COMAT Psychiatry Practice Test

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the recommended treatment for bulimia nervosa because it effectively addresses the distorted thoughts and behaviors associated with the disorder. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative beliefs about body image, food, and weight, while also teaching practical skills to manage urges to binge and purge. By focusing on both cognitive restructuring and behavioral changes, CBT provides a comprehensive approach to treating the underlying issues that sustain bulimia nervosa.

This therapeutic method has been shown to result in significant improvement in eating disorder symptoms and can lead to sustained recovery. It emphasizes the development of healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies, making it particularly well-suited for this condition. Research has consistently demonstrated its efficacy, often leading to reductions in binge-eating and purging behaviors.

While antidepressants can be part of the treatment plan—especially when comorbid depression or anxiety is present—they are generally more effective when combined with psychotherapy like CBT. Electroconvulsive therapy is typically reserved for severe cases of depression and is not a first-line treatment for bulimia. Behavioral modification therapy, while useful, may lack the depth of cognitive restructuring that CBT provides, making it less effective as a standalone treatment. Overall, CBT stands out as the most evidence-based approach for