The use of multiple purging methods as an indicator of eating disorder severity.

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies indicate a distinction between those who use one versus multiple methods of purging, but these studies have not controlled for differences in purging frequency. The current study examined whether purging frequency or the use of multiple purging (MP) methods provides more information about eating disorder severity.

METHOD: Existing data were reanalyzed to examine associations between facets of purging and psychological measures among women with bulimia nervosa, purging disorder, and controls. Analyses compared the use of MP methods and purging frequency as indicators of eating pathology.

RESULTS

MP methods demonstrated associations with greater eating disorder severity; purging frequency was associated with increased binge frequency and general psychopathology.

CONCLUSION

The presence of MP methods provides more information about eating disorder severity than purging frequency, which seems to be a marker of related psychopathology.