QUESTION: What is the most effective therapy approach to treating bulimia? Have the approaches been based in evidence?

ANSWER: I do believe the jury is still out on the very best way to treat bulimia. Part of the reason for this is because different treatment methodologies work better for different individuals. While the underlying genetic basis for bulimia is similar in all victims, the environmental reasons why the bulimic first begins practicing the disease vary widely.

There is an interesting new treatment being explored right now – it seems to work best for extreme cases, where the body’s ability to perform basic functions is impaired by repeated binge-purge behavior. You can read more about it HERE.

However, the general consensus (backed up by years of research and trial-and-error, patient by patient) seems to be that a combination of approaches is most effective. This is a similar finding for treatment of other eating disorders, such as anorexia and BED (binge-eating disorder.) For instance, medical and nutritional monitoring is essential to stabilize nutrient levels and treat symptoms, such as dehydration and hormonal imbalances, that are caused by misuse of food. Psychopharmacology (use of prescription psychiatric medications) is often helpful to alleviate the emotional disturbances associated with an eating disorder. Psychotherapy is essential to explore the underlying drive to control food intake, rather than dealing with the everyday stresses of life in more appropriate ways. DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) can be very helpful here as well. And mentoring and participation in support communities can provide awareness that the victim is not alone in their struggles, and often also provides inspiration through the shared struggle to recover.

There are many more articles online that deal with this subject, and I have posted some of my favorites HERE if you would like to do further research.

Warmly,

Shannon

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