a 6-session parent-based prevention after bariatric surgery online intervention is feasible and acceptable for parents. The study also explores the program's signal of efficacy in improving short-term outcomes related to decreased long-term risks for obesity by examining short-term impact on targeted parental cognitions, feeding practices, and child eating behaviors and physical activity habits.University Hospital, United States.Parents were recruited using flyers, clinician referrals, and social media. Measures assessed parental feeding practices, children's eating behaviors, daily hours of screen time, and outdoor play.Ten families enrolled and 7 completed the study. Parents found the intervention relevant and suitable for addressing their parenting concerns. Parental feeding behaviors, such as restriction and pressure to eat, reduced while tracking of sweets and high-fat snacks increased. Children reduced both emotional overeating and undereating. Children's daily hours of screen time reduced as well as their outdoor play time.Parent-based prevention after bariatric surgery aimed at helping parents who have undergone weight loss surgery engineer healthier family lifestyles is feasible, acceptable, and associated with reduced obesogenic risk factors.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.soard.2020.05.016

  View details for PubMedID 32636177

• Brain-Responsive Neurostimulation for Loss of Control Eating: Early Feasibility Study. Neurosurgery Wu, H. n., Adler, S. n., Azagury, D. E., Bohon, C. n., Safer, D. L., Barbosa, D. A., Bhati, M. T., Williams, N. R., Dunn, L. B., Tass, P. A., Knutson, B. D., Yutsis, M. n., Fraser, A. n., Cunningham, T. n., Richardson, K. n., Skarpaas, T. L., Tcheng, T. K., Morrell, M. J., Roberts, L. W., Malenka, R. C., Lock, J. D., Halpern, C. H. 2020

  Abstract

  Loss of control (LOC) is a pervasive feature of binge eating, which contributes significantly to the growing epidemic of obesity; approximately 80 million US adults are obese. Brain-responsive neurostimulation guided by the delta band was previously found to block binge-eating behavior in mice. Following novel preclinical work and a human case study demonstrating an association between the delta band and reward anticipation, the US Food and Drug Administration approved an Investigational Device Exemption for a first-in-human study.To assess feasibility, safety, and nonfutility of brain-responsive neurostimulation for LOC eating in treatment-refractory obesity.This is a single-site, early feasibility study with a randomized, single-blinded, staggered-onset design. Six subjects will undergo bilateral brain-responsive neurostimulation of the nucleus accumbens for LOC eating using the RNS® System (NeuroPace Inc). Eligible participants must have treatment-refractory obesity with body mass index ≥ 45 kg/m2. Electrophysiological signals of LOC will be characterized using real-time recording capabilities coupled with synchronized video monitoring. Effects on other eating disorder pathology, mood, neuropsychological profile, metabolic syndrome, and nutrition will also be assessed.Safety/feasibility of brain-responsive neurostimulation of the nucleus accumbens will be examined. The primary success criterion is a decrease of ≥1 LOC eating episode/week based on a 28-d average in ≥50% of subjects after 6 mo of responsive neurostimulation.This study is the first to use brain-responsive neurostimulation for obesity; this approach represents a paradigm shift for intractable mental health disorders.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/neuros/nyaa300

  View details for PubMedID 32717033

• Treating binge eating and food addiction symptoms with low-carbohydrate Ketogenic diets: a case series. Journal of eating disorders Carmen, M., Safer, D. L., Saslow, L. R., Kalayjian, T., Mason, A. E., Westman, E. C., Sethi Dalai, S. 2020; 8: 2

  Abstract

  Background: Many patients with obesity and comorbid binge eating symptoms present with the desire to lose weight. Although some studies suggest that dietary restriction can exacerbate binge eating, others show dietary restriction is associated with significant reductions in binge eating. The effect of a particular type of dieting on binge eating, the ketogenic diet (a high fat, moderate protein, very low carbohydrate diet), is not known.Case presentations: We report on the feasibility of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet initiated by three patients (age 54, 34, and 63) with obesity (average BMI 43.5kg/m2) with comorbid binge eating and food addiction symptoms. All patients tolerated following the ketogenic diet (macronutrient proportion 10% carbohydrate, 30% protein, and 60% fat; at least 5040kJ) for the prescribed period (e.g., 6-7months) and none reported any major adverse effects. Patients reported significant reductions in binge eating episodes and food addiction symptoms including cravings and lack of control as measured by the Binge-Eating Scale, Yale Food Addiction Scale, or Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale modified for Binge Eating, depending on the case. Additionally, the patients lost a range of 10-24% of their body weight. Participants reported maintenance of treatment gains (with respect to weight, binge eating, and food addiction symptoms) to date of up to 9-17months after initiation and continued adherence to diet.Conclusions: Although the absence of control cases precludes conclusions regarding the specific role of ketogenic diets versus other forms of dietary restriction, this is the first report to demonstrate the feasibility of prescribing a ketogenic diet for patients with obesity who report binge eating and food addiction symptoms. Further research should seek to reproduce the observed effects in controlled trials as well as to explore potential etiologies.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s40337-020-0278-7

  View details for PubMedID 32010444

• A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of phentermine-topiramate ER in patients with binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. The International journal of eating disorders Safer, D. L., Adler, S., Dalai, S. S., Bentley, J. P., Toyama, H., Pajarito, S., Najarian, T. 2019

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: Open trials suggest phentermine/topiramate ER (PHEN/TPM-ER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for obesity, has utility for binge eating. With no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) yet performed, this trial aimed to evaluate PHEN/TPM-ERs efficacy and safety in a crossover RCT for patients with binge-eating disorder (BED) or bulimia nervosa (BN).METHOD: Participants were randomized to 12-weeks PHEN/TPM-ER (3.75mg/23mg-15mg/92mg) or placebo followed by 2-weeks drug washout, then 12-week crossover. Demographics, vitals, eating disorder behaviors, mood, and side effects were measured. Primary outcome was objective binge-eating (OBE) days/4-weeks; secondary outcomes included binge abstinence. Mixed-effect models estimated treatment effects, with fixed effects adjusting for treatment, study period, and diagnosis.RESULTS: The 22 adults (BED = 18, BN = 4) were female (96%), Caucasian (55%), aged 42.9 (SD = 10.1) years with body mass index = 31.1 (SD = 6.2) kg/m2 . Baseline OBE days/4-weeks decreased from 16.2 (SD = 7.8) to 4.2 (SD = 8.4) after PHEN/TPM-ER versus 13.2 (SD = 9.1) after placebo (p<.0001), with abstinence rates = 63.6% on PHEN/TPM-ER versus 9.1% on placebo (p<.0001). Weight changes = -5.8 kg on PHEN/ TPM-ER versus +0.4 kg on placebo. Drop-out = 2 (9%) on PHEN/TPM-ER and 2 (9%) on placebo, with few side effects. Vital sign changes with PHEN/TPM-ER were minimal and similar to placebo. Responses were not significantly different for BED versus BN.DISCUSSION: This first RCT to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PHEN/TPM-ER for BED/BN found this drug combination significantly more effective at reducing binge eating than placebo and well tolerated. However, with only four participants with BN, findings regarding the safety of PHEN/TPM-ER in patients with BN must be taken with caution.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02553824 registered on 9/17/2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02553824.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/eat.23192

  View details for PubMedID 31721257

• Dialectical behavior therapy guided self-help for binge-eating disorder. Eating disorders Kenny, T. E., Carter, J. C., Safer, D. L. 2019: 1–10

  Abstract

  Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a prevalent and serious public health issue. BED is characterized by recurrent out-of-control binge eating episodes in the absence of extreme weight control behavior and is associated with significant psychosocial and physiological impairment. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), based on the affect regulation model of binge eating, is an evidence-based treatment (EBT) approach for BED. Unfortunately, access to EBTs is often limited due to geographical barriers (i.e., lack of local providers with specialized training in EBTs), lack of financial resources, and/or time constraints. Self-help approaches (via guided and unguided versions) to delivering DBT for BED offer a potentially effective means of more widely disseminating this treatment. Compared to traditional, higher intensity approaches, self-help DBT for BED is less time-consuming, less financially costly, and requires less need for specialized therapist-training. This paper will present how DBT for BED has been adapted for self-help delivery, review the limited but promising research on DBT self-help available to date, and provide directions for future research.

