Exploring the use of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate as a treatment for adults with bulimia nervosa: A quantitative and qualitative assessment

Abstract

As part of an open-label eight-week feasibility trial examining the use of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) for BN, I conducted a mixed-methods sub-project to investigate whether eating disorder symptoms and measures of eating disorder cognitions, obsessive, compulsive, and impulsive features, and functional impairment change during treatment with LDX and to explore participant experiences with LDX treatment. In the intent-to-treat sample, reductions in the frequency of objective binge episodes and total compensatory behaviours were observed (Cohen’s d = 1.81 and 1.85, respectively). Furthermore, scores on measures of eating disorder cognitions, obsessive and compulsive features, and food-related impulsivity decreased (Cohen’s d range: .38 - 4.22). In the qualitative analysis, I found four overarching themes regarding participants’ experiences with LDX: 1) reprieve from the eating disorder, 2) improvement in function and quality of life, 3) renewed hope for recovery, and 4) ability to normalize eating.