(PS5-48) Comparing Eating Pathology Among Patients with and Without Previous Anonymous Group Attendance

Abstract Text: The current study aimed to explore differences in clinical characteristics between eating disorder (ED) treatment-seeking individuals who did and those who did not attend ED-related anonymous groups, and identify the proportion of patients who reported previously attending ED anonymous groups (e.g., Overeaters Anonymous, Anorexia Anonymous). Upon admission to an ED specialty clinic, adult patients (N = 227) reported their history of anonymous group attendance, ED impairment and pathology, depression symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Almost a quarter of participants (n = 50; 22%) reported previously attending an ED anonymous group, with the majority reporting attending Overeaters Anonymous (n = 38; 76%). A one-way between-groups multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to test for differences between those who reported previously attending ED anonymous groups and those who did not on ED impairment and pathology, and depression and anxiety symptoms. Results indicate that there were significant differences in mean responses between those who did and did not attend an ED anonymous group (F[8, 210] = 2.22, p = .03, Wilks’ Lambda = .92, η2 = .08). Specifically, those who attended an ED anonymous group reported significantly more binge eating episodes (p = .01, η2 = .03) and significantly fewer episodes of compulsive exercise (p = .03, η2 = .02) than individuals who did not attend ED anonymous groups. There were no significant differences in the other symptoms examined between the two groups. Given that findings show few symptom differences between those with and without previous ED anonymous group experience, future research can explore whether there is clinical utility or harm in those with EDs attending these types of groups. Additionally, it is possible that individuals with binge spectrum disorders may be more likely to seek ED anonymous group support than restriction spectrum disorders, as noted by higher binge episodes among those reporting previous anonymous group attendance. It is possible that individuals with binge eating conceptualize their symptoms as an eating or weight issue rather than an ED, leading to seeking out anonymous groups. Future research should explore these possibilities. Additionally, the findings suggest that researchers and healthcare providers should assess for non-traditional treatments when collecting treatment history.