Divergent responses to fluoxetine from two compulsive, food-related conditions: bulimia nervosa and compulsive water drinking.

BACKGROUND

The association of compulsive water drinking with bulimia nervosa is rarely encountered. Nevertheless similar behavior patterns could involve a common pathophysiological mechanism.

METHODS

A case report with the association of those two disorders is described. Treatment with fluoxetine was introduced to alleviate the compulsive aspects of those disorders.

RESULTS

Fluoxetine had a positive effect on bulimia nervosa but none on compulsive water drinking.

CONCLUSIONS

The different response to pharmacologic treatment could mean that bulimia nervosa and compulsive water drinking are based on different physiological mechanisms.