Misuse of laxatives among adult outpatients with eating disorders: prevalence and profiles.
OBJECTIVE
The current study investigated the prevalence of laxative misuse among adult outpatients with eating disorders, distinguished demographic and psychobehavioral profiles of laxative misusers, identified specific predictors of laxative misuse, and explored whether prevalence rates and psychobehavioral profiles differ across eating disorder diagnoses.


METHODS
Data were collected for 201 consecutive patients. Laxative misusers and nonmisusers were compared on demographic variables, measures of eating-related and weight-related behaviors and cognitions, and general psychopathology.


RESULTS
Fifty-three (26.4%) patients had misused laxatives in the month before assessment. Laxative misusers scored significantly higher than nonmisusers on measures of anorexic behaviors and cognitions, restraint, and weight and shape concerns. They also displayed higher levels of depression and self-directed hostility. Laxative misuse was specifically predicted by anorexic behaviors and depression. Across diagnoses, proportions of misusers versus nonmisusers were similar.


CONCLUSIONS
Laxative misuse remains prevalent among adult outpatients and is associated with increased severity of clinical presentation, regardless of the eating disorder diagnosis.
Bryant-Waugh
Rachel
R
Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust Eating Disorder Service, Eastleigh, United Kingdom. rachel.bryant-waugh@ntlworld.com
Turner
Hannah
H
East
Philippa
P
Gamble
Caroline
C
Mehta
Rajnikant
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002400:Cathartics; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020377:Self Efficacy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D002400:Cathartics