  View details for DOI 10.1080/10640266.2019.1678982

  View details for PubMedID 31619136

• PILOT OF A REMOTELY-DELIVERED INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE DIETARY ADHERENCE AND WEIGHT-LOSS OUTCOMES IN POST-BARIATRIC PATIENTS Salcido, L., Osipov, L., Runfola, C. D., Barrett, M., Safer, D. L., Adler, S. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 2019: S95

  View details for Web of Science ID 000473349400195

• Replication and extension of dietary adherence as a predictor of suboptimal weight-loss outcomes in postbariatric patients SURGERY FOR OBESITY AND RELATED DISEASES Wakayama, L., Nameth, K., Adler, S., Safer, D. L. 2019; 15 (1): 91–96

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.soard.2018.10.029

  View details for Web of Science ID 000466260100018

• Parenting after Weight Loss Surgery: A Conceptual Model and Two Case Reports. Family process Gibbs, E. L., Runfola, C. D., Dickens, C. E., Welch, H. n., Safer, D. L., Sadeh-Sharvit, S. n. 2019

  Abstract

  The ways families approach eating, shape, and weight can result in stress for individual family members and challenge the overall functioning of the family. This is further complicated among families with a parent who has history of obesity or undergone weight loss surgery (WLS). Although WLS can positively impact other family members, it can also exacerbate conflicts regarding feeding and weight. Such conflicts can involve uncertainty regarding the extent to which the entire family should make the dietary changes recommended for the post-WLS parent. Conflict might also center on the appropriate level of concern regarding the children's risk of developing (or maintaining) obesity. This paper uses two case examples to describe the application of a specialized, time-limited intervention: Parent-Based Prevention following Bariatric Surgery (PBP-B). The program was developed to address the unique challenges and concerns that arise after, or are exacerbated by, WLS. Each detailed case example illustrates a common child-feeding challenge and the employment of key PBP-B strategies throughout the course of treatment. In the first case, the parent who had undergone WLS believed the family's current eating behaviors were the same as those that had led to her own overeating, obesity, and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, while her husband disagreed. In the second case, both parents were concerned about their son's weight, yet due to their prior eating histories, they felt unable to construct boundaries around the feeding experience. Both cases follow families through the entire intervention and illustrate key points and challenges. These cases underscore the need for novel treatment modalities to support families following parental WLS.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/famp.12518

  View details for PubMedID 31826298

• Working With Transcripts An Underutilized Supervisory Approach SUPERVISION IN PSYCHIATRIC PRACTICE: PRACTICAL APPROACHES ACROSS VENUES AND PROVIDERS De Golia, S. G., Williams, K. E., Safer, D. L., DeGolia, S. G., Corcoran, K. M. 2019: 57–62

  View details for Web of Science ID 000550978200005

• Replication and extension of dietary adherence as a predictor of suboptimal weight-loss outcomes in postbariatric patients. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery Wakayama, L., Nameth, K., Adler, S., Safer, D. L. 2018

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Sarwer et al. found that poor dietary adherence at 6 months postoperatively predicted lower weight loss.OBJECTIVES: To replicate and extend these findings.SETTING: University bariatric clinic.METHODS: Fifty-four adults (72% female; age 51.1 ± 11.3 yr; mean body mass index [BMI] = 43.8 ± 7.4 kg/m2; 53.7% = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 42.6% = laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and 3.7% = gastric banding) were identified as low or high dietary adherers following the method of Sarwer et al. Patients self-reported dietary adherence with a 9-point Likert scale. Splitting the group at the median, low adherers scored <7 and high dietary adherers ≥7. BMI, percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), and percentage total weight loss (%TWL) were prospectively assessed at 12, 24, and 36 months. Two-tailed independent t tests and Cohen's d effect sizes were used to compare between-group outcomes.RESULTS: BMI did not differ between low (n = 24) and high (n = 30) dietary adherers at 6 months after surgery. At 12 months, the BMI of low (n = 17) adheres was significantly higher (34.1 ± 4.61 versus 30.3 ± 3.90 kg/m2, P = .006, d = 0.90) than that of high (n = 25) adherers, with significantly less %EWL (49.0 ± 24% versus 70.7 ± 21.5%; P = .004; d = 0.95) and %TWL (20.7 ± 11.5% versus 28.9 ± 10.5, P = .02, d = 0.74). At 24 months, BMI remained significantly higher for low (n = 12) versus high (n = 10) adherers (33.7 ± 4.77 versus 29.7 ± 3.82 kg/m2, P = .045, d = 0.92), but %EWL and %TWL were not significantly different, despite large effect sizes. At 36 months, moderate effects supported continued higher BMIs and lower %EWL and %TWL for low (n = 5) versus high (n = 8) adherers. Attrition from follow-up was 22.2% (12 mo), 59.3% (24 mo), and 75.9% (36 mo). Post hoc analyses revealed no impact of baseline characteristics on low follow-up rates except younger age (at 1 yr).CONCLUSIONS: Findings that 6-month postoperative dietary adherence predicts 12-month BMI, %EWL, and %TWL were replicated. Medium to large effects suggest findings extend to 24 and 36 months, with low follow-up rates likely affecting statistical significance.

  View details for PubMedID 30541684

• A Standardized Preoperative Group Intervention Is Feasible and Acceptable to Orthognathic Surgery Patients JOURNAL OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY Li, X., Safer, D. L., Paz, I., Menorca, R., Girod, S. 2018; 76 (7): 1546–52

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.joms.2017.11.025

  View details for Web of Science ID 000436415300029

• Correlates of Dietary Adherence and Maladaptive Eating Patterns Following Roux-en-Y Bariatric Surgery OBESITY SURGERY Adler, S., Fowler, N., Robinson, A., Salcido, L., Darcy, A., Toyama, H., Safer, D. 2018; 28 (4): 1130–35

  Abstract

  Self-reported poor dietary adherence following bariatric surgery is associated with less successful weight loss outcomes. Poor dietary adherence is a global construct lacking specificity regarding its underlying, clinically targetable, maladaptive eating behaviors.Comprehensive online survey data were obtained from a sample of 274 adults who underwent Roux-en-Y surgery in the prior 1-12 years. Correlations between dietary adherence and six eating-related behaviors were calculated, with the frequency of each behavior reported on a 7-point scale. Linear regression modeling was applied.All six maladaptive eating behaviors were highly correlated with dietary adherence (Pearson's r > 0.5): grazing (r = - 0.565), mindless eating (r = - 0.572), loss of control eating (r = - 0.517), eating "more than is best" after dinner (r = - 0.518), eating foods off of one's plan (r = - 0.557), and "when I eat something off-plan, I feel like I have blown it and I give up and eat more" (r = - 0.574). The estimated regression coefficients in the linear model was statistically significant, [F(5, 261) = 60.006, p < 0.001] and accounted for approximately 54% of the variance of global dietary adherence (R 2 = 0.535, adjusted R 2 = 0.526).Six maladaptive eating behaviors accounted for a highly significant portion of post-Roux-en-Y patients' poor self- reported dietary adherence. Prospective studies are needed to investigate the relationship between targetable maladaptive eating behaviors and bariatric surgery outcomes.

