Treatment of bulimia nervosa: Where are we and where are we going?

Objective: The purpose of this article I S to review the extant treatment literature on bulimia nervosa and to offer suggestions for future research directions. Method: The available treatment studies regarding both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are reviewed. Results: Both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy appear to play a role in the treatment of bulimia nervosa; however, available data suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy remains the treatment of choice. Conclusion: Additional work is clearly indicated regarding assisted and unassisted self-help. An enhanced form of CBT and the integrative cognitive-affective therapy both deserve further study. New approaches need to be piloted. More research is needed on treatment modeling. (c) 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.