Interpersonal therapy for bulimia nervosa

Abstract

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) has been identified as an effective treatment for bulimia nervosa that does not focus on bulimic symptoms. Rather, a detailed assessment culminating in an "interpersonal inventory" identifies core associated interpersonal problem(s) that become the focus of treatment. For that reason, IPT may be particularly helpful for clients who have become "stuck" in their eating disorder for reasons associated with problematic relationships. IPT is also helpful for clients who may benefit from a therapy that offers some structure, focus, and containment without clear behavioral directives. This article describes the theoretical background, structure, and technical aspects of IPT and presents a bulimia nervosa case in which IPT was used effectively, in part due to a "goodness of fit" between the issues presented by this particular client and the treatment model. The case also illustrates IPT's approach to handling resistance and therapist/client relationship issues.