  View details for PubMedID 29076007

• Study protocol and rationale for a randomized double-blinded crossover trial of phentermine-topiramate ER versus placebo to treat binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. Contemporary clinical trials Dalai, S. S., Adler, S. n., Najarian, T. n., Safer, D. L. 2018; 64: 173–78

  Abstract

  Bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) are associated with severe psychological and medical consequences. Current therapies are limited, leaving up to 50% of patients symptomatic despite treatment, underscoring the need for additional treatment options. Qsymia, an FDA-approved medication for obesity, combines phentermine and topiramate ER. Topiramate has demonstrated efficacy for both BED and BN, but limited tolerability. Phentermine is FDA-approved for weight loss. A rationale for combined phentermine/topiramate for BED and BN is improved tolerability and efficacy. While a prior case series exploring Qsymia for BED showed promise, randomized studies are needed to evaluate Qsymia's safety and efficacy when re-purposed in eating disorders. We present a study protocol for a Phase I/IIa single-center, prospective, double-blinded, randomized, crossover trial examining safety and preliminary efficacy of Qsymia for BED and BN.Adults with BED (n=15) or BN (n=15) are randomized 1:1 to receive 12weeks Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER, 3.75mg/23mg-15mg/92mg) or placebo, followed by 2-weeks washout and 12-weeks crossover, where those on Qsymia receive placebo and vice versa. Subsequently participants receive 8weeks follow-up off study medications. The primary outcome is the number of binge days/week measured by EDE. Secondary outcomes include average number of binge episodes, percentage abstinence from binge eating, and changes in weight/vitals, eating psychopathology, and mood.To our knowledge this is the first randomized, double-blind protocol investigating the safety and efficacy of phentermine/topiramate in BED and BN. We highlight the background and rationale for this study, including the advantages of a crossover design.Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02553824 registered on 9/17/2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02553824.

  View details for PubMedID 29038069

• The DBT Solution for Emotional Eating. A Proven Program to Break the Cycle of Bingeing and Out-of-Control Eating Safer, D. L., Adler, S., Masson, P. C. Guilford Press. 2018
• A Standardized Preoperative Group Intervention Is Feasible and Acceptable to Orthognathic Surgery Patients. Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Li, X., Safer, D. L., Paz, I. C., Menorca, R., Girod, S. 2017

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: Nearly 10% of patients remain dissatisfied after orthognathic surgery, largely because of psychoeducational or psychosocial factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a psychoeducationally based group intervention to improve preoperative preparation of orthognathic surgical patients and their caregivers.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The intervention consisted of 2 group sessions, with each session lasting 2hours. The sessions provided realistic expectations of the surgery, offered teaching strategies for coping with pre- and postoperative symptoms of psychopathology, and highlighted the importance of social support. Feasibility was based on attendance, homework completion, and data collection rates, and acceptability was based on post-treatment participant satisfaction scores on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8) and credibility and expectancy scores on 2 subscales of the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire-Modified (CEQ-M).RESULTS: Twenty-six orthognathic surgical patients were recruited from an outpatient oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic to attend the group-based intervention. Seventy percent of patients who attended at least 1 session completed the 2 sessions, and 64% of those who attended the 2 sessions completed at least 1 homework assignment. The authors successfully collected 84% of the total measures given to patients and their caregivers. The mean satisfaction rating of the patients was 30.12 of 32 (CSQ-8; n=13; standard deviation [SD], 2.33), the mean credibility rating of the patients and their caregivers was 25.2 of 27 (CEQ-M; n=20; SD, 1.85), and the mean expectancy rating of the patients and their caregivers was 20.54 of 27 (CEQ-M; n=20; SD, 4.39).CONCLUSION: The psychoeducationally based group intervention was feasible and acceptable for participants and their caregivers. This article offers suggestions to further improve the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, including optimizing standardization of data collection procedures, decreasing barriers to access, and increasing participant engagement.

  View details for PubMedID 29245004

• Shifts in the Enjoyment of Healthy and Unhealthy Behaviors Affect Short- and Long-Term Postbariatric Weight Loss BARIATRIC SURGICAL PRACTICE AND PATIENT CARE Vuorinen, A., Strahilevitz, M. A., Wansink, B., Safer, D. L. 2017; 12 (1): 35-42

  View details for DOI 10.1089/bari.2016.0036

  View details for Web of Science ID 000397595900008

• Shifts in the Enjoyment of Healthy and Unhealthy Behaviors Affect Short- and Long-Term Postbariatric Weight Loss. Bariatric surgical practice and patient care Vuorinen, A., Strahilevitz, M. A., Wansink, B., Safer, D. L. 2017; 12 (1): 35–42

  Abstract

  Objective: To investigate whether bariatric patients experience changes in the enjoyment of health-promoting behaviors, and how those changes relate to weight loss success. Materials and Methods: Online lifestyle survey for bariatric patients ≥18 years old who had undergone gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy ≥1 year earlier. Changes in the enjoyment of eating behaviors and exercise were surveyed, and associations with weight loss success were analyzed. The role of obtaining external support since surgery was investigated. Results: Of 877 respondents, 475 were eligible (95% women, 53.3±9.0 years, body mass index 34.2±8.0kg/m2), of whom 21%, 36%, and 43% had had surgery 12-24, 24-60, and >60 months earlier, respectively. Postsurgery, patients enjoyed eating healthy foods more (63%), exercise more (46%), eating junk food less (66%), and overeating less (95%). Increased enjoyment of healthy foods and exercise were only associated with weight loss success among patients with surgery ≥24 months previously. While obtaining external support was associated with successful weight loss overall, external support correlated with enjoying healthy food and exercise more in patients who had had their surgery at least 60 months previously. Discussion: Learning to enjoy health-promoting behaviors after bariatric surgery may not coincide with improved weight loss outcomes before 2 years have passed. This article is a revised version of a previously published article that was withdrawn due to a large number of reporting and formatting errors. This version was published on June 26, 2018. For further details, see the official withdrawal notice at http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/bari.2016.0036.withdraw or on page 94 in volume 13, number 2, 2018 of the Journal.

