THE SELECTIVITY OF INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA IN BULIMIA-NERVOSA TREATMENT STUDIES

Objective: To examine the rates of exclusion and inclusion in various research studies for a series of 51 treatment-seeking patients. Method : The inclusion and exclusion criteria employed in a sample of 41 stud ies were applied to a series of 51 treatment-seeking bulimia nervosa p atients. Results: Of the sample of 51, 11, (21.6%) would have been exc luded from 16 (39%) of the studies because of an age greater than 30; 13 (32%) of the studies would have excluded 8 (16%) of our patients be cause of weight > 11O% ideal body weight. Thirteen (26%) would have be en excluded from 22 (54%) of the studies because of active psychotropi c drug use, despite the lack of response. Discussion: Some of the pati ents who may be most difficult to work with may be excluded from treat ment studies. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.