Rhabdomyolysis and drug abuse in a patient with bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE

Eating disorders, particularly bulimia nervosa, have long been associated with alcohol and illicit drug abuse. Impulsivity has been linked to substance abuse, but there are other explanations for this association. This comorbidity could be very harmful, even deadly, because of the medical consequences of drug abuse.

METHOD: This article reports on the case of a 23-year-old woman with bulimia nervosa, severe alcohol and illicit drug abuse, and impulsive behavior who developed rhabdomyolysis. One of the reasons for her drug addiction was the effect of these substances in appetite suppression.

RESULTS

The patient successfully recovered after medical and psychological treatment.

CONCLUSION

This article presents the case of a patient with bulimia nervosa and a serious medical complication of illicit drug abuse. It is important to be aware of the increased risk of morbidity and mortality for this patient group.