Impulsive behaviors in bulimic patients: relation to general psychopathology.
OBJECTIVE
At a general level, impulsivity is related to both bulimic and general psychopathology. However, it is a complex construct, and the specific role of different forms of impulsivity in psychopathology remains to be determined. The present study of bulimic outpatients examined the association of internally and externally directed impulsive behaviors with general and bulimic psychopathology.


METHODS
Thirty female bulimic outpatients completed standardized measures of bulimic attitudes/behaviors, general psychopathology and impulsive behaviors.


RESULTS
While general psychopathology was associated with internally directed impulsive behaviors (e.g., self-harm), bulimic pathology was more specifically linked with externally directed impulsivity (e.g., theft; reckless driving).


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that the bulimia-impulsivity link in eating disordered patients is not simply a by-product of the broader association of impulsivity with psychopathology. Therefore, bulimic pathology does not seem to be just a manifestation of general psychological disturbance. Further research is suggested to test these results and potential clinical implications are outlined.
Department of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Extremadura, Avenue of Elvas s/n, 06071 Badajoz, Extremadura, Spain. elledo@unex.es
Eva
E
Peñas-Lledó
Francisco J
FJ
Vaz
M Isabel
MI
Ramos
Glenn
G
Waller
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires