Comorbidity of bulimia nervosa and alcohol use disorders: Results from thenational women's study

Objective: The nature of the relationship between bulimia nervosa osa (BN) and alcohol abuse/alcohol dependence (AA/AD) and the extent to which women with BN+AA differ from women with BN-AA were examined in a national sample of women (N = 3,006). Method: The sample of was generated by multistage geo graphic sampling and interviews were conducted by telephone. Results: AA wa s higher in women with BN compared to women without BN or binge eating diso rder, only when the influence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttr aumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was controlled. Prevalence rates of AA and A D were similar in women with BN, MDD, and PTSD. Analyses indicated that the relationship between BN and AA/AD may be indirect and influenced by associ ations with MDD and PTSD. Women with BN+AA did not differ from those with B N-AA on most variables concerning victimization, family of origin, and diso rdered eating. Discussion: Evaluation of MDD and PTSD in women presenting f or treatment of BN and/or alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is recommended. (C) 2000 by John Wiley and Sons, Inc.