| Abstract: | The mental state profile of a sample of 42 patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) was compared with that of a sample of patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) on whom the same assessments had been conducted. The two samples were similar in the severity of their overall mental state disturbance, but were clearly distinguishable in terms of symptom profile. Despite considerable similarities between the two patient groups, patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder more commonly reported clear symptoms of anxiety, while patients with bulimia nervosa more frequently reported symptoms associated with depression. Indeed, it was possible to differentiate the two groups, by means of a discriminant function analysis, using only six symptom items. The mood disturbance associated with bulimia nervosa is considerable and may contribute to the maintenance of the disorder, but it is largely secondary to the eating problems and concerns about weight and shape, which characterize this disorder. |
