Tobacco use and comorbidity in bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE

To compare comorbid psychopathology and substance use among women with bulimia nervosa (BN) based on smoking status.

METHOD: Forty women diagnosed with BN (20 smokers, 20 nonsmokers) completed written self-report measures of depressive symptoms, substance use, and alcohol abuse.

RESULTS

Smokers reported more symptoms of depression and alcohol abuse and were more likely to use alcohol than nonsmokers, whereas caffeine consumption did not significantly differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Smokers with BN may represent a distinct subtype characterized by high rates of comorbid depression and alcohol abuse.