Dysregulated behaviours in bulimia nervosa - a case-control study

Background: Bulimia nervosa (BN) is often related to self-control difficulties and to dysregulated behaviours. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of self-injurious behaviour, suicide attempts, and other dysregulated behaviours in BN, using two control groups (a healthy group and a general psychiatric group), and also to examine the association between these behaviours and alleged sexual abuse in BN. Method: Women (N=233) aged between 13 and 38 years old were evaluated using a semi-structured interview. Results Participants with BN reported more self-injurious behaviours, suicide attempts by drug intake, and poor control in smoking and illicit drugs use compared with participants in both control groups. Participants with BN also reported more spending behaviours when compared with the general psychiatric control group. The use of illegal drugs and medication was significantly related to alleged sexual abuse in BN participants. Conclusions: This study concluded that BN is often related to dysregulated behaviours, and clinicians must take into account the multi-impulsive spectrum behaviours of BN in their evaluation and treatment of BN.