Background: Hospital admission for bulimia nervosa is rather uncommon, but may be indicated in cases of psychiatric comorbidity, long duration of treatment and previous treatment failures. We describe a multicomponent inpatient treatment programme consisting of cognitive-behavioural group and individual therapy, physical training and steps to normalize eating patterns.
Materials and methods: All 47 patients treated between 1998 and 2000 were studied. Patients were interviewed and completed self-report instruments at admission and discharge.
Results: At discharge, a significant improvement with respect to bulimic as well as general psychiatric symptoms had occurred.
Interpretations: The results may indicate that improvement occurs even for severe bulimia with personality disorders, and that hospital treatment may be needed to accomplish this kind of change. Follow-up studies are necessary in order to corroborate these findings.