A comparison of sequenced individual and group psychotherapy for patients with bulimia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
The current study examined the effectiveness of individual (IND) versus group (GRP) therapy for patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), using a manual of sequenced treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) followed by interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).


METHODS
Eighty-six participants with BN were matched and randomized to 23 sessions of IND or GRP. Participants were measured pretreatment and posttreatment and at 1-year and 2.5-year follow-ups using both intent-to-treat and completer samples.


RESULTS
The intent-to-treat analysis revealed that the percentage of participants recovered and remitted was equivalent between IND and GRP. Significant group differences were found between completers on binge eating and compensatory behavior with greater improvement for IND. On most measures, effect sizes were larger for IND at 1-year follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Sequencing CBT and IPT worked well in both IND and GRP formats. We found few outcome differences between IND as opposed to GRP.
Nevonen
Lauri
L
Anorexia-Bulimia Unit, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. Lauri.Nevonen@vgregion.se
Broberg
Anders G
AG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology; D009629:Person-Centered Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*