Sequential treatment for bulimia nervosa incorporating a self-care manual

Treasure, J., Schmidt, U., Troop, N., Tiller, J., Todd, G. and Turnbull, S. (1996) Sequential treatment for bulimia nervosa incorporating a self-care manual. British Journal of Psychiatry, 168(1), pp. 94-98. (doi: 10.1192/bjp.168.1.94) (PMID:8770436)

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Abstract

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a stepped care approach to the treatment of bulimia nervosa: a self-care manual followed, if necessary, by a course of attenuated cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) in comparison with standard CBT. METHOD One hundred and ten patients, presenting at a tertiary referral centre with ICD-10 bulimia nervosa or atypical bulimia nervosa, were randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions; a) a sequential treatment group: 8 weeks with a self-care manual followed by up to eight sessions of CBT (if still symptomatic) or b) 16 sessions of CBT. RESULTS Bulimic symptoms improved significantly in both groups with no significant differences between the two groups on any of the measures at the end of treatment or at 18 months follow-up. At end of treatment 30% (95% CI: 18-46%) of the sequential group and 30% (95% CI: 17-47%) of the standard treatment group were free from all bulimic symptoms. Sixteen of those in the sequential group improved significantly with self-care and did not require additional treatment. The median number of sessions taken by the sequential group was three (95% CI: 0-6). At 18 months follow-up 40% (95% CI: 23-59%) of the sequential group and 41% (95% CI: 25-59%) of the CBT group were symptom free. Conclusions: A sequential approach to the treatment of bulimia may be as effective as standard CBT and can considerably reduce the amount of therapist contact required.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Turnbull, Dr Susan
Authors: Treasure, J., Schmidt, U., Troop, N., Tiller, J., Todd, G., and Turnbull, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:British Journal of Psychiatry
Publisher:Royal College of Psychiatrists
ISSN:0007-1250
ISSN (Online):1472-1465

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