  View details for PubMedID 30783580

• Follow-up of selective eaters from childhood to adulthood. Eating behaviors Van Tine, M. L., McNicholas, F., Safer, D. L., Agras, W. S. 2017; 26: 61-65

  Abstract

  The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and course of selective eating, the stability of its behavioral profile over time, and the presence of eating disorder psychopathology among selective eaters in a non-treatment seeking cohort of young adults followed longitudinally from birth to age 23.A prospective design tracking a subset of the original participants from the Stanford Infant Growth Study (n=216) who had been followed since birth. At age 11, 120 participants had completed all assessments. The current study included a subset of the original participants who, at age 11, had completed all assessments (n=120) and, at age 23, had current contact information available (n=62) and agreed to participate (n=61).Of the 61 young adults, 17 (28%) were identified as selective eaters at age 23. The selective eating-related behaviors reported during adulthood were similar to those endorsed during childhood. New onset selective eating cases were reported during adolescence or young adulthood by 35% of the selective eating sample. Participants who were selective eaters for >6years prior to age 11 remained selective at age 23. There was no evidence of increased eating disorder psychopathology, excessive thinness, or obesity in selective eaters compared with non-selective eaters.These results suggest that a proportion of selective eaters continue from childhood into adulthood with similar eating patterns; new onset selective eating occurs in adolescence or young adulthood; and selective and non-selective eaters at age 23 do not differ with regard to weight or eating psychopathology.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2017.01.003

  View details for PubMedID 28152419

• Early Adherence Targeted Therapy (EATT) for Postbariatric Maladaptive Eating Behaviors COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE Robinson, A. H., Adler, S., Darcy, A. M., Osipov, L., Safer, D. L. 2016; 23 (4): 548-560

  View details for Web of Science ID 000384872800018

• Does implicit emotion regulation in binge eating disorder matter? Eating behaviors Robinson, A., Safer, D. L., Austin, J. L., Etkin, A. 2015; 18: 186-191

  Abstract

  To examine if implicit emotion regulation (occurring outside of awareness) is related to binge eating disorder (BED) symptomatology and explicit emotion regulation (occurring within awareness), and can be altered via intervention.Implicit emotion regulation was assessed via the Emotion Conflict Task (ECT) among a group of adults with BED. Study 1 correlated BED symptomatology and explicit emotion regulation with ECT performance at baseline (BL) and after receiving BED treatment (PT). Study 2 generated effect sizes comparing ECT performance at BL and PT with healthy (non-eating disordered) controls (HC).Study 1 yielded significant correlations (p<.05) between both BED symptomatology and explicit emotion regulation with ECT performance. Study 2 found that compared to BL ECT performance, PT shifted (d=-.27), closer to HC. Preliminary results suggest a) BED symptomatology and explicit emotion regulation are associated with ECT performance, and b) PT ECT performance normalized after BED treatment.Implicit emotion regulation may be a BED treatment mechanism because psychotherapy, directly or indirectly, decreased sensitivity to implicit emotional conflict. Further understanding implicit emotion regulation may refine conceptualizations and effective BED treatments.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2015.05.011

  View details for PubMedID 26117164

• Internet-based preventive intervention for reducing eating disorder risk: A randomized controlled trial comparing guided with unguided self-help BEHAVIOUR RESEARCH AND THERAPY Kass, A. E., Trockel, M., Safer, D. L., Sinton, M. M., Cunning, D., Rizk, M. T., Genkin, B. H., Weisman, H. L., Bailey, J. O., Jacobi, C., Wilfley, D. E., Taylor, C. B. 2014; 63: 90-98

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.brat.2014.09.010

  View details for Web of Science ID 000348006900011

• Internet-based preventive intervention for reducing eating disorder risk: A randomized controlled trial comparing guided with unguided self-help. Behaviour research and therapy Kass, A. E., Trockel, M., Safer, D. L., Sinton, M. M., Cunning, D., Rizk, M. T., Genkin, B. H., Weisman, H. L., Bailey, J. O., Jacobi, C., Wilfley, D. E., Taylor, C. B. 2014; 63C: 90-98

  Abstract

  Student Bodies, an internet-based intervention, has successfully reduced weight/shape concerns and prevented eating disorders in a subset of college-age women at highest risk for an eating disorder. Student Bodies includes an online, guided discussion group; however, the clinical utility of this component is unclear. This study investigated whether the guided discussion group improves program efficacy in reducing weight/shape concerns in women at high risk for an eating disorder. Exploratory analyses examined whether baseline variables predicted who benefitted most. Women with high weight/shape concerns (N = 151) were randomized to Student Bodies with a guided discussion group (n = 74) or no discussion group (n = 77). Regression analyses showed weight/shape concerns were reduced significantly more among guided discussion group than no discussion group participants (p = 0.002; d = 0.52); guided discussion group participants had 67% lower odds of having high-risk weight/shape concerns post-intervention (p = 0.02). There were no differences in binge eating at post-intervention between the two groups, and no moderators emerged as significant. Results suggest the guided discussion group improves the efficacy of Student Bodies in reducing weight/shape concerns in college students at high risk for an eating disorder.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.brat.2014.09.010

  View details for PubMedID 25461783

• What variables are associated with successful weight loss outcomes for bariatric surgery after 1 year? SURGERY FOR OBESITY AND RELATED DISEASES Robinson, A. H., Adler, S., Stevens, H. B., Darcy, A. M., Morton, J. M., Safer, D. L. 2014; 10 (4): 697-704

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.soard.2014.01.030

  View details for Web of Science ID 000342329800031

• Change in emotion regulation during the course of treatment predicts binge abstinence in guided self-help dialectical behavior therapy for binge eating disorder. Journal of eating disorders Wallace, L. M., Masson, P. C., Safer, D. L., von Ranson, K. M. 2014; 2 (1): 35-?

  Abstract

  Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which appears to be an effective treatment for binge eating disorder (BED), focuses on teaching emotion regulation skills. However, the role of improved emotion regulation in predicting treatment outcome in BED is uncertain.This secondary analysis explored whether change in self-reported emotion regulation (as measured by the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale) during treatment was associated with abstinence from binge eating at post-treatment and 4-, 5-, and 6-month follow-up in individuals who received a guided self-help adaptation of DBT for BED. Participants were 60 community-based men and women with BED who received a self-help manual and six 20-minute support phone calls.Greater improvement in self-reported emotion regulation between pre- and post-treatment predicted abstinence from binge eating at post-treatment, 4-, 5-, and 6-month follow-up. However, some follow-up results were no longer significant when imputed data was excluded, suggesting that the effect of emotion regulation on binge abstinence may be strongest at 4-month follow-up but decline across a longer duration of follow-up.This study provides preliminary support for the theoretical role played by improved emotion regulation in achieving binge eating abstinence. If this finding is replicated with larger samples, further research should identify specific techniques to help more individuals to effectively regulate their emotions over a longer duration.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s40337-014-0035-x

  View details for PubMedID 25516798

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4267713

• Do end of treatment assessments predict outcome at follow-up in eating disorders? International journal of eating disorders Lock, J., Agras, W. S., Le Grange, D., Couturier, J., Safer, D., Bryson, S. W. 2013; 46 (8): 771-778

  Abstract

  To examine the predictive value of end of treatment (EOT) outcomes for longer term recovery status.We used signal detection analysis to identify the best predictors of recovery based on outcome at EOT using five different eating disorder samples from randomized clinical treatment trials. We utilized a transdiagnostic definition of recovery that included normalization of weight and eating related psychopathology.Achieving a body weight of 95.2% of expected body weight by EOT is the best predictor of recovery for adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). For adults with AN, the most efficient predictor of weight recovery (BMI > 19) was weight gain to greater than 85.8% of ideal body weight. In addition, for adults with AN, the most efficient predictor of psychological recovery was achievement of an eating disorder examination (EDE) weight concerns score below 1.8. The best predictor of recovery for adults with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) was a frequency of compensatory behaviors less than two times a month. For adolescents with BN, abstinence from purging and reduction in the EDE restraint score of more than 3.4 from baseline to EOT were good predictors of recovery. For adults with binge eating disorder, reduction of the Global EDE score to within the normal range (<1.58) was the best predictor of recovery.The relationship between EOT response and recovery remains understudied. Utilizing a transdiagnostic definition of recovery, no uniform predictors were identified across all eating disorder diagnostic groups. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:771-778).

