Anorexia Nervosa: Some Observations on “Dieters” and “Vomiters”, Cholesterol and Carotene

Abstract

Twenty consecutive cases of anorexia nervosa admitted to a general medical ward consisted of 10 who reduced weight by dieting and 10 who in addition employed self-induced vomiting. Clinical and biochemical differences between dieters and vomiters were less pronounced than those reported elsewhere. The vomiters had higher scores on the anxiety, somatic and depression subscales of the Crown-Crisp Experiential Index and lower serum carotene concentrations. The implications of these findings are discussed.