Volunteers Needed

Treatment Study for Women with Bulimia Nervosa and Depression

The University of Chicago is conducting a year-long NARSAD (The Mental Health Research Foundation) funded study to evaluate outpatient treatments for women with bulimia nervosa and depression. This study is a good match for you if you are:

18 years and over
Female
Meet criteria for bulimia nervosa and depression
Are prepared to participate in assessments
Randomized (assigned by chance) to either Dialectical Behavior Therapy or Pharmacotherapy for 6-months of cost-free treatment

· Aims of the Project

· Procedures

· Treatments

· More information

· Investigator

Aims of the Project

Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and depression are both independent significant public health problems for women. BN and depression together unlike BN alone appears to be associated with clients finding available treatments less helpful, worse body image concerns, other psychological problems and greater difficulties with social functioning.

Despite this, there has been very limited research on the possible treatments for these co-occurring disorders. The purpose of the present study is to attempt to identify an outpatient treatment that is effective for women with both bulimia nervosa and depression.

Procedures

Once the study has been explained to you, you will be asked if you want to continue participating. If so, you will complete an in-person assessment to work out if this study is a good match.

Treatments

You stand an equal chance of being randomized (a process similar to flipping a coin) to Dialectical Behavior Therapy or Pharmacotherapy (drug therapy).

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a cognitive-behavior therapy that teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness skills. It employs weekly group and individual therapy.

Pharmacotherapy (drug therapy): Pharmacotherapy has proven efficacy for individuals with bulimia nervosa and for individuals with depression. This study provides the opportunity to establish if pharmacotherapy can be helpful for women with both BN and depression.

More Information

If you are interested and would like more information, please contact our Participant Coordinator at 773-834-0963.

Investigator