Long-term impact of treatment in women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
Both cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. However, data concerning the long-term impact of such treatments have been limited. This study sought to determine if treatment with CBT and antidepressant medication was associated with better long-term outcome among women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa.


METHODS
Women (N = 101) who completed a controlled treatment study of bulimia nervosa participated in follow-up assessments approximately 10 years later.


RESULTS
Women who received treatment with CBT or antidepressant medication or both reported improved social adjustment at long-term follow-up compared with women randomized to the placebo condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatments with demonstrated efficacy for short-term outcome appear to improve psychosocial function at long-term follow-up among women initially diagnosed with bulimia nervosa.
Keel
Pamela K
PK
Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA. pkeel@wjh.harvard.edu
Mitchell
James E
JE
Davis
Traci L
TL
Crow
Scott J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013997:Time Factors
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D007099:Imipramine