  View details for DOI 10.1002/eat.22175

  View details for PubMedID 23946139

• A randomized wait-list controlled pilot study of dialectical behaviour therapy guided self-help for binge eating disorder. Behaviour research and therapy Masson, P. C., von Ranson, K. M., Wallace, L. M., Safer, D. L. 2013; 51 (11): 723-728

  Abstract

  This study examined the efficacy of guided self-help based on dialectical behaviour therapy (DBTgsh) for binge eating disorder (BED). Individuals (88.3% female; mean 42.8 years) were randomized to DBTgsh (n = 30) or wait-list (WL; n = 30). DBTgsh participants received an orientation, DBT manual, and six 20-min support calls over 13 weeks. All participants were assessed pre- and post-treatment using interview and self-report; also, DBTgsh participants were re-assessed six months post-treatment. At treatment end, DBTgsh participants reported significantly fewer past-month binge eating episodes than WL participants (6.0 versus 14.4) and significantly greater rates of abstinence from binge eating (40.0% versus 3.3%). At six-month follow-up, DBTgsh participants reported significantly improved quality of life and reduced ED psychopathology compared to baseline scores. In addition, most improvements in the DBTgsh group were maintained, although binge eating abstinence rates decreased to 30%. These preliminary positive findings indicate that DBTgsh may offer an effective, low-intensity treatment option for BED.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.brat.2013.08.001

  View details for PubMedID 24029304

• Race/Ethnicity, Education, and Treatment Parameters as Moderators and Predictors of Outcome in Binge Eating Disorder JOURNAL OF CONSULTING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Thompson-Brenner, H., Franko, D. L., Thompson, D. R., Grilo, C. M., Boisseau, C. L., Roehrig, J. P., Richards, L. K., Bryson, S. W., Bulik, C. M., Crow, S. J., Devlin, M. J., Gorin, A. A., Kristeller, J. L., Masheb, R., Mitchell, J. E., Peterson, C. B., Safer, D. L., Striegel, R. H., Wilfley, D. E., Wilson, G. T. 2013; 81 (4): 710-721

  Abstract

  Objective: Binge eating disorder (BED) is prevalent among individuals from minority racial/ethnic groups and among individuals with lower levels of education, yet the efficacy of psychosocial treatments for these groups has not been examined in adequately powered analyses. This study investigated the relative variance in treatment retention and posttreatment symptom levels accounted for by demographic, clinical, and treatment variables as moderators and predictors of outcome. Method: Data were aggregated from 11 randomized, controlled trials of psychosocial treatments for BED conducted at treatment sites across the United States. Participants were N = 1,073 individuals meeting criteria for BED including n = 946 Caucasian, n = 79 African American, and n = 48 Hispanic/Latino participants. Approximately 86% had some higher education; 85% were female. Multilevel regression analyses examined moderators and predictors of treatment retention, Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) global score, frequency of objective bulimic episodes (OBEs), and OBE remission. Results: Moderator analyses of race/ethnicity and education were nonsignificant. Predictor analyses revealed African Americans were more likely to drop out of treatment than Caucasians, and lower level of education predicted greater posttreatment OBEs. African Americans showed a small but significantly greater reduction in EDE global score relative to Caucasians. Self-help treatment administered in a group showed negative outcomes relative to other treatment types, and longer treatment was associated with better outcome. Conclusions: Observed lower treatment retention among African Americans and lesser treatment effects for individuals with lower levels of educational attainment are serious issues requiring attention. Reduced benefit was observed for shorter treatment length and self-help administered in groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).

  View details for DOI 10.1037/a0032946

  View details for Web of Science ID 000322353100013

  View details for PubMedID 23647283

• Group dialectical behavior therapy adapted for obese emotional eaters; a pilot study NUTRICION HOSPITALARIA Roosen, M. A., Safer, D., Adler, S., Cebolla, A., van Strien, T. 2012; 27 (4): 1141-1147

  Abstract

  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been shown to effectively target binge eating disorder (BED). This study pilots the effectiveness of group DBT for obese "emotional eaters" to reduce eating psychopathology and achieve weight maintenance. Thirty-five obese male and female emotional eaters receiving 20 group psychotherapy sessions of DBT adapted for emotional eating were assessed at end-of-treatment and 6 month follow-up for reductions in eating psychopathology and weight maintenance. DBT resulted in significant reductions in emotional eating and other markers of eating psychopathology at the end-of-treatment that were maintained at follow-up. The drop-out rate was very low, with only 1 participant dropping from treatment. Thirty-three (94%) of the sample provided data at every assessment point. Of these, 80% achieved either weight reduction or weight maintenance after treatment and throughout the follow-up period. The effect size for weight reduction was small. This pilot study demonstrates group DBT targeting emotional eating in the obese to be a highly acceptable and effective intervention for reducing eating related psychopathology at both at end-of-treatment and during follow-up. The ability of DBT to limit the upward trajectory of weight gain in obese patients with high degrees of emotional eating suggests that DBT may also help limit the increase or even prevent onset of obesity related morbidity in these patients.

  View details for DOI 10.3305/nh.2012.27.4.5843

  View details for Web of Science ID 000307042300025

  View details for PubMedID 23165554

• Moderators of dialectical behavior therapy for binge eating disorder: Results from a randomized controlled trial INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS Robinson, A. H., Safer, D. L. 2012; 45 (4): 597-602

  Abstract

  Investigate moderators of a randomized clinical trial of group Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder (DBT-BED) compared to an active comparison group control (ACGT) on the post-treatment outcome of binge frequency after twenty 2-h weekly sessions.Moderation analyses.Participants were 101 adults with BED [mean (SD) age, 52.2 (10.6) years and BMI, 36.4 (8.6)]. Analyses identified two moderators of post-treatment outcome. Participants with (1) Avoidant Personality Disorder or (2) an earlier onset of overweight and dieting (<15 years old) evidenced significantly worsened outcome when treated with ACGT versus DBT-BED.Participants with certain indicators of higher baseline pathology respond better to DBT-BED than ACGT at post-treatment.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/eat.20932

  View details for Web of Science ID 000302546500016

  View details for PubMedID 21500238

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3155005

• Racial/Ethnic Differences in Adults in Randomized Clinical Trials of Binge Eating Disorder JOURNAL OF CONSULTING AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Franko, D. L., Thompson-Brenner, H., Thompson, D. R., Boisseau, C. L., Davis, A., Forbush, K. T., Roehrig, J. P., Bryson, S. W., Bulik, C. M., Crow, S. J., Devlin, M. J., Gorin, A. A., Grilo, C. M., Kristeller, J. L., Masheb, R. M., Mitchell, J. E., Peterson, C. B., Safer, D. L., Striegel, R. H., Wilfley, D. E., Wilson, G. T. 2012; 80 (2): 186-195

