Impulsivity and compulsivity in bulimia nervosa.
OBJECTIVE
A primary objective of the current article is to investigate the relationship between impulsivity and compulsivity in patients with bulimia nervosa (BN). A second goal is to explore the relationship between impulsivity and compulsivity and related psychiatric problems.


METHODS
Two-hundred four females with BN completed several measures of impulsivity and compulsivity as well as measures of personality, substance use, eating pathology, and depression.


RESULTS
Participants reported considerable variability on measures of impulsivity and compulsivity and these scores were positively correlated with each other. Impulsive-compulsive groups differed in personality, substance use, eating, and depression.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that impulsivity and compulsivity can coexist in BN patients and that both traits may provide useful information about comorbid problems in women with BN.
Engel
Scott G
SG
Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo, North Dakota 58107, USA. sengel@nrifargo.com
Corneliussen
Stephanie J
SJ
Wonderlich
Stephen A
SA
Crosby
Ross D
RD
le Grange
Daniel
D
Crow
Scott
S
Klein
Marjorie
M
Bardone-Cone
Anna
A
Peterson
Carol
C
Joiner
Thomas
T
Mitchell
James E
JE
Steiger
Howard
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010551:Personality; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales