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Caffeine abuse in bulimia nervosa
Author(s) -
Fahy Thomas A.,
Treasure Janet
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/1098-108x(199105)10:3<373::aid-eat2260100314>3.0.co;2-r
Subject(s) - caffeine , bulimia nervosa , stimulant , appetite , psychology , psychiatry , substance abuse , anorexia nervosa , drug , medicine , eating disorders
We report three young women with bulimia nervosa who were also abusing large quantities of caffeine in an effort to control their weight. The patients used the drug for its appetite suppressant, diuretic, and stimulant effects. Two patients suffered physical symptoms of caffeine intoxication and the third was found to have a serum level of caffeine which was within the toxic range. A detailed assessment of the level of caffeine intake should be part of the standard psychiatric assessment.