Tobacco use and comorbidity in bulimia nervosa

Int J Eat Disord. 2008 Dec;41(8):734-8. doi: 10.1002/eat.20572.

Abstract

Objective: To compare comorbid psychopathology and substance use among women with bulimia nervosa (BN) based on smoking status.

Method: Forty women diagnosed with BN (20 smokers, 20 nonsmokers) completed written self-report measures of depressive symptoms, substance use, and alcohol abuse.

Results: Smokers reported more symptoms of depression and alcohol abuse and were more likely to use alcohol than nonsmokers, whereas caffeine consumption did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusion: Smokers with BN may represent a distinct subtype characterized by high rates of comorbid depression and alcohol abuse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bulimia Nervosa / epidemiology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / epidemiology*