Objective: The purpose of the current study was to examine the association between laxative abuse and other symptoms and features among adult patients presenting with anorexia nervosa.
Method: One hundred and seventeen patients with anorexia nervosa were studied. Laxative abusers and nonabusers were compared.
Results: Compared with nonabusers, laxative-abusing patients had higher ratings on the Ineffectiveness, Body Dissatisfaction, and Drive for Thinness subscales on the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI), as well as more depressive and somatization symptoms. There was an association between laxative abuse and low self-esteem.
Discussion: Laxative abuse appears to be associated with especially severe psychopathology and low self-esteem among subjects with anorexia nervosa.