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Fluid intake, personality and behaviour in patients with eating disorders

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Abstract

Objective: To examine psychological and behavioural variables associated with the disordered fluid intake of 112 eating disorder patients. Method: Fluid intake history for previous seven days, and standardized psychological and behavioural measures of eating disorders, mood, personality and health, were completed on admission to hospital. Results: Only behaviours associated with eating disorders were associated with fluid intake. Greater amounts of total and energy-free fluids are consumed if patients report overeating, binge eating and dieting between overeating more frequently, drinking more caffeine-containing energy free drinks, vomiting and using laxatives. Energy-containing fluid intake is higher if patients feel their body weight is less important and if they binge eat. There is a significant difference in the amount of fluid drunk (ml or ml/kg) by patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) when compared to patients with no current diagnosis but not compared with anorexia nervosa (AN) or eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) patients. Discussion: Fluid intake is associated with eating disorder behaviour rather than personality and psychological variables. Patients eating more drink more.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW, 2065, Australia

    Suzanne F. Abraham (Associate Professor), S. Hart & G. Luscombe

  2. Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, The Northside Clinic, NSW, Australia

    Suzanne F. Abraham (Associate Professor), S. Hart & J. Russell

Authors
  1. Suzanne F. Abraham
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  2. S. Hart
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  3. G. Luscombe
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  4. J. Russell
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Correspondence to Suzanne F. Abraham.

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Abraham, S.F., Hart, S., Luscombe, G. et al. Fluid intake, personality and behaviour in patients with eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 11, e30–e34 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03327750

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03327750

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