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What is the outlook for Bulimia Nervosa?

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What is the outlook (prognosis)?

Bulimia is the sort of condition that is difficult to cure fully 'once and for all'. Many people improve with treatment, but bad spells (relapses) may recur from time-to-time in some cases. Many people find they still have issues with food, even after treatment, but they are more in control and can lead happier, more fulfilled lives.

Studies suggest that 10 years after a diagnosis of bulimia about 5 in 10 people are well, about 2 in 10 people still have bulimia, and about 3 in 10 people are somewhere in the middle. However, the recent study about CBT treatment (cited at the end) suggests that with good quality CBT, the outlook is probably even better than these 'overall' figures. It is very unusual to die from bulimia.

Further help and information

This leaflet is just a brief introduction to bulimia. For further help, information, resources, 'self-help guides' etc, it is best to see your doctor first. The following may also be of help:

beat
103 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, NR1 1DW
Tel: 0845 634 1414 Web: www.b-eat.co.uk.com
beat is the working name of the Eating Disorders Association. It provides helplines for adults and young people, online support and a UK-wide network of self-help groups to help people beat their eating disorder.

Institute of Psychiatry/Maudsley Hospital
Web: www.iop.kcl.ac.uk/sites/edu/?id=131
This site has good information on medical complications of eating disorders and is kept up-to-date with research developments.

References

Fairburn CG, Cooper Z, Doll HA, et al; Transdiagnostic Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Patients With Eating Disorders: A Two-Site Trial With 60-Week Follow-Up. Am J Psychiatry. 2008 Dec 15. [abstract]
Hay PJ, Bacaltchuk J, Stefano S; Psychotherapy for bulimia nervosa and binging. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(3):CD000562. [abstract]
Eating disorders: Core interventions in the treatment and management of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and related eating disorders, NICE (2004)

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.