For Treating Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Treatment Overview

Treatment for bulimia nervosa involves psychological counseling (which includes nutritional counseling) and sometimes medications such as antidepressants. Treatment does not usually require hospitalization, although it is sometimes necessary.

If other conditions are present along with bulimia, additional or longer treatment may be required.

Bulimia Initial treatment

Initial treatment depends on the severity and length of time bulimia nervosa has been present. If there are no complications of bulimia, treatment usually consists of:

Bulimia Psychological counseling, such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which includes nutritional counseling, to change certain behavior and thinking patterns. The goals of CBT are to teach the person to:
  • Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks per day and avoid other diets.
  • Reduce concern about body weight and shape.
  • Understand and reduce triggers of binge eating through examining interpersonal relationships and emotions.
  • Develop a personalized plan to learn proper coping skills to prevent future relapse.
• Bulimia and Interpersonal therapy (IT). IT helps the person examine the relationship between interpersonal conflicts and symptoms of bulimia.
• Bulimia and Dialectical behavior therapy, which is a long-term approach that focuses on helping the person regulate emotions. By coping better with life's challenges and negative emotions, binge-purge behaviors should decrease.
• Bulimia and Group counseling, which may enhance individual therapy. Often it is helpful to speak with other people who have this condition.
• Bulimia and Family therapy. Sometimes family members unknowingly interfere with a loved one's recovery. Family members will learn about the disorder, get support, and eventually focus on dealing with other family issues.

Medications. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), are sometimes used to reduce binge-purge cycles and relieve symptoms of depression that often occur along with eating disorders. (more on Medications for Bulimia)

next: Ongoing Treatment for Bulimia

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Reviewed: 03/2006