Multi-impulsivity among women with bulimia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
The results of past research suggest the possible existence of a distinct subgroup of bulimic individuals who display multiple behaviors indicative of impulsivity (e.g., stealing, self-injury, attempted suicide, drug abuse). We further investigated potential relationships between multi-impulsivity and other clinical variables.


METHODS
We compared women with bulimia nervosa (purging type) who displayed "multi-impulsivity" (n = 40) to those who did not (n = 177) with regard to symptom history and presentation, eating-disordered attitudes, and sexual experience.


RESULTS
The two groups did not differ in mean age, body mass index, scores on scales of eating-disordered attitudes and traits, incidence of self-induced vomiting, sexual intercourse, or masturbation, and current frequency of binge eating and self-induced vomiting. However, relative to the comparison group, women in the multi-impulsive group reported earlier onset of binge eating and sexual intercourse, a greater incidence of laxative abuse, and use of a greater number of different substances. There were statistical trends (p < .10) toward the multi-impulsive group displaying earlier onset of self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, and masturbation.


CONCLUSIONS
Results are discussed in relation to the results of past research and the implications for treatment of bulimic women.
Wiederman
M W
MW
Department of Psychological Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.
Pryor
T
T
D000328:Adult; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology*; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003075:Coitus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000150:complications*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008418:Masturbation; D008875:Middle Aged; D012651:Self Medication; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014839:Vomiting
D002400:Cathartics