Engaging Latino Families in Eating Disorders Treatment

Research on culturally sensitive assessment and treatment of eating disorders among Latinos
is scarce. This study is comparing individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) versus CBT
with a family adjunctive intervention for eating disorders in Latina adults. All treatment
will be conducted by trained professionals from either the UNC Eating Disorders Program (in
Chapel Hill) or from El Futuro, Inc. (in Carrboro or Durham, NC) who have been trained in
the treatment of eating disorders.

Participants will participate in 25, 50 minute-long, face-to-face CBT sessions over 27
weeks. Participants will be randomly placed in one of two groups: CBT or CBT with family
enhancement. Those participants who are randomly placed into the CBT group will participate
in 25 individual therapy sessions, 3 sessions with a dietitian, and psychiatry and/or
medical assessments as needed. Those participants who have been randomly placed into the CBT
with family enhancement group will participate in 19 individual therapy sessions, 6 family
therapy sessions, 3 sessions with a dietitian, and psychiatry and/or medical assessments as
needed. All participants will also be expected to participate in baseline, week 6
(mid-treatment), end of treatment, and 3-month follow-up assessments.

Inclusion Criteria:

- DSM-IV criteria for BN, BED, EDNOS (sub-threshold BN)

- Latina

- If taking antidepressant medication, stable dose for at least 3 months prior

- Willingness to ask a family member or significant other to participate AND agreement
of family member to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

- Any major medical condition that would interfere with treatment or require
alternative treatment

- Alcohol or drug dependence in the last three months

- Current significant suicidal ideation

- Developmental disability that would impair the ability of the participant to benefit
from psychotherapy effectively

- Psychosis, including schizophrenia, or bipolar I disorder

- Pregnancy

- Body mass index below 17.5 kg/m^2

- If taking antidepressant medication, doses are not stable; individuals taking any
medications that can significantly affect appetite or weight.