Guided internet-based CBT shows promise in bulimia nervosa
27 Aug 2025
Therapist-guided, internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) helps reduce the symptoms of bulimia nervosa in women, as shown in a study.
The study included 61 female participants aged 13 to 65 years (mean 27.8 years) who had bulimia nervosa, had a BMI of at least 17.5 kg/m2, had internet access, and had no history of practicing CBT-related techniques within the past 2 years.
The participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention (n=31) or the wait-list control (n=30) group. Participants in the intervention group underwent internet-based CBT with additional guidance from the therapist over a 12-week period. Those in the control group were informed that they would have access to the intervention after a waiting period. Both groups received usual care.
Researchers measured the severity of bulimia nervosa using the weekly combined frequency of episodes involving binge eating and compensatory behaviours at baseline and at week 12.
The mean BMI at baseline was 21.1 kg/m2, and the mean duration of illness was 9.3 years. Half of the participants (50.8 percent) were employed.
In an intent-to-treat analysis, guided internet-based CBT resulted in a significant reduction in the weekly combined frequency of episodes involving binge eating and compensatory behaviours, with a mean reduction of 9.84 episodes (p=0.01).
Results were consistent in sensitivity analyses.
The present data highlight the potential of integrating therapist-guided, internet-based CBT in usual care to improve outcomes in women with bulimia nervosa.