  Abstract

  Recent studies suggest that binge eating disorder (BED) is as prevalent among African American and Hispanic Americans as among Caucasian Americans; however, data regarding the characteristics of treatment-seeking individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate racial/ethnic differences in demographic characteristics and eating disorder symptoms in participants enrolled in treatment trials for BED.Data from 11 completed randomized, controlled trials were aggregated in a single database, the Clinical Trials of Binge Eating Disorder (CT-BED) database, which included 1,204 Caucasian, 120 African American, and 64 Hispanic participants assessed at baseline. Age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index (BMI), binge eating frequency, and Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) Restraint, Shape, Weight, and Eating Concern subscale scores were examined.Mixed model analyses indicated that African American participants in BED treatment trials had higher mean BMI than Caucasian participants, and Hispanic participants had significantly greater EDE shape, weight, and eating concerns than Caucasian participants. No racial or ethnic group differences were found on the frequency of binge eating episodes. Observed racial/ethnic differences in BED symptoms were not substantially reduced after adjusting for BMI and education. Comparisons between the CT-BED database and epidemiological data suggest limitations to the generalizability of data from treatment-seeking samples to the BED community population, particularly regarding the population with lower levels of education.Further research is needed to assess alternative demographic, psychological, and culturally specific variables to better understand the diversity of treatment-seeking individuals with BED.

  View details for DOI 10.1037/a0026700

  View details for Web of Science ID 000301882600002

  View details for PubMedID 22201327

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3668439

• Suprathreshold duloxetine for treatment-resistant depression, anorexia nervosa binge-purging type, and obsessive-compulsive disorder: a case report. Innovations in clinical neuroscience Safer, D. L., Arnow, K. D. 2012; 9 (3): 13-16

  Abstract

  Duloxetine, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) indicated for the treatment of depression, is used for off-label purposes such as treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Although establishing a dose-response relationship for antidepressants in the treatment of depression is difficult, it is possible that for certain patterns of comorbidity, suprathreshold doses may be important to achieve remission. There is currently a paucity of literature regarding the use of suprathreshold doses of duloxetine in treatment refractory cases. This case report describes a clinical situation in which suprathreshold duloxetine was used to treat a patient with severe depression as well as co-morbid anorexia nervosa binge-purging type and obsessive compulsive disorder. One year after the initial increase to 180mg, the patient's mood remains improved. Our clinical account appears to be only the second case report describing the efficacy of high dose 180mg duloxetine in the management of symptoms refractory to treatment at standard doses.

  View details for PubMedID 22567604

• Anorexia Nervosa as a Disorder of Emotion Dysregulation: Theory, Evidence, and Treatment Implications CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE Safer, D. L., Chen, E. Y. 2011; 18 (3): 203–7

  View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1468-2850.2011.01251.x

  View details for Web of Science ID 000294912300002

• Does rapid response to two group psychotherapies for binge eating disorder predict abstinence? BEHAVIOUR RESEARCH AND THERAPY Safer, D. L., Joyce, E. E. 2011; 49 (5): 339-345

  Abstract

  Extend understanding of a rapid response (RR) to treatment by examining its prognostic significance at end-of-treatment (EOT) and 1 year follow-up within two group treatments for binge eating disorder (BED): Dialectical Behavior Therapy for BED (DBT-BED) and an active comparison group therapy (ACGT).101 adults with BED randomized to 20-weeks DBT-BED versus ACGT (Safer, Robinson, & Jo, 2010). RR defined as ≥65% reduction in the frequency of days of binge eating by week 4. RR across and within treatment conditions used to predict binge eating abstinence and secondary outcomes (e.g., binge eating pathology, treatment attrition) at EOT and 1 year follow-up.(1) Significantly higher binge eating abstinence for rapid responders (RR; n = 41) vs. non-rapid responders (non-RRs; n = 60) at EOT (70.7% vs. 33.3%) and 1 year follow-up (70.7% vs. 40.0%), respectively, as well as improvement on most secondary measures (2) Significantly less attrition among RRs vs. non-RRs (3) Significantly higher binge eating abstinence rates at both time points for DBT-RRs vs. DBT-non-RRs, but not for ACGT-RRs vs. ACGT-non-RRs.Current study extends prognostic significance of RR to 1 year follow-up. RR more prominent for those randomly assigned to DBT-BED than ACGT. Implications discussed.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.brat.2011.03.001

  View details for Web of Science ID 000291180100005

  View details for PubMedID 21459363

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3090527

• Appetite-Focused Dialectical Behavior Therapy for the Treatment of Binge Eating with Purging: A Preliminary Trial INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS Hill, D. M., Craighead, L. W., Safer, D. L. 2011; 44 (3): 249-261

  Abstract

  This treatment development study investigated the acceptability and efficacy of a modified version of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for bulimia nervosa (BN), entitled appetite focused DBT (DBT-AF).Thirty-two women with binge/purge episodes at least one time per week were randomly assigned to 12 weekly sessions of DBT-AF (n = 18) or to a 6-week delayed treatment control (n = 14). Participants completed the EDE interview and self-report measures at baseline, 6 weeks, and posttreatment.Treatment attrition was low, and DBT-AF was rated highly acceptable. At 6 weeks, participants who were receiving DBT-AF reported significantly fewer BN symptoms than controls. At posttest, 26.9% of the 26 individuals who entered treatment (18 initially assigned and 8 from the delayed treatment control) were abstinent from binge/purge episodes for the past month; 61.5% no longer met full or subthreshold criteria for BN. Participants demonstrated a rapid rate of response to treatment and achieved clinically significant change.Results suggest that DBT-AF warrants further investigation as an alternative to DBT or cognitive behavior therapy for BN.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/eat.20812

  View details for Web of Science ID 000288339900009

  View details for PubMedID 20196109

• Use of Mirtazapine in an Adult with Refractory Anorexia Nervosa and Comorbid Depression: A Case Report INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS Safer, D. L., Darcy, A. M., Lock, J. 2011; 44 (2): 178-181

  Abstract

  The objective of this report was to describe an efficacious treatment of an adult with long-standing anorexia nervosa (AN). A 50-year-old woman with an over 7-year history of AN and comorbid major depression had been treated unsuccessfully with numerous psychotropic medications, manualized cognitive behavior therapy, and an intensive outpatient treatment program before referral. After treatment with mirtazapine, she gained weight and her depression improved. A 9-month follow-up revealed a maintenance of these benefits. Mirtazapine may be useful for older, chronically ill patients presenting with AN and comorbid depression.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/eat.20793

  View details for Web of Science ID 000287551500011

  View details for PubMedID 20127940

• Anorexia Nervosa as a Disorder of Emotion Dysregulation: Theory, Evidence, and Treatment Implications Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice Safer DL, Chen EY 2011; 18: 203-207
• Outcome From a Randomized Controlled Trial of Group Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder: Comparing Dialectical Behavior Therapy Adapted for Binge Eating to an Active Comparison Group Therapy (vol 41, pg 106, 2010) BEHAVIOR THERAPY Safer, D. L., Robinson, A. H., Jo, B. 2010; 41 (3): 432-432

  View details for Web of Science ID 000278892500016

• Outcome From a Randomized Controlled Trial of Group Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder: Comparing Dialectical Behavior Therapy Adapted for Binge Eating to an Active Comparison Group Therapy BEHAVIOR THERAPY Safer, D. L., Robinson, A. H., Jo, B. 2010; 41 (1): 106-120

