[New ways to combat eating disorders-evaluation of an internet-based self-help program in bulimia nervosa]

Results of the German part of a European multicenter study on the effectiveness and practicability of an internet-based self-help program (SHG self-help guide) in bulimia nervosa (BN).

The internet-based program SHG builds on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and comprises seven cumulative therapeutic steps. Twenty-two women with BN made use of the program over a period of six months. The patients were supported by three evaluation interviews and a once-weekly email contact with a female psychologist. During the interview, data on general psychopathology, specific eating disorder complaints and symptoms of depression were collected.

The examination showed definite effects both in terms of a reduction in eating disorder-specific behavior and a statistically and clinically relevant improvement in the symptoms of depression.

After working with the SHG, the patient sample studied here registered improvements in eating disorder and depressive symptoms. The design of the study, however, made it impossible to assess effectiveness. Practicability and usefulness were positively assessed by the patients. Thanks to its considerable flexibility in terms of time and place, the method could well be a valuable supplementary building block in the treatment of bulimia nervosa.