Effectiveness of spouse involvement in cognitive behavioral therapy for binge eating disorder

Objective: This study examined whether involving the spouse in group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for binge eating disorder (BED) enhances treatment outcome relative to standard group CBT. Method: Ninety-four overweight women with BED were randomly assigned to either (1) standard group CBT, (2) group CBT with spouse involvement, or (3) a wait-list control group. Eating and general psychopathology assessments were completed at baseline, after treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. Results: Although both CBT groups fared significantly better than the wait-list control group on measures of binge groups eating, weight, eating psychopathology, and general psychopathology, CBT with spouse involvement did not result in-any additional benefit over and above standard CBT. Discussion: These results are in contrast to the success of spouse involvement in the treatment of several other physical and psychological disorders. Possible reasons for-this disparity, and suggestions for improving spouse involvement in BED treatment, are discussed. (C) 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.