Outcome evaluation of an intensive residential treatment program for bulimia

A 1-month intensive treatment program for bulimic women (ITP) was evaluated. Patients followed up after 1 year had reduced the frequency of purging by 86%, and 38% were symptom free. Patients reported improvements in important relationships and in progress toward life goals. They rated the program highly. Results from the Eating Disorders Inventory, Symptom Checklist 90-R, Eating Attitudes Test, Zung Depression and Anxiety, Body-Cathexis, MMPI, and Color-A-Person Body Dissatisfaction measures indicated highly significant improvement. Patients not followed up had improved similarly but were more impaired. Dropout rate was 1.5%. Results compare well with those of other established eating disorder programs and suggest that the ITP is an effective alternative to hospitalization.