Resumen

BEHAR, Rosa. Alcohol consumption and eating disorders: evidence, similarities and implications. Rev. chil. neuro-psiquiatr. [online]. 2004, vol.42, n.3, pp.183-194. ISSN 0717-9227.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-92272004000300004.

Background. There is substantial evidence that supports the co-occurrence between eating disorders and drug and alcohol problems. Method. A review of the specialized literature available is made about the relationship between both pathologies, the presence of alcohol abuse among relatives of eating disordered patients and the hypothesis that correlate them from an etiopathogenic point of view. The similarities and differences between these types of disorders are also discussed. Results. 27% of eating disordered patients has alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse and/or dependence is seen between 0% and 6% in restrictive anorexia, 10% to 28% when the presence of bulimic traits are demonstrated and in approximately 50% of bulimic patients. From 15% to 56% of alcoholic patients develop an eating disorder: 1,4% a 10% anorexia nervosa, 10% compulsive overeating or binge eating disorder, but mainly a bulimic disorder, between 6.2% to 50%. 50% of parental alcohol abuse has been noted in bulimic patients and just 7% in anorectic patients. Conclusions. The published references suggest a clear co-morbidity between eating disorders and alcohol and drug abuse, and its relationship still remains unclear. More than 30% with eating disorders may have concurrent substance abuse problems, particularly patients with bulimia nervosa. The co-existence of both disorders involves clinical, therapeutic and outcome implications

Palabras clave : eating disorders; alcoholism; substance abuse.