Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bulimia

Overseen By Teen Power

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Yale University

Must not be taking: Appetite suppressants

Disqualifiers: Anorexia, Pregnancy, Hospitalization, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 4 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 16

Duration: 16 weeks

40 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you do not take any medications or treatments that influence appetite or weight during the study.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bulimia?

Research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the leading treatment for bulimia nervosa, effectively reducing symptoms and improving self-esteem and depression. Enhanced versions of CBT are even more effective and suitable for various eating disorders. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) safe for treating bulimia and other conditions?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and its variations, like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), have been widely studied and are generally considered safe for treating bulimia and other conditions. These therapies focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in the research. ^{2 3 5 6 7}

How is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) unique for treating bulimia nervosa?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is unique for treating bulimia nervosa because it specifically targets the thoughts and behaviors associated with the disorder, using techniques like self-monitoring and psychoeducation to help patients understand and change their eating habits. It is considered the most effective treatment for bulimia, with a focus on both individual and group settings, and it also addresses related issues like depression and self-esteem. ^{2 3 6 8 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will test the feasibility and acceptability of two treatments for adolescents with higher weight seeking treatment for bulimia nervosa (binge eating and purging, or going to extremes to lose weight).

Research Team

Janet A Lydecker, PhD

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adolescents with higher weight (above the 85th BMI percentile) who are experiencing bulimia nervosa. They must be in good general health, able to understand and write English, have healthcare provider approval, parental consent if under 18, and commit to a 4-month study period without other treatments affecting appetite or weight.

Inclusion Criteria

Provide a signed and dated written consent from one parent prior to study participation

I am a young person with no serious or uncontrolled health issues.

Read, comprehend, and write English at a sufficient level to complete study-related materials

Exclusion Criteria

I am not on treatments affecting my appetite or weight.

History of anorexia nervosa

Developmental or cognitive disorders that would interfere with therapy

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Mindfulness training for 4 months through weekly 45-minute telehealth sessions

16 weeks

16 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Mindfulness

Trial Overview The study is examining the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness as online treatments for young people with bulimia nervosa and obesity. It aims to determine how feasible and acceptable these therapies are over a four-month period.

Participant Groups

Group I: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for adolescents with higher weight seeking treatment for bulimia nervosa (CBT-BNh).Designed for adolescents, CBT-BNh will include psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and relapse prevention planning. The focus of therapy will include reducing extreme/unhealthy weight-control behaviors (purging) as well as binge eating, and self-compassion coping skills will address weight stigma and self-directed weight criticism.

Group II: Mindfulness Active Control 1 Intervention

Learning to Breathe (L2B) is an existing, evidence-based program for adolescents that teaches mindfulness skills each week, including time to practice and reflect. the skills are grouped into six themes: Body, Reflections, Emotions, Attention, Tenderness, Habits, and Empowerment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:

Approved in European Union as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Approved in United States as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance use disorders

Approved in Canada as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

National Eating Disorders Association

Collaborator

Trials

6

Recruited

530+

Findings from Research

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective evidence-based treatment for bulimia nervosa, and an enhanced version of CBT shows even greater effectiveness for various eating disorders.

The enhanced CBT is based on a 'transdiagnostic' theory, making it applicable not only to bulimia nervosa but also to anorexia nervosa and other unspecified eating disorders, broadening its therapeutic reach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders. Murphy, R., Straebler, S., Cooper, Z., et al.[2022]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evolution of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders. [2019]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychotherapy for bulimia: a controlled study. [2015]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychological treatments for bulimia nervosa and binging. [2023]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Suspect an eating disorder? Suggest CBT. [2021]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa. [2018]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dialectical behavior therapy for clients with binge-eating disorder or bulimia nervosa and borderline personality disorder. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group cognitive-behavior therapy for bulimia nervosa: statistical versus clinical significance of changes in symptoms across treatment. [2018]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A critical evaluation of the efficacy of self-help interventions for the treatment of bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. [2021]