Bulimia Nervosa: A Comprehensive Analysis of Treatment, Policy, and Social Work Ethics

Bulimia nervosa is an often debilitating eating disorder with a biopsychosocial set of risk factors. Those presenting are at an increased mortality rate and often have physical health complications as well as harmful cognitions related to self-esteem and overall self-concept. This article examines treatment, policy, and social work ethics as they relate to bulimia nervosa. A comprehensive cognitive-behavioral approach including psychoeducation, self-monitoring, exposure therapy, interpersonal therapy, body image therapy, energy balance training, and relapse prevention is recommended as evidence-based practice for treating bulimia nervosa. Authors identify health care policy and analyze it as a common barrier to treatment access. They also review ethical principles of competency and social justice as they relate to social work practitioners working with those diagnosed with bulimia nervosa.