Binge Eating Disorder (Bulimia Nervosa): Therapy

General measures

  • Psychosocial integration: this mainly includes (re)integration into school. In addition, the integration in groups of peers counts to it, in order to lift the social isolation.
  • Aim for normal weight! Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised weight loss program or program for underweight.
  • Avoidance of psychosocial conflict situations:
    • Relationship problems

Regular checkups

  • Regular medical checkups

Nutritional medicine

  • Maintenance of a nutritional protocol by patients → nutritional analysis.
  • Nutritional counseling with the aim of dietary change
  • Dietary recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
    • A total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruit daily (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit).
    • Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
    • High-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables).
  • Observance of the following special dietary recommendations:
    • A meal plan should be established with regular meals and snacks. Thus, binge eating can be prevented.
  • Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis.
  • See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
  • Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.

Sports Medicine

Psychotherapy

  • Psychotherapy is the treatment of choice for bulimia nervosa! Here, the treatment should be disorder-oriented. The following measures of psychotherapy can be used:
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – discussing the psychological problems such as the fear of gaining weight or the lack of self-esteem. Duration of therapy should be at least 25 sessions with a frequency of at least one hour of therapy per week. [highest evidence; therapy of choice]
    • Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) – short-term psychotherapy; it draws on cognitive-behavioral approaches, among others. [comparable effectiveness as KVT]
    • Psychodynamically oriented therapy (PT) – working through conflicts and crises.
    • Family therapy
    • Parental counseling
    • Interpersonal therapy – seeks to improve the relationship skills of those affected.
  • Detailed information on psychosomatics (including stress management) can be obtained from us.