Multifactorial assessment of bulimia nervosa
Article Abstract:
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a pattern of binge eating followed by purging through such means as self-induced vomiting and the use of laxatives. A variety of underlying causes or factors that contribute to the development of this disorder have been proposed. It has been suggested that bulimia is a variant of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a type of affective (mood) disorder, or that it is a distinct condition unrelated to any others. Likewise, a variety of risk factors associated with bulimia have been put forth, including family history of psychiatric disorder, sociocultural pressures that encourage young women to be thin, and psychological and biological interactions regarding eating and hunger. The model for the development of bulimia may be viewed as cyclic, rather than linear, as some of the symptoms actually lead to further progression of the disorder. For example, lack of control on a diet can create anxiety, and ultimately result in binging and purging behavior, which in turn leads to depression, poor self-esteem, and more anxiety. This study reports on the analysis of multiple factors that may contribute to this disorder as it proceeds in a cyclic fashion. The authors analyzed 22 variables relative to the onset of bulimia, medical histories, and a variety of personality variables of 245 patients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa and 68 patients with other eating disorders. A distinct diagnostic classification for bulimia was obtained after the data were analyzed. In addition, six primary and three secondary factors associated with the disorder emerged, which indicate potential complications and divergence of bulimia. It is concluded that bulimia nervosa is a clinical entity, distinct from other disorders, but is also influenced by a wide range of factors. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Abnormal Psychology
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0021-843X
Year: 1991
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Interrater reliability of a Danish version of the Morgan Russell Scale for assessment of anorexia nervosa
Article Abstract:
A Danish version of the Morgan Russell (MR) scale is evaluated and the results show it is a good instrument in assessing anorexia nervosa. Prior to the experiment, only one study was done on the reliability of the MR and its results were different from that of the present study. The discrepancy in results is attributed to different test procedures and the absence of a training phase in the study done by Freeman et al. Thus, rater training is emphasized to overcome low reliability.
Publication Name: The International Journal of Eating Disorders
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0276-3478
Year: 1999
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Are serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors effective in underweight anorexia nervosa?
Article Abstract:
The administration of serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to underweight anorexics had no effect. A retrospective chart review of the last 40 anorexics was undertaken wherein 24 were given SSRI while 16 were not. The results show that SSRI was not effective in controlling eating disorder symptoms or depression in underweight anorexics. However, recent data shows that SSRI is useful in preventing relapse in weight-restored anorexics.
Publication Name: The International Journal of Eating Disorders
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0276-3478
Year: 1999
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