A cognitive behavioural group approach for the treatment of bulimia nervosa--a preliminary study.
A group treatment for bulimia nervosa based on a cognitive behavioural approach is described. Eight women with a self reported average of 14 binging episodes per week attended a weekly group for 15 weeks. The techniques used in the group are described. Outcome measures included self reported frequency of binging episodes, eating attitudes, depression and anxiety. These were assessed both pre and post treatment. In addition binge frequency was assessed at 3 and 6 month follow up. Binging frequency decreased over the treatment period to an average of 1.1 per week and of 1.9 per week at 6 month follow up. Significant changes in eating attitudes, and a reduction in depression and anxiety were obtained over the treatment period. Although this study was not controlled it may represent a promising step towards the development of a cost-effective treatment for this common condition.
Dedman
P A
PA
Academic Dept of Psychiatry, Royal Free Hospital, London, U.K.
Numa
S F
SF
Wakeling
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002032:Bulimia / Q000628:therapy*; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group