Focused Versus Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treating Women With Bulimia Nervosa

Boston University50 enrolled

Overview

This study will compare the effectiveness of two types of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating adult women with the dysregulated subtype of bulimia nervosa.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a common eating disorder that is characterized by periods of bingeing and purging. People with the dysregulated subtype of BN experience behavioral impulsivity; disruption of cognitive, affective, behavioral, and neurophysiological processes (dysregulation); interpersonal dysfunction; and poor treatment response. To date, no therapies have been tested for this specific population, and it is unknown whether therapy that directly focuses on treating BN symptoms or one that addresses both eating and personality disorder symptoms is more effective. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which concentrates on modifying patients' behaviors and ways of thinking, has been effective in treating BN. This study will compare the effectiveness of two types of CBT, focused and broad, in treating adult women with the dysregulated subtype of BN. Participants in this single-blind study will be randomly assigned to receive 20 sessions of either broad (enhanced) or focused CBT. Participants will meet with a therapist once or twice weekly until 20 sessions have occurred. Broad CBT will address symptoms of BN, as well as those of the personality disorder. Focused CBT will concentrate only on BN symptoms. Before treatment begins, participants will complete a set of questionnaires pertaining to their experiences with BN, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal relationships. The questionnaires will be used throughout the study to assess participants' progress. Participants will also attend a clinical interview lasting approximately 3.5 hours. Questions will concern BN, other eating disorder symptoms, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal relationships. Blood samples and vital signs will also be taken at the time of the clinical interview and as needed later in the treatment process.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Eating Disorders

Interventions

Cognitive behavioral therapy - focused (CBT-EF)BEHAVIORAL

Focused CBT concentrates only on BN symptoms. There will be 20 sessions over the course of 5 months.

Cognitive behavioral therapy - broad (EB)BEHAVIORAL

Broad CBT addresses symptoms of BN, as well as those of the personality disorder. CBT-EB incorporates ED interventions from CBT-EF but also has modules focused on addressing mood intolerance and interpersonal difficulties. There will be 20 sessions over 5 months.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of bulimia nervosa * Presence of borderline personality disorder features * History of one mood or anxiety episode within 2 years prior to study entry * If taking psychiatric medication, dose has been stable for at least 6 weeks at time of study entry Exclusion Criteria: * Substance dependence * Diagnosis of bipolar I disorder * Psychosis * Mental retardation * Receiving psychosocial treatment

Locations (1)

Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Eating disorder symptoms

Time frame: Measured throughout the study

Secondary Outcomes

Depression symptoms

Time frame: Measured throughout the study

Anxiety symptoms

Time frame: Measured throughout the study

Interpersonal relationships

Time frame: Measured throughout the study

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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