Objective
The purposes of this study were to evaluate the use of an online guided self‐treatment programme for bulimia nervosa (BN) and to determine predictors of outcome. Data were collected in four European countries where the programme was simultaneously used.
Method
One hundred and twenty‐seven BN or subthreshold BN female patients (mean age of 24.7 years) participated in a 4‐month intervention using a CBT based online‐guided self‐help programme. Contact during the treatment period included weekly e‐mails with a coach.
Assessment
Measures included the Eating Disorders Inventory‐2 (EDI‐2) and the Symptom Check List‐Revised (SCL‐90R).
Results
Severity of eating disorders symptoms and general psychopathology improved significantly. Twenty‐three per cent of patients were symptom free at the end of treatment. The dropout rate was 25.2%. A better score of general psychological health was a predictor of a better outcome.
Conclusions
This study encourages further developments and research on innovative therapy approaches, particularly for those disorders such as BN, with difficult therapy and unclear prognosis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.