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.

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