A cognitive behavioural group treatment of bulimia.

Abstract

This study describes a group treatment of bulimia using an adaptation of Fairburn's (1981) cognitive behavioural approach. Thirteen bulimic women with a self-reported average of 24 self-induced vomiting episodes per week were treated in two groups; each group met once a week for 16 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the number of self-reported vomiting episodes; pre- and post-treatment measures of eating attitudes, depression, assertiveness, and global level of psychological distress were also evaluated. Vomiting frequency decreased to an average 2.2 times per week (a 91% improvement) with seven patients abstinent by the end of treatment. Significant pre- to post-treatment changes were also demonstrated on measures of depression, eating attitudes, and assertiveness. Six-month follow-up data on 11 patients indicate a mean vomiting frequency of 3.8 per week; six patients maintained their progress. Although Fairburn had greater success using an individual cognitive behavioural approach, the results of the present study are promising for the development of a cost-effective treatment.

• Authors: J A Schneider, W S Agras
• Journal: The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science (Br J Psychiatry) Vol. 146 Pg. 66-9 (Jan 1985) ISSN: 0007-1250 [Print] England
• PMID: 3856460 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Attitude
• Behavior Therapy
• Cognition
• Feeding and Eating Disorders (therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperphagia (psychology, therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Psychotherapy, Group
• Vomiting