An Approach to Planning Services for Bulimia Nervosa

• Published in: British journal of psychiatry Vol. 169; no. 5; pp. 551 - 554
• Main Authors: Treasure, Janet L., Troop, Nicholas A., Ward, Anne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.11.1996
• Subjects: Bulimia; Bulimia - economics; Bulimia - psychology; Bulimia - therapy; Bulimia nervosa; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - economics; Combined Modality Therapy; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Editorial; Humans; Patient Care Planning - economics; Patient Care Team - economics; Psychotherapy - economics; Psychotropic Drugs - economics; Psychotropic Drugs - therapeutic use; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Therapists; Treatment Methods; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0007-1250; 1472-1465
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.169.5.551

Reviews the available evidence on type of treatment, dose, & therapist specialization level for bulimia nervosa. Metaanalysis of treatment type & effect is limited by a shortage of randomized studies & the use of different outcome criteria, but psychiatric treatment incorporating dietary management (especially cognitive-behavioral treatment & interpersonal therapy) have been shown to be more effective than drug therapy. Intensive treatment tends to be most successful, but there are efforts to reduce therapist time & identify patients who do not require high-input treatment in order to cut costs. Research on the level of specialization therapists need indicates that professionals self-trained with cognitive-behavioral therapy manuals may be as effective as those with specialized training & point to the need for greater education of primary care health providers. Cost concerns & gaps in the research are addressed. 20 References. E. Blackwell