title: The use of multiple purging methods as an indicator of eating disorder severity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Previous studies indicate a distinction between those who use one versus multiple methods of purging, but these studies have not controlled for differences in purging frequency. The current study examined whether purging frequency or the use of multiple purging (MP) methods provides more information about eating disorder severity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Existing data were reanalyzed to examine associations between facets of purging and psychological measures among women with bulimia nervosa, purging disorder, and controls. Analyses compared the use of MP methods and purging frequency as indicators of eating pathology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MP methods demonstrated associations with greater eating disorder severity; purging frequency was associated with increased binge frequency and general psychopathology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of MP methods provides more information about eating disorder severity than purging frequency, which seems to be a marker of related psychopathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
authors.forename: Crystal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Edler
authors.forename: Alissa A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Haedt
authors.forename: Pamela K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Keel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D004232:Diuretics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014839:Vomiting
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D004232:Diuretics