  Abstract

  Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder (DBT-BED) aims to reduce binge eating by improving adaptive emotion-regulation skills. Preliminary findings have been promising but have only compared DBT-BED to a wait-list. To control for the hypothesized specific effects of DBT-BED, the present study compared DBT-BED to an active comparison group therapy (ACGT). Men and women (n=101) meeting DSM-IV BED research criteria were randomly assigned to 20 group sessions of DBT-BED (n=50) or ACGT (n=51). DBT-BED had a significantly lower dropout rate (4%) than ACGT (33.3%). Linear Mixed Models revealed that posttreatment binge abstinence and reductions in binge frequency were achieved more quickly for DBT-BED than for ACGT (posttreatment abstinence rate=64% for DBT-BED vs. 36% for ACGT) though differences did not persist over the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up assessments (e.g., 12-month follow-up abstinence rate=64% for DBT-BED vs. 56% for ACGT). Secondary outcome measures revealed no sustained impact on emotion regulation. Although both DBT-BED and ACGT reduced binge eating, DBT-BED showed significantly fewer dropouts and greater initial efficacy (e.g., at posttreatment) than ACGT. The lack of differential findings over follow-up suggests that the hypothesized specific effects of DBT-BED do not show long-term impact beyond those attributable to nonspecific common therapeutic factors.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000275349100010

  View details for PubMedID 20171332

• Outcome from a randomized controlled trial of group therapy for binge eating disorder: Comparing Dialectical Behavior Therapy adapted for binge eating to an active comparison group therapy Behavior Therapy Safer DL, Robinson AH, Jo B 2010; 41 (1): 106
• A comparison of ethnic groups in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. Eating behaviors Chui, W., Safer, D. L., Bryson, S. W., Agras, W. S., Wilson, G. T. 2007; 8 (4): 485-491

  Abstract

  This exploratory study investigated whether White and ethnic minority bulimic participants differ on key features of eating psychopathology and treatment outcome. Data from a randomized controlled multi-site study comparing the efficacy of either cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT) for 219 women with bulimia nervosa were analyzed. A significant baseline ethnic difference for body mass index (BMI) (p<.001) was found as well as an ethnicity by center interaction for a prior history of depression (p<.05). In addition, there was a significant ethnic difference for the Weight Concerns subscale of the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). However, once BMI was controlled, this difference did not retain significance. At post-treatment, while all ethnic groups responded with higher abstinence rates to CBT than IPT, an ethnicity by treatment effect was found for the reduction of objective binge eating episodes. Black participants, compared to other groups, showed greater reductions in binge eating episodes when treated with IPT than CBT. Other findings related to secondary outcome measures, though limited by small sample size, are discussed as providing directions for future research.

  View details for PubMedID 17950937

• The relationship of weight suppression and dietary restraint to binge eating in bulimia nervosa INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS Lowe, M. R., Thomas, J. G., Safer, D. L., Butryn, M. L. 2007; 40 (7): 640-644

  Abstract

  Recent research has raised important questions about the relationships between weight suppression (WS) (discrepancy between highest-ever and current weight), dietary restraint, and binge eating in bulimia nervosa (BN).In the current study, these variables were studied cross-sectionally through secondary analyses of baseline data collected in a multi-site treatment study. Participants (N = 182) were treatment-seeking women diagnosed with BN. Dietary restraint and binge eating were measured via the Eating Disorders Examination.WS was directly and dietary restraint was inversely related to frequency of binge eating. The inverse relationship between dietary restraint and binge eating may be explained in part by the fact that the most restrained patients with BN had the greatest desire to lose weight.Implications of these findings for future research on the perpetuation and treatment of BN are discussed.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/eat.20405

  View details for Web of Science ID 000250115100008

  View details for PubMedID 17607698

• Dialectical behavior therapy modified for adolescent binge eating disorder: A case report COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE Safer, D. L., Lock, J., Couturier, J. L. 2007; 14 (2): 157-167

  View details for Web of Science ID 000246548800007

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy modified for adolescent binge eating disorder: A case report Cognitive and Behavioral Practice Safer DL, Couturier JL, Lock J 2007; 14: 157-167
• Designing a control for a behavioral group therapy BEHAVIOR THERAPY Safer, D. L., Hugo, E. M. 2006; 37 (2): 120-130

  Abstract

  To evaluate whether the specific techniques of a newly developed behavioral therapy exceed the effects of its common factors (e.g., therapeutic alliance), an ideal comparison control must omit the unique ingredients of the active treatment while possessing the common factors in equal measure. Reviews of the controlled-trial psychotherapy research literature show that such systematic matching is not a common practice. Addressing this gap between theory and practice, we delineate 7 steps for designing a credible control for a recently developed behavioral therapy adapted for binge eating disorder--dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Our detailed description of matching the common factors to the extent possible and specifically measuring these offers a useful research design template for investigators of controlled behavioral treatment trials.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000244380800003

  View details for PubMedID 16823465

• Weight suppression is a robust predictor of outcome in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of bulimia nervosa JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY Butryn, M. L., Lowe, M. R., Safer, D. L., Agras, W. S. 2006; 115 (1): 62-67

  Abstract

  This study examined weight suppression (difference between highest premorbid weight and pretreatment weight) as a predictor of outcome in 188 outpatients with bulimia nervosa enrolled in a cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention. Participants who dropped out of treatment had significantly higher levels of weight suppression than treatment completers. Of participants who completed treatment, those who continued to engage in binge eating or purging had significantly higher levels of weight suppression than those who were abstinent from bingeing and purging. Results did not change when body mass index, dietary restraint, weight and shape concerns, or other relevant variables were controlled. Relinquishing bulimic behaviors and adopting normal eating patterns may be most feasible for patients who are closest to their highest premorbid weights.

  View details for DOI 10.1037/0021-843X.115.1.62

  View details for Web of Science ID 000236055600007

  View details for PubMedID 16492096

• Comparing two measures of eating restraint in bulimic women treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS Safer, D. L., Agras, W. S., Lowe, M. R., Bryson, S. 2004; 36 (1): 83-88

  Abstract

  To examine changes in dietary restraint patterns revealed by the Eating Disorders Examination Restraint subscale (EDE-R) and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire Cognitive Restraint scale (TFEQ-CR) in a large sample of women with bulimia nervosa (BN) who completed 18 weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).Data from 134 subjects were obtained from a larger study and analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).The EDE-R showed statistically and clinically significant decreases post-CBT, whereas the TFEQ-CR did not change significantly.This is the first study to directly compare the EDE-R and TFEQ-CR before and after CBT in the same population. The contrasting results suggest the two measures tap different aspects of the dietary restraint construct. The EDE-R may primarily reflect dieting to lose weight whereas the TFEQ-CR may reflect dieting to avoid weight gain. In assessing changes in dietary restraint targeted by CBT for BN, the TFEQ-CR appears less useful.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/eat.20008

  View details for Web of Science ID 000222053000011

  View details for PubMedID 15185276

• Women in psychiatric training ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY Bogar, A. M., Safer, D. L. 2004; 28 (4): 305-309

  View details for Web of Science ID 000226175400010

  View details for PubMedID 15673827

• Psychological predictors of patient satisfaction with laser skin resurfacing. Archives of facial plastic surgery Koch, R. J., Newman, J. P., Safer, D. L. 2003; 5 (5): 445-446

  View details for PubMedID 12975147

• Predictors of relapse following successful dialectical behavior therapy for binge eating disorder INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS Safer, D. L., Lively, T. J., Telch, C. F., Agras, W. S. 2002; 32 (2): 155-163

  Abstract

  To identify predictors of relapse at 6-month follow-up for women with binge eating disorder (BED).Participants were 32 women with BED who had initially achieved abstinence from binge eating after 20 weeks of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) adapted for patients with BED. Posttreatment predictor variables included the subscales Restraint, Weight Concerns, and Shape Concerns from the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE), the Emotional Eating Scale score, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, body mass index, and early versus late age of binge eating onset.The largest effect sizes for predicting relapse were found with early onset of binge eating and higher EDE Restraint scores.Previous findings that earlier age of onset (age 16 years or younger) is linked to less successful treatment outcome are now extended to the 6-month follow-up assessment. The finding that higher restraint scores after treatment predict relapse adds to the literature concerning the role of restraint in patients with BED.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/eat.10080

  View details for Web of Science ID 000177207600004

  View details for PubMedID 12210657

• Early body mass index and other anthropometric relationships between parents and children INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBESITY Safer, D. L., Agras, W. S., Bryson, S., Hammer, L. D. 2001; 25 (10): 1532-1536

  Abstract

  To assess longitudinally the relationship between measures of adiposity in children over the first 8 y of life with that of their parents and to explore the role of parental adiposity in the development of childhood adiposity.Longitudinal study of measures of adiposity in children.A community sample from three health service systems including 114 children followed annually from infancy to age 8 and their 228 biological parents.Measurements were assessed at baseline for parents (6 months post-partum for mothers) and at regular intervals for children beginning at age 2 months. Measurements included weight, height, triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, midarm circumference, waist and hip.The major findings were: (1) significant correlations between parental body mass index (BMI), both maternal and paternal, and their biological offspring first emerged at age 7; (2) children with two overweight parents had consistently elevated BMI compared to children with either no overweight parents or one overweight parent. These differences became significant beginning at age 7.This study supports the hypothesis that familial factors (biological and/or environmental) affecting the development of adiposity emerge at specific ages and are related to the adiposity of both parents.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000171515800021

  View details for PubMedID 11673777

• Prolonged bottle feeding in a cohort of children: Does it affect caloric intake and dietary composition? CLINICAL PEDIATRICS Safer, D. L., Bryson, S., Agras, W. S., Hammer, L. D. 2001; 40 (9): 481-487

  Abstract

  Little is known about the consequences to children of bottle feeding prolonged beyond age 1 year on caloric intake and overall dietary composition. To obtain these data, 165 children, followed up from infancy, were assessed in these respects for a 24-hour period at age 3 1/2 years. Bottle-fed children (n = 14) consumed more milk than their weaned counterparts (p < 0.001), had a higher mean daily calcium intake (p < 0.05), received fewer calories from carbohydrates (p = 0.034), and received a greater percentage of calories from protein (p = 0.033). There were no significant differences between the groups in total caloric intake, total iron intake, total volume ofjuice, or calories from fat. Pediatricians questioned about the effects of continuing to offer children nutritive liquids from bottles as well as cups (versus offering cups alone) may inform parents that this feeding practice is associated with significantly greater milk consumption and daily calcium intake. However, this study could not find evidence that prolonged bottle feeding at age 3 1/2 years is associated with a significantly decreased total daily iron intake or an increased risk for factors associated with adiposity such as a greater daily calorie intake, a higher body mass index, or greater percentage of total calories derived from fat.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000171030600002

  View details for PubMedID 11583046

• Dialectical behavior therapy adapted for bulimia: A case report INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS Safer, D. L., Telch, C. F., Agras, W. S. 2001; 30 (1): 101-106

  Abstract

  This case report describes the application of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to the treatment of bulimia nervosa in a 20-session manualized therapy.The treatment, based on an affect regulation model of eating disorders, was developed to teach emotion regulation skills to replace eating-disordered behaviors. The patient, a 36-year-old woman, had a long history of binge eating and purging that had not responded to 2 years of counseling. In the 4 weeks before treatment began, she reported 13 objective binges and 21 purging episodes.Upon initiating DBT, her binge eating and purging rapidly declined. She achieved abstinence by the fifth week of treatment and maintained it through treatment. In the 6 months following treatment, she reported a total of two objective binge episodes and two purge episodes.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000169077300011

  View details for PubMedID 11439414

• Dialectical behavior therapy for bulimia nervosa AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY Safer, D. L., Telch, C. F., Agras, W. S. 2001; 158 (4): 632-634

  Abstract

  The effects of dialectical behavior therapy adapted for the treatment of binge/purge behaviors were examined.Thirty-one women (averaging at least one binge/purge episode per week) were randomly assigned to 20 weeks of dialectical behavior therapy or 20 weeks of a waiting-list comparison condition. The manual-based dialectical behavior therapy focused on training in emotion regulation skills.An intent-to-treat analysis showed highly significant decreases in binge/purge behavior with dialectical behavior therapy compared to the waiting-list condition. No significant group differences were found on any of the secondary measures.The use of dialectical behavior therapy adapted for treatment of bulimia nervosa was associated with a promising decrease in binge/purge behaviors.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000167931900018

  View details for PubMedID 11282700

• Risperidone in the treatment of delusional parasitosis: A case report JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY Safer, D. L., Wenegrat, B., Roth, W. T. 1997; 17 (2): 131-132

  View details for Web of Science ID A1997WQ26500021

  View details for PubMedID 10950485

• AFFINITY LABELING OF BOVINE LIVER GLUTAMATE-DEHYDROGENASE WITH 8-[(4-BROMO-2,3-DIOXOBUTYL)THIO]ADENOSINE 5'-DIPHOSPHATE AND 5'-TRIPHOSPHATE BIOCHEMISTRY Ozturk, D. H., Safer, D., Colman, R. F. 1990; 29 (30): 7112-7118

  Abstract

  Bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase reacts with 8-[(4-bromo-2,3-dioxobutyl)thio]adenosine 5'-diphosphate (8-BDB-TA-5'-DP) and 5'-triphosphate (8-BDB-TA-5'-TP) to yield enzyme with about 1 mol of reagent incorporated/mol of enzyme subunit. The modified enzyme is catalytically active but has decreased sensitivity to inhibition by GTP, reduced extent of activation by ADP, and diminished inhibition by high concentrations of NADH. Since modified enzyme, like native glutamate dehydrogenase, reversibly binds more than 1 mol each of ADP and GTP, it is unlikely that 8-BDB-TA-5'-TP reacts directly within either the ADP or GTP regulatory sites. The rate constant for reaction of enzyme exhibits a nonlinear dependence on reagent concentration with KD = 89 microM for 8-BDB-TA-5'-TP and 240 microM for 8-BDB-TA-5'-DP. The ligands ADP and GTP alone and NADH alone produce only small decreases in the rate constant for the reaction of enzyme with 8-BDB-TA-5'-TP, but the combined addition of 5 mM NADH + 200 microM GTP reduces the reaction rate constant more than 10-fold and the reagent incorporation to about 0.1 mol/mol of enzyme subunit. These results suggest that 8-BDB-TA-5'-TP reacts as a nucleotide affinity label in the region of the GTP-dependent NADH regulatory site of bovine liver glutamate dehydrogenase.

  View details for Web of Science ID A1990DR43700024

  View details for PubMedID 2223765