Binge-eating and self-induced vomiting in the community. A preliminary study.
This study examined by questionnaire the prevalence of binge-eating and self-induced vomiting among a sample of 369 consecutive attenders at a family planning clinic. 20.9 per cent reported current episodes of uncontrollable and excessive eating ('binges'), 2.9 per cent currently induced vomiting as a means of weight control; and 4.9 per cent reported using laxatives. Binge-eating and self-induced vomiting were strongly associated with disturbed attitudes to food, eating, body weight and shape; and with psychiatric disturbance. Menstrual dysfunction was not associated with either body weight or binge-eating; it was however associated with psychiatric state. Applying conservative rules, 1.9 per cent appeared to fulfil diagnostic criteria for the recently described syndrome bulimia nervosa.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004739:England; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006963:Hyperphagia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008598:Menstruation; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D014839:Vomiting / Q000523:psychology*
D002400:Cathartics