PREDICTORS OF OUTCOME FOR 2 TREATMENTS FOR BULIMIA-NERVOSA - SHORT AND LONG-TERM

Objective: This study examined pretreatment variables to predict outco me in two treatments for bulimia nervosa. Method: Patients were offere d either 16 weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or a self-trea tment manual followed by up to 8 weeks of CBT (sequential group). Usin g complete data, stepwise regression analyses were performed Results: It was found that a longer duration of illness and lower binge frequen cy predicted a better outcome both at the end of treatment (p <.001) a nd at 18 months of follow-up (p <.005). In the sequential group, lower pretreatment binge frequency predicted better outcome at the end of t reatment (p <.05) and at 18 months of follow-up (p <.05). In the CBT g roup, longer duration of illness predicted better outcome at the end o f treatment (p <.02). Discussion: It is concluded that (1) those with more frequent binging may require a more intense intervention and (2) those who have been ill longer may be more motivated to respond to tre atment. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.