No abstract

Inpatient (n = 27) and outpatient (n = 22) cognitive-behavior therapy programs for bulimia nervosa were evaluated in an uncontrolled experiment. Both treatment conditions included exposure with response prevention and cognitive restructuring. Inpatient treatment had a mean length of stay of 5 weeks. Outpatient treatment lasted 15 weeks. Both groups were followed after the end of treatment. The results showed that both programs were effective in reducing problems associated with bulimia nervosa. The inpatient program led to very rapid progress, whereas the outpatient program led to more gradual improvement. There was, however, a trend toward relapse for inpatients. Other psychological disturbances, (e.g., depression) were improved after inpatient, but not outpatient, treatment. These data were discussed in terms of their implications for treatment planning for cases of bulimia nervosa.

No abstract

This study investigated the relationship between bulimia nervosa and resting metabolic rate. It was hypothesized that severe levels of bulimia, characterized by purging through self‐induced vomiting as well as restrictive eating patterns, would be associated with a decrease in the rate of energy utilization and thus a lower resting metabolic rate. Forty‐two female subjects participated in the metabolic assessment. Twenty‐six were given the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, and only those subjects purging through self‐induced vomiting were included. Sixteen nonbulimic women of comparable age, height, and weight were included as a control group. Resting metabolic rate was measured by continuous monitoring of expired oxygen and carbon dioxide fractions by indirect calorimetry via open‐circuit spirometry. Mean values of kilocalories per hour per kilogram were utilized as the dependent variable in the statistical analysis. Bulimic subjects were divided into severe and less severe groups using a median split on the Bulimia Test (BULIT) and compared with normals. Results showed a negative correlation between severity of bulimia, as measured by the BULIT, and resting metabolic rate. It was found that severe bulimics had lower resting metabolic rates than less severe bulimics and normals, who did not differ. These data indicate that severe levels of bulimia are associated with lower resting metabolism, although the correlational nature of the data prohibits a direct causal statement regarding bulimic behavior and its effects on metabolism.