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The relationship between compulsive buying and eating disorders.
James E Mitchell1, Jennifer Redlin, Steve Wonderlich
1Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo, North Dakota, USA. mitchell@mail.med.und.nodak.edu
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|August 20, 2002
Summary
This study found no increased risk for eating disorders in individuals with compulsive buying disorder. However, compulsive buyers showed higher rates of substance abuse or dependence.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Compulsive buying disorder (CBD) is increasingly recognized and often co-occurs with other psychiatric conditions.
- Eating disorders (EDs) are frequently comorbid with various behavioral and substance use disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential relationship between compulsive buying and the prevalence of eating disorders.
- To examine eating disorder psychopathology in women diagnosed with compulsive buying disorder.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 20 women with pathological compulsive buying and 20 healthy controls.
- Participants completed measures assessing psychopathology and specific eating disorder symptoms.
Main Results:
- Compulsive buyers reported a significantly higher lifetime history of substance abuse or dependence compared to controls.
- No significant differences were found in the prevalence of current or lifetime eating disorders between the compulsive buying group and the control group.
- Scores on eating-related psychopathology measures did not differ between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- The study did not find evidence to support an increased risk of eating disorders among individuals with compulsive buying disorder.
- Compulsive buying was associated with a higher prevalence of substance use disorders and elevated scores on pathological personality dimensions.
- Further research is warranted to understand the complex interplay between compulsive buying, substance use, and personality traits.