Remote treatment of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: a randomized trial of Internet-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy

Behav Res Ther. 2007 Apr;45(4):649-61. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2006.06.010. Epub 2006 Aug 8.

Abstract

The present study investigated the efficacy of self-help based on cognitive behaviour therapy in combination with Internet support in the treatment of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. After confirming the diagnosis with an in-person interview, 73 patients were randomly allocated to treatment or a waiting list control group. Treated individuals showed marked improvement after 12 weeks of self-help compared to the control group on both primary and secondary outcome measures. Intent-to-treat analyses revealed that 37% (46% among completers) had no binge eating or purging at the end of the treatment and a considerable number of patients achieved clinically significant improvement on most of the other measures as well. The results were maintained at the 6-month follow-up, and provide evidence to support the continued use and development of self-help programmes.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bulimia / psychology
  • Bulimia / therapy*
  • Bulimia Nervosa / psychology
  • Bulimia Nervosa / therapy*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychometrics
  • Remote Consultation / methods*
  • Self Care
  • Treatment Outcome