Bulimia Nervosa: A Comprehensive Analysis of Treatment, Policy, and Social Work Ethics.
Bulimia nervosa is an often debilitating eating disorder with a biopsychosocial set of risk factors. Those presenting are at an increased mortality rate and often have physical health complications as well as harmful cognitions related to self-esteem and overall self-concept. This article examines treatment, policy, and social work ethics as they relate to bulimia nervosa. A comprehensive cognitive-behavioral approach including psychoeducation, self-monitoring, exposure therapy, interpersonal therapy, body image therapy, energy balance training, and relapse prevention is recommended as evidence-based practice for treating bulimia nervosa. Authors identify health care policy and analyze it as a common barrier to treatment access. They also review ethical principles of competency and social justice as they relate to social work practitioners working with those diagnosed with bulimia nervosa.
Dana Lynn Bernacchi, MSW, is a mental health and substance abuse counselor, Damien Center, 26 North Arsenal Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46201; e-mail: dbernacc@hotmail.com.
Dana Lynn
DL
Bernacchi
D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000628:therapy; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D012947:Social Work / Q000941:ethics
adolescent mental health; emotional and behavioral disorders; ethics; evidence-based practice approaches; gender issues