Prediction of Outcome in Bulimia Nervosa by Early Change in Treatment

OBJECTIVE: The authors’ goal was to identify predictors of treatment response in bulimia nervosa and, in particular, to attempt to replicate and extend the observation that early change predicts outcome. METHOD: Predictors of response at the end of treatment and 8-month follow-up were sought from a group of 220 women treated with either cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy. RESULTS: Early change in frequency of purging was the best predictor of response at the end of treatment and at 8-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Early change in treatment is a robust and potent predictor of immediate and longer-term outcome in bulimia nervosa.