The impact of bulimic syndromes, mood and anxiety disorders and their comorbidity on psychosocial impairment: what drives impairment in comorbidity?

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between psychosocial impairment and comorbid disorders in bulimic syndromes.

METHOD: Participants (N = 391; 91% women) completed structured clinical interviews to determine the presence of Axis I disorders (bulimic syndromes, anxiety disorders and mood disorders) and current psychosocial functioning.

RESULTS

Individuals with a current bulimic syndrome and comorbid anxiety disorder had worse psychosocial functioning than either disorder alone. In contrast, there was no additional effect of a current bulimic syndrome in individuals with a current mood disorder on psychosocial impairment.

DISCUSSION: Findings highlight the importance of addressing comorbid disorders in individuals with bulimic syndromes to improve overall functioning and reduce risk of relapse.