Does video therapy work? A single case series of bulimic disorders

Abstract

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is established as the treatment of choice for Bulimia Nervosa, but is not accessible to many sufferers living in remote and rural areas. This study used a single case interrupted time series design to examine the effectiveness of CBT delivered via videoconferencing for six participants with bulimic disorders. Weekly video-links were conducted between the Aberdeen Eating Disorders Service and local hospitals in rural north-east Scotland. Daily self-monitoring diaries were used to measure reduction in bulimic symptoms. Clinically significant change was calculated on self-report measures. At post treatment, three of six participants showed a statistically significant reduction in bingeing, and one of five in purging. Clinically significant change in bulimic symptoms was found for three as measured by the Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh. There was a clinically significant reduction for five on the Beck Depression Inventory -II and for four on the Borderline Syndrome Index. Results of this pilot study suggest that video therapy may lead to clinically important changes for a number of clients with bulimic disorders. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.