Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

Studies on effective treatments for Bulimia Nervosa have found that:

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy alone and treatment with an SSRI alone are about equally effective but, in most cases, combining the two treatments does not improve outcomes

2. Cognitive behavioral therapy alone and treatment with an SSRI alone are about equally effective and, in many cases, combining the two treatments improves outcomes

3. Treatment with an SSRI alone is superior to cognitive behavior therapy alone but, for some patients, combining the two treatments improves outcomes

4. Cognitive behavioral therapy alone is superior to treatment with an SSRI alone but, for some patients, combining the two treatments improves outcomes

The correct answer is: Cognitive behavioral therapy alone is superior to treatment with an SSRI alone but, for some patients, combining the two treatments improves outcomes

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as the most effective psychological treatment for Bulimia Nervosa. Research indicates that CBT targets the dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors associated with eating disorders, leading to significant reductions in binge-eating and purging behaviors. The therapy helps individuals develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies, ultimately contributing to improved long-term outcomes. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be helpful in managing some symptoms associated with Bulimia Nervosa, such as mood disturbances and anxiety, they are generally considered less effective as a standalone treatment for the eating disorder itself compared to CBT. Most studies show that CBT alone yields better results than SSRIs alone when it comes to reducing eating disorder symptoms. There is evidence that for some patients, combining CBT with SSRIs may enhance treatment outcomes, particularly for those with concurrent mood or anxiety disorders. This combination can further stabilize mood while addressing the bulimic behaviors through cognitive and behavioral interventions. However, CBT remains the superior approach for treating the core symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa.