Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Method in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa: A Case Report

Abstract

In this case report, cognitive behavioral therapy method was applied to a 26-year-old female client who showed symptoms of “Bulimia Nervosa” according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The client has been exposed to binge eating and vomiting behaviors an average of 10 times a week in the last 4 months. Treatment with cognitive behavioral techniques was started taking into account the past life events and current discomfort of the client who applied for professional support. By proceeding with the negative automatic thoughts observed as a result of the technical formulation of the case, it is aimed to observe significant changes in negative and undesirable behaviors in line with the realistic goals of the client and therapy by recording changes in their beliefs and assumptions that impair functionality. In total, 14 sessions lasting 50 minutes each were performed, and the expected goals were significantly achieved, which was recorded as a successful case. CBT techniques and psychoeducation were used in the sessions, and in this pathological case report, the purpose of selecting the case is to present that cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective method of treating bulimia nervosa nutrition and eating disorder by examining it together with the case evidence, to shed light on new studies to be conducted.