Comparison of group and individual cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients with bulimia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
The clinical effectiveness of group and individual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for bulimia nervosa (BN) was compared.


METHODS
Sixty BN patients from hospitals and general practitioners in Sydney, Australia, were allocated randomly to group or individual CBT. Forty-four completed treatment (n = 22 in group CBT and n = 22 in individual CBT). Patients were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and at 3 and 6 months follow-up with the Eating Disorder Examination-12 and self-report questionnaires examining weight and shape attitudes (Eating Disorder Inventory-2), social adjustment (Social Adjustment Scale-Modified), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and general psychopathology (Symptom Checklist 90R).


RESULTS
The effects of group and individual CBT were equivalent on most measures. However, a significantly greater proportion of individual CBT patients than group CBT patients were abstinent from bulimic behaviors at posttreatment, but not at follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
This has implications for the delivery of cost-effective and clinically effective treatment for BN.
Chen
Eunice
E
Yale Center of Eating and Weight Disorders, Department of Psychology, Yale University, PO Box 208205, New Haven, CT 06520-8205, USA. echen@uwashington.edu
Touyz
Stephen W
SW
Beumont
Pierre J V
PJ
Fairburn
Christopher G
CG
Griffiths
Rosalyn
R
Butow
Phyllis
P
Russell
Janice
J
Schotte
David E
DE
Gertler
Robert
R
Basten
Christopher
C
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome