Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bulimia Nervosa

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Bulimia Nervosa (CBT4BN) is a research program funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and conducted by the UNC Eating Disorders Program and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment and the gold-standard for treating bulimia nervosa. The current study aims to compare two forms of CBT: face-to-face group therapy and online group therapy via cbt4bn.org.

Detailed Description
-----------------
All treatment is conducted by trained professionals from either the UNC Eating Disorders Program (in Chapel Hill) or Western Psychiatric Institute (in Pittsburgh) who are experienced in the treatment of eating disorders. Participants will participate in 16 1.5 hour long group sessions of group CBT over 20 weeks. Groups will include 5-8 participants, one or two co-therapists, and two sessions by a registered dietitian. Participants will be expected to complete self-monitoring forms which assess their mood and behavior. Groups will either take place face-to-face or online in a therapist-moderated chat group.

Official Title
-----------------
Optimizing Technology in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa

Conditions
-----------------
Bulimia Nervosa

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: DSM-IV criteria for BN Internet access at home Either off psychotropic medication for at least one month or on a stable dose of psychotropic medication Exclusion Criteria: Any major medical condition that would interfere with treatment or require alternative treatment Alcohol or drug dependence in the last three months Current significant suicidal ideation Developmental disability that would impair the ability to use the internet program effectively Psychosis, including schizophrenia, or bipolar I disorder

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Face-to-face group therapy<br> | Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy<br>* Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that addresses the links between thoughts, emotions and behaviors.<br>* Other names: CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy;|
| Active Comparator: Online chat group therapy<br> | Behavioral: Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy<br>* Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that addresses the links between thoughts, emotions and behaviors.<br>* Other names: CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy;|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Abstinence from binge/purge episodes |  | 12 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reduction of binge/purge episodes |  | 12 months | 
| Maintenance of behavior change |  | 12 months |