Bulimia nervosa: family size, sibling sex and birth order - a catchment-area study

Article Abstract:

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binging and purging behavior. This disorder is frequently, but not necessarily, is accompanied by anorexia nervosa, another eating disorder in which the individual refuses food, has an intense fear of gaining weight, a faulty perception of body image, and is characterized by tremendous weight loss. One study found no particular differences in birth order between normal-weight bulimics and anorectics. Among bulimics, however, there was a greater representation of only-children. It was hypothesized that birth order, combined with effect of parental discord, are conducive to the development of bulimia by the eldest daughter. A study was designed to look at these issues in a sample of 225 bulimic patients of normal weight. Bulimia more frequently affects women than men; this study was limited to bulimic women. Subjects completed a survey designed to gather demographic information and were then interviewed so a definitive diagnosis of bulimic without anorexia could be confirmed. Information was gathered from their mothers as well. It was found that the average family in this study had 2.93 children. Of the 225 subjects, 150 were only children or the eldest female child, and 76 were the youngest. The bulimic was likely to be the eldest daughter or only child; and, if first-born, she was more likely to have a younger sister than younger brother. If the bulimic was second-born, she was more likely to have an older brother than an older sister. No definite conclusions can be drawn from these observations regarding the significance of birth order in bulimia nervosa. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Demographic aspects, Mothers and daughters, Mother-daughter relations, Birth order

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Eating behaviour and attitudes to weight and shape in British women from three ethnic groups

Article Abstract:

To assess possible ethnic differences in women's feelings about weight and body shape or attitudes toward eating, all women attending a family planning and woman's clinic in London over a three-month period were asked to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire included a demographic section, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). The EAT quantifies symptoms of anorexia nervosa (higher scores reflect more disorder), and has subscales for bulimia, dieting and food preoccupation. The BSQ measures female concerns with body weight and shape. The final study sample consisted of 365 Caucasian British, 71 Afro-Caribbean British, and 43 Asian British women. The average age of the women was 28.2 years. Analysis of the data revealed that Afro-Caribbean women had a higher average weight than the Caucasian or Asian women. There were no significant group differences found with the BSQ, but Asian women scored significantly higher than Caucasians on the EAT. The Asian women also scored significantly higher than Caucasian women on the depression subscale of the HAD, although there were no differences found between ethnic groups on the anxiety subscale. In the Caucasian group, higher EAT scores were found to be significantly related to feelings of depression and anxiety. Overall, test scores indicated abnormal eating attitudes and concerns with body weight and shape among all three ethnic groups. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social aspects, United Kingdom, Women, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Eating disorders, Great Britain

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Incest, incestuous fantasy & indecency: a clinical catchment area study of normal-weight bulimic women

Article Abstract:

Incest and childhood sexual abuse (CSA) have received much attention in recent years, as have eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa. Whether it is the incidence or the reporting of these behaviors and conditions that is growing remains to be clarified. It is often suggested that women and girls with eating disorders have a higher prevalence of CSA or incest in their histories than those in the general population. One hundred and twelve normal-weight bulimic women attending an eating disorder clinic in southwest London over a 40-month period were involved in a structured clinical interview that touched upon issues of incest and CSA. Only eight patients (7 percent) reported incest or sexual abuse, of whom five reported incidents involving their natural fathers. An additional 18 patients discussed incestuous fantasies. Of those patients diagnosed with bulimia alone, only two also reported a history of incest; the other six were also alcohol or drug abusers. Although incest does seem to have long-term psychological consequences, the prevalence of incest and indecency among normal-weight bulimic women who are not abusing alcohol or drugs is no higher than in the general population. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Incest, Indecent exposure

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