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Somatoform dissociation in eating-disordered patients.
1Department of Psychiatry, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, London, UK. g.waller@sghms.ac.uk
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|April 25, 2003
Summary
Somatoform dissociation, a disconnection from bodily sensations, is significantly linked to bulimic eating disorders. Assessing this dissociation can improve treatment for individuals with binge-purge behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Eating disorders are associated with psychological dissociation.
- The role of somatoform dissociation in eating disorders requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of somatoform dissociation in eating disorders and pathological eating behavior.
- To compare somatoform dissociation with psychological dissociation in relation to eating pathology.
Main Methods:
- 131 women with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa) and 75 controls completed dissociation and eating attitude measures.
- Clinical interviews assessed current bulimic behaviors.
Main Results:
- Both psychological and somatoform dissociation were higher in women with bulimic eating disorders compared to controls or restrictive anorexia nervosa.
- Somatoform dissociation strongly correlated with bulimic behaviors (e.g., laxative abuse, excessive exercise) and attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Somatoform dissociation is a significant factor in eating disorders with bulimic features.
- Assessing somatoform dissociation may enhance the formulation and treatment of these conditions.