Outpatient treatment of bulimia nervosa: an illustrative case study.

The salient features of bulimia nervosa is highlighted. Essential principles of an effective outpatient treatment programme is illustrated using an uncomplicated case history. Cognitive, behavioural and psychodynamic principles are illustrated in the course of therapy. The treatment programme is short-term, can be effectively carried out by non-medical personnel under medical supervision and is therefore likely to be cost-beneficial compared to longer term psychotherapies for the treatment of this disorder.