How is bulimia nervosa treated?

How is bulimia nervosa treated?

Your healthcare provider may treat bulimia nervosa using a variety of techniques. They may refer you to a team of specialists including dietitians and mental health professionals. Treatments may include:

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of individual counseling. It focuses on changing your thinking (cognitive) and behavior (behavioral). Treatment includes techniques for developing healthy attitudes toward food and weight. It also includes approaches for changing the way you respond to difficult situations.
• Nutritional counseling: Nutrition counseling involves learning healthier ways to eat. You'll work with a registered dietitian or counselor to get back on track.
• Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a type of antidepressant. They can reduce the frequency of binge eating and vomiting. But the long-term effectiveness of these drugs isn’t clear. They’re also effective at treating anxiety and depression. These conditions are common among people with bulimia nervosa.
• Support groups: Support groups can be helpful when used with other forms of treatment. In support groups, people and their families meet and share their stories.