[Differential study of the complete and subclinical presentations of bulimia nervosa].

INTRODUCTION

We examined the subtyping criteria for bulimia nervosa by comparing atypical and full-blown syndrome patients.

METHODS

Sixty-one bulimic patients were compared on a number of demographic, clinical, and psychopathological variables. Thirty-nine patients met definite DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa and twenty-two had a subclinical form of this disorder.

RESULTS

Although patients with less severe eating disorder experienced substantial distress and impairment, the study revealed some interesting clinical differences between the two groups.

DISCUSSION: Subclinical bulimia nervosa may be more common in young women than now believed, and seems to be associated with persistent body image dissatisfaction, higher weight, non-purgative methods for controlling weight gain, and lower associated psychopathology.