Which of the following is true about medication for bulimia nervosa? a. It is not more effective than a placebo. b. the beneficial effects have short-term side effects c. it may not have long-term effects. d. patients refuse to take their medication.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. it may not have long-term effects.
Explanation:
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. Medication is often used alongside psychotherapy to help manage bulimia nervosa. Antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly prescribed, as there is evidence to suggest that they can help reduce the frequency of binge eating and purging behaviors.
However, while medications may provide short-term relief, particularly in reducing the symptoms of bulimia, the long-term effectiveness of these medications is limited. Research has shown that the benefits of medications like SSRIs may not be sustained once treatment is discontinued. This is because medications do not address the root causes of bulimia nervosa, such as underlying psychological factors, which are often best managed through therapy.
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is considered the most effective treatment for bulimia nervosa and can provide longer-term benefits. Medications alone are typically not enough to lead to lasting recovery, and they may need to be combined with therapy for more comprehensive treatment.
While medications can help control symptoms in the short term, their effects tend to diminish over time if not paired with other forms of treatment. Additionally, some patients may struggle with medication adherence due to side effects or concerns about the medication’s impact, but refusal to take medication is not a universal issue for all patients.
Therefore, while medications can be helpful, they do not provide a long-term solution to bulimia nervosa on their own, making the option “it may not have long-term effects” the most accurate statement.