Predictors of attitudes towards treatments for bulimia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine, using Mental Health Literacy, acceptability and correlates of acceptability of three treatment interventions for bulimia nervosa; medication, psychological therapy and self-change/lifestyle therapies.


METHODS
A self-report questionnaire to ascertain correlates of attitudes towards the three interventions was used. Respondents (n = 177) were females aged 18-53 years.


RESULTS
Psychological therapy was rated the most acceptable treatment to participants as well as the most acceptable to others, and to have most advantages and fewest disadvantages, followed by self-change/lifestyle therapies, and then medication. Social Pressures to be Thin was the most strongly endorsed cause of bulimia, followed by Low Self-Esteem, Eating Behaviour, Relationship and Family Environment, and lastly, Biology. Correlates with acceptability of different treatment approaches were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Although no causal link can be assumed from this design, findings suggest that women appear to have a mixed understanding of the different mechanisms that each treatment intervention adopts to treat the causes and symptoms of bulimia, particularly self-change/lifestyle therapies. This may help to explain poor adherence to interventions.
Hepworth
Natasha S
NS
School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia.
Paxton
Susan J
SJ
Williams
Benedict
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs