Correlates of self-induced vomiting and laxative misuse in a community sample of women

Mond, Jonathan M., Hay, Phillipa J., Rodgers, Bryan, Owen, Cathy, and Mitchell, James E. (2006) Correlates of self-induced vomiting and laxative misuse in a community sample of women. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 194 (1). pp. 40-46.

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Abstract

The correlates of self-induced vomiting and laxative misuse were examined in a large community sample of young adult women (N = 5255). Scores on measures of eating disorder psychopathology, general psychological distress, functional impairment, as well as the use of health services for an eating or weight problem were compared among participants who reported regular self-induced vomiting, but not laxative misuse (N = 59), and those who reported regular misuse of laxatives, but not vomiting (N = 39). Individuals who misused laxatives were older, perceived poorer physical health, and were less likely to have sought treatment specifically for a problem with eating than those who engaged in self-induced vomiting. In all other respects, the groups were similar. However, individuals who regularly engaged in both forms of purging (N = 8) had particularly high levels of eating disorder and comorbid psychopathology. The perception among women of normal weight that only syndromes involving the use of self-induced vomiting constitute an eating disorder may need to be addressed in prevention programs. The combination of self-induced vomiting and laxative misuse may indicate a particularly severe psychiatric disturbance.

Item ID: 4055
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1539-736X
Keywords: bulimia nervosa; eating disorders; laxative misuse; self-induced vomiting
Date Deposited: 29 Oct 2009 03:33
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110319 Psychiatry (incl Psychotherapy) @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920410 Mental Health @ 100%
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