Phase 1 treatment for the chronic and previously treated anorexia. Bulimia nervosa patient

Treatment of anorexia nervosa/bulimia patients with a chronic course who previously were treated is given little attention in the literature. At the Uppsala University Hospital, a special program was developed for this category. It is assumed that successful therapy requires (1) a combination of therapeutic modalities, (2) a stepwise treatment, (3) a combination of anorexia nervosa and bulimia treatment principles, and (4) a treatment goal that is subjectively valid for the patient. In the present article, “Phase 1” is described. This involves teaching eating control through detailed diet and activity regimens supported by daily talk sessions, body-awareness therapy, and occupational therapy. “Phase 2” psychotherapy is thereby made possible. Results are promising in that a substantial proportion of patients were able to reach eating and weight goals not attained in previous treatments. Possible ways of improving results, the role of medical management, and implications for treatment of young patients are discussed.