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The reasons why eating disorder patients drink
Author(s) -
Hart Susan,
Abraham Suzanne,
Franklin Richard C.,
Russell Janice
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.1051
Subject(s) - feeling , eating disorders , ingestion , appetite , psychiatry , fluid intake , psychology , food intake , medicine , body mass index , clinical psychology , social psychology
Objective To explore the reasons why eating disorder patients consume non‐alcoholic fluids and to examine variables associated with poor and excessive drinking. Methods A sample of 115 patients admitted for inpatient treatment to a specialist eating disorder facility completed a semi‐standardised retrospective fluid intake history of type and amount of fluid and of reasons for drinking. ANOVA, chi‐square and factor analysis were performed. Results The main reasons for consuming fluids were for fullness and appetite suppression; for feelings of control including feeling empty; to assist with purging; and for physiological reasons such as drinking when thirsty, after exercising and to increase energy levels via caffeine ingestion. Discussion An eating disorder needs to be considered a disorder of fluid intake, as much as a disorder of food intake. Factors affecting the fluid intake of eating disorder patients are related to the presence of eating disorder behaviours. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.