Cognitive-behavioral therapy versus combined treatment with group psychoeducation and fluoxetine in bulimic outpatients

Eat Weight Disord. 1997 Jun;2(2):94-9. doi: 10.1007/BF03339955.

Abstract

A series of 51 female bulimic outpatients, aged 23.4+/-3.9, were assigned either to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or combined Group Psychoeducation and Fluoxetine (GPF) treatment. The Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) was performed at the beginning of treatment and after 6 months, together with the administration of self reported questionnaires for depression (BDI) and Anxiety (STAI). A significant (p<0.001) reduction of the number of monthly binge episodes (from 25.0+/-12.9 to 6.2+/-3.8 and from 24.8+/-9.1 to 8.0+/-4.3) for CBT and GPF respectively were observed. Similar reductions were obtained in the number of episodes of compensatory behaviors. Both treatments reduced depression and anxiety (p<0.001) while CBT only determined a significative improvement of EDE scores. The data obtained suggest that GPF is as effective as CBT in reducing bulimic symptomatology but its long-term efficacy should be evaluated in a follow-up study.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bulimia / drug therapy
  • Bulimia / psychology*
  • Bulimia / therapy*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Fluoxetine / therapeutic use*
  • Health Education*
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Fluoxetine