Cultural considerations for treating Hispanic patients with eating disorders: A case study illustrating the effectiveness of CBT in reducing bulimia nervosa symptoms in a Latina patient.

Eating disorders (ED's) are the deadliest of all mental disorders, yet there is a paucity of research examining the clinical presentation of eating disorders in Hispanic populations and limited guidelines for culturally sensitive treatment. Given the rapid growth of Hispanic communities in the U.S., it is important to acknowledge the unique clinical profile of patients within this demographic and examine eating pathology within this socio-cultural context. This case study aims to illustrate the utility, relevance, and effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on alleviating eating disorder symptoms in an adult Latina patient with bulimia nervosa to understand the broader implications of applying manualized treatments to diverse populations. We outline the strengths of CBT in quickly modifying problematic thought patterns and decreasing pathological behaviors while raising questions about cultural generalizability. In addition, we explore CBT's limitations in addressing certain underlying ED pathology-driving and maintaining factors for minority individuals.