Treatment of bulimia nervosa: where are we and where are we going?

Int J Eat Disord. 2007 Mar;40(2):95-101. doi: 10.1002/eat.20343.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the extant treatment literature on bulimia nervosa and to offer suggestions for future research directions.

Method: The available treatment studies regarding both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are reviewed.

Results: Both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy appear to play a role in the treatment of bulimia nervosa; however, available data suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy remains the treatment of choice.

Conclusion: Additional work is clearly indicated regarding assisted and unassisted self-help. An enhanced form of CBT and the integrative cognitive-affective therapy both deserve further study. New approaches need to be piloted. More research is needed on treatment modeling.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bulimia Nervosa / therapy*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Psychotherapy*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs