Diagnosing Alcoholism in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

A group of 15 patients being treated for anorexia nervosa were diagnostically examined for alcoholism. Using Landeen's diagnostic questionnaire, it was found that 33% scored “likely” and another 27% scored “uncertain” for alcoholism with the rest “unlikely.” This is a significantly higher rate than for the general population where 8.2% of those over the age of 14 are reported as problem drinkers including alcoholics. 67% of the subjects also reported drinking problems among relatives which is comparable to any group of diagnosed alcoholics. It is speculated that anorexia nervosa can be an addictive process with similarities to other addictions including alcoholism.