Mobile therapy: Use of text-messaging in the treatment of bulimia nervosa.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2010-09-23
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine a text messaging program for self monitoring symptoms of bulimia nervosa BN within the context of cognitive behavioral therapy CBT METHOD Thirty one women participated in 12 weekly group CBT sessions and a 12 week follow up Participants submitted a text message nightly indicating the number of binge eating and purging episodes and rating their urges to binge and purge Automatic feedback messages were tailored to their self reported symptoms RESULTS Fully 87 of participants adhered to self monitoring and reported good acceptability The number of binge eating and purging episodes as well as symptoms of depression BDI eating disorder EDI and night eating NES decreased significantly from baseline to both post treatment and follow up DISCUSSION Given the frequent use of mobile phones and text messaging globally this proof of principle study suggests their use may enhance self monitoring and treatment for BN leading to improved attendance adherence engagement in treatment and remission from the disorder