Is person-centered group therapy effective for treating Bulimia Nervosa (Eating Disorder)?

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Last updated: April 14, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Person-centered group therapy is not the primary recommended treatment for bulimia nervosa, but rather eating disorder-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, which may be supplemented with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, such as 60 mg fluoxetine daily, for optimal outcomes. According to the American Psychiatric Association practice guideline for the treatment of patients with eating disorders 1, the recommended treatment approach for adults with bulimia nervosa involves eating disorder-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, with the option of adding medication if there is minimal or no response to psychotherapy alone by 6 weeks of treatment. While person-centered group therapy can provide a supportive environment for individuals to explore their feelings and develop self-acceptance, the primary focus of treatment for bulimia nervosa should be on addressing the underlying psychological aspects of the disorder through evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Key components of effective treatment include:

  • Eating disorder-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Possible prescription of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, such as fluoxetine, for adults
  • Comprehensive, culturally appropriate, and person-centered treatment plans that incorporate medical, psychiatric, psychological, and nutritional expertise
  • A coordinated multidisciplinary team approach to care. The American Psychiatric Association guidelines emphasize the importance of individualized treatment plans and a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex needs of individuals with bulimia nervosa, as outlined in the 2023 practice guideline 1.

From the Research

Effectiveness of Person-Centered Group Therapy for Treating Bulimia Nervosa

There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies focus on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and its enhanced version (CBT-E) for treating bulimia nervosa, rather than person-centered group therapy.

Alternative Therapies for Bulimia Nervosa

  • Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) has been shown to be effective in treating bulimia nervosa, with significant improvements in bulimic symptoms and associated symptoms 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • CBT-E has been found to be effective for patients with complex comorbidity, including borderline personality disorder and mood/anxiety disorders 2.
  • Integrative cognitive-affective therapy (ICAT) has also been found to be effective in treating bulimia nervosa, with significant improvements in bulimic symptoms and associated symptoms 3.

Limitations of Current Research

  • The provided studies do not investigate the effectiveness of person-centered group therapy for treating bulimia nervosa.
  • More research is needed to establish the specificity of CBT-E and to investigate the differential effects of various therapies for bulimia nervosa 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.