Psychotherapy outcome research with bulimia nervosa

Recent psychotherapy studies for bulimia nervosa are reviewed and it is concluded that many interventions lead to statistically and clinically significant reductions in the frequency of bingeing and vomiting and other associated symptoms; however, the results are more variable if success is defined as abstinence from symptomatic behavior. Treatment and patient variables which seem to be associated with positive response to treatment are reviewed and serious methodological concerns are raised. Carefully controlled dismantling trials are recommended in order to isolate factors which are critical for symptom change.