Effects and limitations of cognitive behavior therapy in bulimia inpatients

Abstract

Cognitive behavior therapy was applied to 8 inpatients with bulimia (DSM-III). Improvement of bulimia was superior when compared to 6 bulimics treated with nonspecific psychotherapy. Social maladjustment was linked to the maintenance of bulimia. The effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy seemed to be impaired by co-morbidity and dysphoric mood. Therefore a more structured externally controlled behavioral hospital treatment program is recommended.