The associations between laxative abuse and other symptoms among adults with anorexia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the current study was to examine the association between laxative abuse and other symptoms and features among adult patients presenting with anorexia nervosa.


METHODS
One hundred and seventeen patients with anorexia nervosa were studied. Laxative abusers and nonabusers were compared.


RESULTS
Compared with nonabusers, laxative-abusing patients had higher ratings on the Ineffectiveness, Body Dissatisfaction, and Drive for Thinness subscales on the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI), as well as more depressive and somatization symptoms. There was an association between laxative abuse and low self-esteem.


CONCLUSIONS
Laxative abuse appears to be associated with especially severe psychopathology and low self-esteem among subjects with anorexia nervosa.
Kovacs
Dora
D
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Palmer
Robert L
RL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002400:Cathartics; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D002400:Cathartics