A randomised trial investigating guided self-help to reduce perfectionism and its impact on bulimia nervosa: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate reducing perfectionism as a potential treatment target for individuals with Bulimia Nervosa (BN).


METHODS
Forty-eight individuals meeting DSM-IV criteria for BN or eating disorder - not otherwise specified with binge eating [objective or subjective] or purging at least once per week were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 8 sessions of manual-based guided self-help (GSH) over a 6-week period that was focused on either cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for perfectionism, CBT for BN, or a placebo. Individuals were assessed at baseline, pre-treatment, post-treatment and at six-month follow-up on 12 outcome variables, including diagnostic criteria and psychological variables.


RESULTS
There was no significant change in any of the outcome variables over a 6-week no-treatment period but at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up there were significant main effects of time for 10 and 8 outcome variables respectively, suggesting that all groups reported significant reductions in bulimic symptomatology and related psychopathology at post-treatment and follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings show potential for the use of novel interventions in GSH for BN.
Steele
Anna L
AL
School of Psychology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
Wade
Tracey D
TD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003193:Compulsive Personality Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult