Effectiveness of combined cognitive-behavior intervention and motivational interviewing techniques in bulimia nervosa: a case study.

Abstract

The present work describes the therapeutic process through a cognitive-behavioral intervention of a 25 years old female who presents an eating disorder, diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa. A single case research design and prepost measures were used, with eating disorder questionnaires such as EDE-Q and BITE, and emotional well-being questionnaires such as BDI-II, STAI and DERS. The goals for treatment, based on the functional analysis, were as follows: improve adherence to treatment, incorporate a pattern of five daily intakes, reduce the number of compensatory behaviors and binges, and improve the patient’s self-concept. The techniques used were: psychoeducation, motivational interviewing techniques, self- registers, modeling, alternative response training, stimulus control  techniques, problem solving, cognitive restructuring, breathing control techniques and exposure. The  treatment was applied in 20 weekly sessions. From the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the information, it can be concluded that the treatment was effective. The challenges of the intervention are discussed.