The results of a new study suggest that a person who uses a variety of purging methods may have a more severe eating disorder than one who purges just as often but uses the same method every time. The study involved 76 women with purging disorder and 35 women who did not engage in the practice.

"The individuals who used multiple purging methods exhibited greater body image disturbance, were more restrained in eating, and were more concerned about eating, the researchers found."

Researchers also found that women who purged more frequently, but used the same method, were more prone to depression, anxiety and personality disorders. The findings could help doctors better understand the severity of an eating disorder, which would allow them to adapt treatment accordingly. Source: Reuters

Labels: body_image, purging, severity

A team of researchers from the University of Iowa at Iowa City has found that the types of purging methods used by someone with an eating disorder may indicate the severity of the disorder. The team also found that someone who purges frequently using the same method was more likely to suffer from anxiety and/or depression.

"The individuals who used multiple purging methods exhibited greater body image disturbance, were more restrained in eating, and were more concerned about eating, researchers found."

Keel and her colleagues evaluated the behaviors of 76 women with purging disorders and 35 with healthy means of weight control. The ones who used multiple purging methods didn't binge eat more frequently, and the ones who used the same method repeatedly were more likely to be diagnosed with a personality disorder. The research team hopes their findings will give doctors better indicators of the severity of a person's disorder.

Labels: binge eating, purging, severity