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The Significance of a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Bulimia Nervosa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Patrick F. Sullivan ,
Cynthia M. Bulik ,
Frances A. Carter  and
Peter R. Joyce
Patrick F. Sullivan*
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine
Cynthia M. Bulik
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Frances A. Carter
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Peter R. Joyce
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine
*
Dr Sullivan, University Department of Psychological Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Abstract

Background

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is found to have occurred to a substantial minority of women with bulimia nervosa. Its clinical significance is unclear.

Method

We studied 87 bulimic women in a clinical trial. Structured interviews determined the presence of CSA, DSM–III–R disorders, global functioning, and depressive and bulimic symptoms.

Results

Forty-four per cent reported a history of CSA. Bulimic women with CSA reported earlier onset of bulimia, greater depressive symptoms, worse global functioning and more suicide attempts, and were more likely to meet criteria for bipolar II disorder, alcohol and drug dependence, conduct disorder and avoidant personality disorder.

Conclusions

Although those with CSA had greater comorbidity, it was not an important modifier of bulimic symptoms.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 167 , Issue 5 , November 1995 , pp. 679 - 682
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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