Potential risks of pro-eating disorder websites

Rouleau, Codie R.; Ranson, Kristin M. von

doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.12.005

Cited by 80 publications

(86 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…In recent years, different studies outlined the growing popularity of "pro-anorexia" websites and even their potential harmful effects [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. Our study aimed to investigate the spread and the topics of the "pro-anorexia" accounts on Twitter.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Different studies individuated the most risky content of "proana" websites in the sections describing pathological weight loss tricks [21,22,23,25]; indeed through these sections users can learn new and dangerous strategies to loss weight. Our research identified the presence of such topics also on…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In particular, Rouleau et al in their review summarized the harmful effects of this online content in three major categories: social support related to the maintenance of the eating disorder, encouragement of pathological behaviors and impediment to recovery [22]. One of the most dangerous content is represented by the "tips and tricks" sections [22], where users share information on how to reach an extreme weight loss, for example by purging and fasting [22,23]. Another common content of these websites is the so-called "thinspiration" where users post quotes and photos, mainly of skeletal girls or models, used as an inspiration and an encouragement to thinness [20,24].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The potential harmful effect of this online content has been studied in both healthy subjects and anorexics [21,22]. In particular, Rouleau et al in their review summarized the harmful effects of this online content in three major categories: social support related to the maintenance of the eating disorder, encouragement of pathological behaviors and impediment to recovery [22]. One of the most dangerous content is represented by the "tips and tricks" sections [22], where users share information on how to reach an extreme weight loss, for example by purging and fasting [22,23].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Risks and Threats of Social Media Websites: Twitter and the Proana Movement

Bert

Gualano

Camussi

et al. 2016

Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking

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1 Questa è la versione pre-print (prima bozza) dell'articolo "Risks and threats of social media websites: Twitter and the pro-Ana movement" degli autori Bert F, Gualano MR, Camussi E, Siliquini R., pubblicato come Original Paper sulla rivista Cyberpsychology, behaviors and social networking. AcknoledgmentsThe authors declare that they have not received grants or funding for this work. Conflict of InterestThe authors declare that they have no competing interests. Abbreviation:AN -Anorexia Nervosa EDNOS -Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified ED -Eating Disorder 3 ABSTRACT:Background:In recent years,there was a spread of "pro-anorexia" websites.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Risks and Threats of Social Media Websites: Twitter and the Proana Movement

Bert

Gualano

Camussi

et al. 2016

Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking

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Smartphone apps for eating disorders: A systematic review of evidence‐based content and application of user‐adjusted analyses

Wasil

Patel

Cho

et al. 2021

Intl J Eating Disorders

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Objective To examine the frequency of evidence‐based treatment elements in popular smartphone apps for eating disorders (EDs), and to characterize the extent to which real‐world users encounter different elements. Method We searched the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for apps offering treatment or support to individuals with EDs. Then, we created a codebook of 47 elements found in evidence‐based treatments for EDs. We examined the presence or absence of each element within each ED app. We also acquired estimates of the monthly active users (MAU) of each app. Results The ED apps (n = 28) included a median of nine elements of empirically supported treatments (mean = 9.46, SD = 6.28). Four apps accounted for 96% of all MAU. MAU‐adjusted analyses revealed that several elements are reaching more users than raw frequency tallies would suggest. For example, assessments were included in 32% of apps, but 84% of users used an app with assessments. Similar trends were found for cognitive restructuring (21% of apps, 56% of MAU), activity scheduling (39%, 57%), and self‐monitoring (14%, 46%). Problem solving, exposure, and relapse prevention strategies, elements that are prominent in face‐to‐face empirically supported treatments, were rarely included in the apps. Discussion Evidence‐based content is commonly included in ED apps, with certain elements reaching more users than others. Additionally, the top four apps are responsible for nearly all active users. We recommend that ED clinicians and researchers familiarize themselves with these apps—those that patients are most likely to encounter.

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A pilot randomized controlled trial of a cognitive‐behavioral therapy guided self‐help mobile app for the post‐acute treatment of anorexia nervosa: A registered report

Fitzsimmons‐Craft

Laboe

McGinnis

et al. 2023

Intl J Eating Disorders

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Introduction: Relapse following acute treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) is common. Evidence suggests cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be useful in the post-acute period, but few patients have access to trained providers. mHealth technologies have potential to increase access to high-quality care for AN, including in the post-acute period. The aim of this study is to estimate the preliminary feasibility and effectiveness of a CBT-based mobile intervention plus treatment as usual (TAU), offered with and without an accompanying social networking feature.Method: In the current pilot randomized controlled trial, women with AN who have been discharged from acute treatment in the past 2 months (N = 90) will be randomly assigned to a CBT-based mobile intervention plus treatment as usual (TAU), a CBTbased mobile intervention including social networking plus TAU, or TAU alone. We will examine feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the three conditions in terms of reducing eating disorder psychopathology, reducing frequency of eating disorder behaviors, achieving weight maintenance, reducing depression and suicidal ideation, and reducing clinical impairment. We will examine rehospitalization and full recovery rates in an exploratory fashion. We will also examine whether the mobile intervention and social networking feature change the proposed targets and whether changes in targets are associated with benefit, as well as conduct exploratory analyses to identify within-mobile intervention predictors and moderators of outcome.Discussion: Ultimately, this research may lead to increased access to evidence-based treatment for individuals with AN and prevention of the extreme negative consequences that can result from this serious disorder.Public Significance: Relapse after acute treatment for anorexia nervosa is common, and few patients have access to trained providers to support them following acute care. This study will pilot a coached mobile app, including a social networking component, for this population. If ultimately successful, our approach could greatly increase Dr. Fitzsimmons-Craft serves on the Clinical Advisory Board for Beanbag Health, receives royalties from UpToDate, and is a consultant for Kooth.

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Potential risks of pro-eating disorder websites

Cited by 80 publications

References 28 publications

Risks and Threats of Social Media Websites: Twitter and the Proana Movement

Risks and Threats of Social Media Websites: Twitter and the Proana Movement

Smartphone apps for eating disorders: A systematic review of evidence‐based content and application of user‐adjusted analyses

A pilot randomized controlled trial of a cognitive‐behavioral therapy guided self‐help mobile app for the post‐acute treatment of anorexia nervosa: A registered report

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