Preliminary investigation of bulimia and life adjustment.

Despite the reported increase in the incidence of bulimia, little is known about the life adjustment of bulimic patients. The authors surveyed 80 women who met the DSM-III criteria for bulimia regarding their adjustment in the areas of work, social and leisure activities, relationship with extended family, role as spouse, role as parent, and membership in the family unit. The life adjustment of the bulimic sample was significantly poorer in all areas than that of a normal community sample and was most similar to that of a comparison group of alcoholic women.