Extrait

Background and study aims Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder that causes significant impairment and distress among sufferers. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice and early access to therapy seems to improve outcomes. However, most young people with eating disorders do not access effective treatment and in many areas, the availability of CBT is limited. The main aim of this study was to evaluate how well internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT), supplemented with e-mail support, works among students with BN or similar disorders. The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate how immediate delivery of iCBT compares to delaying this. This was done to introduce similar conditions to those that patients in the National Health Service (NHS) experience. Who can participate? For this study we recruited students of any age and gender that were studying at five London-based universities that were invited to take part in the study. What does the study involve? Participants were assessed and then allocated at random to two groups. One group received immediate iCBT and the other group was put on a waiting list to receive the same treatment. We compared the outcomes of people in the groups at two points. The first comparison was made after the first group received treatment and the second group had been on the waiting list for the same time (three months). The second comparison was done after the second group (the waiting list group) had completed the treatment; this time we compared the outcomes of the two groups once both had completed the treatment. All participants received the same treatment except that some received it immediately and others waited for three months to receive this. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Participants who enrolled in the study received access to an innovative form of treatment (iCBT). Many participants had not received any form of treatment previous to their involvement in the study. There were no side effects expected from this treatment. However, it was expected that people in the waiting list were not going to experience a rapid improvement because they were not receiving treatment. Where is the study run from? We recruited students from five universities based in London: King’s College London, The University of the Arts, Goldsmiths University, St Georges University and Laban. When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study lasted for three years and it was run between September 2005 and September 2008. Who is funding the study? South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología) and the National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre. Who is the main contact? Professor Ulrike Schmidt [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Mental and Behavioural Disorders: Bulimia nervosa

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp