Treatment of bulimia nervosa

The current literature on bulimia nervosa is reviewed and summarized. The importance of identification, assessment, diagnosis and engagement in treatment is described, along with precursors to treatment itself (e.g. physical management). Treatment options include the use of antidepressants, although the findings do not indicate good long-term outcomes for medication. Psychological treatments have better long-term outcomes - particularly cognitive-behaviour therapy. However, there is clearly a need for those therapies to be enhanced, to benefit a wider range of patients. Recent developments indicate that models and treatments are more likely to be effective if they address the wider range of eating disorders, rather than simply targeting those with 'pure' bulimia nervosa.