Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bulimia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the effectiveness of two therapies for adolescents with bulimia nervosa, particularly those with higher weight who binge eat and purge. One therapy employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to change harmful eating behaviors and build self-compassion. The other involves mindfulness training to help manage stress and emotions. Teens who have experienced at least two binge or purge episodes a month for the past three months and have a higher weight may be suitable candidates. Participants must be available for four months to complete the study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding effective treatments for bulimia nervosa in adolescents.
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.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that CBT effectively reduces symptoms of bulimia nervosa, such as binge eating and purging, while also alleviating depression and enhancing quality of life. No strong evidence indicates serious side effects from CBT.
Mindfulness practices, like those in the "Learning to Breathe" program, are also considered safe. Research suggests that mindfulness can lessen binge eating and improve mental well-being, including reducing anxiety and depression. So far, no major reports of harmful side effects from mindfulness methods have emerged.
Both CBT and mindfulness have been successfully used by many people, including those with eating disorders, suggesting they are safe options for managing bulimia symptoms.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bulimia (CBT-BNh) because it specifically targets adolescents with higher weight who are dealing with bulimia nervosa, offering a tailored approach that current treatments may not provide. Unlike traditional therapies that might not focus on weight stigma, CBT-BNh incorporates self-compassion coping skills to address this issue, which can be a significant factor in the condition. Additionally, it combines psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and relapse prevention to help reduce unhealthy behaviors like purging and binge eating. By focusing on these unique aspects, CBT-BNh aims to offer a more comprehensive and empathetic treatment option for a group that is often underserved.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for bulimia?
Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the treatments under study in this trial, effectively treats bulimia nervosa. Studies indicate that CBT helps reduce binge eating and purging behaviors. Approximately 40% to 50% of patients recover from bulimia after CBT treatment, making it a strong option for addressing these issues. Additionally, CBT improves bulimia symptoms faster than some other therapies, such as interpersonal therapy. Experts widely consider CBT a preferred treatment for this condition due to its proven success in reducing eating disorder symptoms.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Janet A Lydecker, PhD
Principal Investigator
Yale University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
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
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Mindfulness training for 4 months through weekly 45-minute telehealth sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Mindfulness
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Yale University
Lead Sponsor
National Eating Disorders Association
Collaborator