Hypnotizability, dissociation, and bulimia nervosa

This study examined the levels of hypnotizability and dissociation in an outpatient sample of 17 normal-weight bulimic women and 20 healthy controls. Bulimic patients were significantly more hypnotizable than controls (p < .003) and scored higher on a self-report scale of dissociative experiences (p < .02). The results of measures of hypnotizability and dissociation showed a significant positive correlation in the combined subject group. These results are consistent with previous reports on hospitalized patients and college students and suggest that psychological factors associated with hypnotizability might play a role in the etiology and treatment of bulimia nervosa.