Evaluation of a new Internet-based self-help guide for patients with bulimic symptoms in Sweden.
The current study evaluated a new Internet-based self-help guide based on cognitive-behavioural therapy for patients with bulimic symptoms. Thirty-eight participants from a waiting list at an eating-disorder outpatient unit were assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment and at a 2-month follow-up using the Rating of Anorexia and Bulimia interview-revised version, an anamnesis questionnaire, the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) and Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90R). The SCL-90R Global Severity Index and most EDI-2 subscales showed significant differences from pre-to post-treatment and the 2-month follow-up, apart from ineffectiveness, impulse regulation and social insecurity. Expert ratings revealed a significant reduction in vomiting, dietary restraints and weight phobia, with the exception of binge eating from pre-treatment to the 2-month follow-up. Exercise increased significantly, indicating that participants changed their method of compensation. An Internet-based self-help guide for bulimic symptoms is a promising new tool and can be used effectively as the first step in a stepped-care model. Further evaluations with randomized controlled trials are necessary.
Nevonen
Lauri
L
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Centre, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. Lauri.Nevonen@vgregion.se
Mark
Mia
M
Levin
Birgitta
B
Lindström
Marianne
M
Paulson-Karlsson
Gunilla
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D013997:Time Factors