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NREPP SAMHSA'S National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices
IMPORTANT LEGACY NOTICE: Legacy Programs have not been reviewed by the current National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP). The programs in this database were reviewed only under the previous National Registry of Effective Prevention Programs system. This section is intended to be used for historical reference only. If you would like more information about a program listed here, please contact the program developer directly. The program developer of each Legacy Program listed here agreed to post program information on this site.

Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bulimia Nervosa

Brief Program Description

Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bulimia Nervosa is an eating habit control program focusing on reducing binge eating and purging. The dual-approach program consists of cognitive behavioral treatment focusing on dysfunctional cognitive activity combined with traditional behavioral therapy for binge and purge behaviors. Both approaches consist of eight weekly individual outpatient treatment sessions conducted by a master's degree-level therapist following a behavioral therapy treatment manual. Behavioral treatment sessions focus on:

  1. Antecedents and consequences of binge eating and purging
  2. Information about nutrition and the dangers of fad dieting
  3. Environmental structuring and stimulus control
Cognitive behavioral therapy covers the same topics as behavioral therapy but in condensed form with greater emphasis on homework. In addition, it focuses on dysfunctional beliefs and distorted cognition, with emphasis on cognitive restructuring, challenging dysfunctional beliefs, assertiveness, building problem-solving skills, and relaxation training.

The program is intended for women aged 15-62 who have been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Study participants were recruited from nonurban areas. Compared with a self-monitoring control group, behavioral treatment and cognitive-behavioral treatment participants were more likely to abstain from binging and purging post-treatment and at 6-month followup. Cognitive-behavior therapy participants were more likely than behavior therapy participants to abstain from binging and purging at 6-month follow-up.

Contact Information

For indepth information on this program, please use the contact listed below.

Program Developer

Donna Thackwray, Ph.D.
220 W. Union Street
Morgantown, NC 28655
Phone: (822) 433-2111
Email: yooperdonna_t@yahoo.com

In October 2004, this program was designated as an Effective Program under SAMHSA's previous National Registry of Effective Prevention Programs system.