Meta-analysis on drugs in people with eating disorders

Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2009 Jul;17(4):243-59. doi: 10.1002/erv.936.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether drug use (DU) is higher in people with eating disorders (EDs) compared to a healthy control group and to perform a meta-analysis on the literature related to DU in people with EDs.

Method: We searched electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL) and reviewed studies published from 1994 to August, 2007, in English, German or Spanish. A total of 16 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included.

Results: The general meta-analysis revealed a negligible albeit significant effect size (0.119, p < .05). Risk was found to be higher in bulimia nervosa (BN, delta = 0.462, p = < .001), smaller in binge eating disorder (delta = 0.14, p < .05) and non-significant in anorexia nervosa (AN, delta = -.167, p = .070).

Conclusions: The differential risk observed in patients with BN might be related to differences in temperament or might be the result of reward sensitization.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anorexia Nervosa / epidemiology
  • Anorexia Nervosa / psychology
  • Bulimia / epidemiology
  • Bulimia / psychology
  • Bulimia Nervosa / epidemiology
  • Bulimia Nervosa / psychology
  • Comorbidity
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs*
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Risk Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Temperament
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs