Treatments for Eating Disorders

Abstract

Substantial progress in advancing evidence-based treatments for eating disorders has been made. Many well-designed studies provide cumulative support for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the treatment of choice for bulimia nervosa. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and pharmacotherapy are considered appropriate alternative treatments for bulimia nervosa. While CBT, IPT and pharmacotherapy often produce significant reductions in binge eating and compensatory behaviors, these treatment options need to be improved to help more individuals achieve full and lasting recovery. In the treatment of binge eating disorder, CBT and IPT have been shown to be the most efficacious in reducing symptoms and improving psychological outcomes. Weight loss is often an additional goal of those entering treatment for binge eating disorder; however, existing treatments have generally been unsuccessful in producing significant maintainable weight loss. Initial studies suggest that CBT may be associated with improved outcome both in the acute and maintenance phases of treatment for anorexia nervosa.