Guided self-help for Bulimia Nervosa: A comparison of individual and group provision

This service evaluation explores the implementation of Guided Self-Help (GSH), the first line recommended treatment for Bulimia Nervosa, in both individual and group formats, in an NHS community eating disorder service. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of GSH, compare this across treatment modalities, and explore the therapy experience of participants. N=23 participants engaged in individual and n=38 engaged in group treatment. Three outcome measures (EDE-Q, CIA and PHQ-9) were administered pre- and post-treatment. For both treatment modalities, post-intervention scores significantly improved on all outcome measures. In comparison, the individual treatment modality was found to be more effective for those with more extensive depressive symptoms. The study suggested that both individual and group GSH interventions are effective, supporting group implementation within community eating disorder services. It may be that those with more extensive depression symptoms would benefit to a greater extent from the individual intervention.