Effectiveness of the intensive group process-retreat model in the treatment of bulimia

Abstract

The present study examined the effectiveness of a short-term, intensive, group process-retreat treatment model for bulimia. The multicomponent, two-day treatment and follow-up booster session focused primarily on the interpersonal deficits associated with the disorder. A sample of 24 subjects who met the DSM-III criteria for bulimia and who binged-purged at least one time per week participated in the study. Compared to a control group (N=12), the women who received the group treatment (N=12) evidenced significant improvements in self-esteem and severity of binge eating. The frequency of binge-purge episodes and dysfunctional eating attitudes were also significantly reduced. The results of this study suggest that the intensive group-process retreat model is an effective adjunct in the treatment of bulimia.