Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents With Bulimia

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents With Bulimia

This pilot study will evaluate the effectiveness of individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and supportive psychotherapy (SP) in reducing bulimic symptoms among adolescents.

Patients will be randomized to have an equal chance of either receiving CBT or SP. Participants will include both individuals with DSM-IV bulimia nervosa (BN), and patients with sub-threshold BN. Adolescent patients will be treated at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, with a target recruitment of 20 patients completing the study. Participants in both conditions will be assessed prior to treatment and at the end of treatment. This trial is intended to serve as a pilot investigation to determine the feasibility and utility of a larger controlled study in this population.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 12 and 18
2. DSM-IV diagnosis of bulimia nervosa or sub-threshold bulimia nervosa (binge eating and/or purging at least once per week)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder
2. Current psychosis
3. Drug or alcohol abuse in the past 3 months
4. Acute Suicidal Risk
5. Major depression producing significant functional impairment
6. Significant medical illness
7. Weight outside of normal weight range (between 85% and 120% of the 50th percentile for age as measured by standard growth charts)