Interpersonal Group Therapy for Women Experiencing Bulimia

Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is considered one of the leading causes of psychological impairment among women (Striegel-Moore & Bulik, 2007). Lifetime prevalence rates for Bulimia Nervosa (BN) range between 1–3% of women, although many more women experience sub-threshold bulimic symptoms that significantly impair their life functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2006; Hoek & Van Hoeken, 2003). BN most often runs a chronic course, beginning in adolescence and persisting across the lifespan, with high rates of remission and relapse (Chavez & Insel, 2007; Wilson, Grilo, & Vitousek, 2007). Women may struggle with symptoms for many years before seeking help, making great efforts to conceal the disorder from others. Even when women do seek treatment, it is of concern that most mental health practitioners report a lack of training in evidence-based approaches for eating disorders (Mussell et al., 2000; Simmons, Milnes, & Anderson, 2008). Further, while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended as a first-line treatment for BN, it is effective for only between 30–50% of clients (Wilson et al., 2007).