Prevent Bulimia Relapse

Posted by Lori Henry Dec 20, 2006

Aftercare is an important step after a patient with an eating disorder has gone through treatment. It can help prevent relapse and offer a safe bridge between therapy and an independent life.

Scientists have conducted a study called "Aftercare intervention through text messaging in the treatment of bulimia nervosa- feasibility pilot" in the UK.

They say that, “Even with the best available treatment, most bulimia nervosa sufferers are not symptom free at the end of therapy and, for those who have achieved remission, risk of relapse is high. Thus, there is a need for aftercare or relapse prevention interventions after therapy."

This study was published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders this month after researchers concluded that "Levels of use of the program were relatively low and attrition high, indicating limited acceptance of the intervention. This study suggests that the SMS-based intervention would benefit from further adaptation to make it a more useful tool for the aftercare of patients after outpatient treatment for bulimia nervosa."

Professionals are always looking for new ways to give greater aftercare and prevent relapses in their patients and these scientists believe they might be on to something. They took 21 patients with bulimia after having participated outpatient therapy. The 6 month study explored the “feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a text messaging-based intervention.”