Statistics of Recovery

Recovering from an eating disorder (e.d.) is hard enough when you WANT to recover. Long-term follow-ups of patients with bulimia nervosa reveal about 30% do not fully recover; 10% remain fully symptomatic (Keel et al., 1999; Reas et al., 2000).

It is important to recognize up to 90% of patients with eating disorders are NOT in treatment (Fairburn et al., 1996), so the 70% recovery rate for bulimia (cited above) refers to the population of bulimics within the 10% of patients in treatment. I imagine the odds of recovery are much lower for patients who do not receive treatment; I know from personal experience treatment from bulimia is almost impossible without symptom interruption and professional care.

Intervening soon after a diagnosis of Bulimia Nervosa is made (i.e., within the first few years) is linked with a better prognosis (Reas et al., 2000 as cited in Davidson, Neale, & Kring, 2004). However, among patients who seek treatment for Bulimia Nervosa, the average length of the disorder is 9 years (Dr. Laura Jaap, Methodist Hospital, 2008), so intervention within the first few years of the diagnosis seems improbable.

Patients with bulimia nervosa who binge and vomit more, have comorbid substance abuse, or a history of depression have a poorer prognosis than patients without these factors (Wilson et al., 1999); symptom use and comorbid substance abuse increase with direct correlation to the length of the disorder in my experience.

Cognitive behavior therapy - the best validated and most current standard for the treatment of bulimia - falls short in most patients (Davidson, Neale, & Kring, 2004).

Findings from a number of studies indicate CBT often results in less frequent binging and purging, with reductions ranging from 70 to more than 90%; extreme dietary restraint is also reduced significantly, and there is improvement in attitudes toward body shape and weight (Compas et al., 1998; Garner et al., 1993; Wilson et al., 1991).

At least HALF OF THOSE TREATED WITH CBT IMPROVE VERY LITTLE (Craighead & Agras, 1991; Wilson, 1995; Wilson & Pike, 1993), and only about ONE THIRD OF THE PATIENTS WHO DO IMPROVE SIGNIFICANTLY MAINTAIN IMPROVEMENTS at followups as early as 6- and 12-months (Fairburn, Peveler, et al., 1993).

Statistics do not seem to favor recovery from Bulimia Nervosa; this does not mean recovery is not possible or probable.

Recovery from Bulimia Nervosa relies on willingness to recover. To support this claim, please summon any cliche quotation indicating the power of attitude: "mind over matter," "weather you think you can, or you think you cannot, you are probably right," etc.

Stay Tuned for a Blog on "The Right Time to Recover;" for help strengthening your ability to improve your chances of recovery through your mindpower, please read "The Secret," (http://www.thesecret.tv/).