Comorbidity of eating disorder and alcohol dependency

Abstract

Introduction. Epidemiological studies suggest that a high prevalence of alcohol addiction exists in female patients diagnosed with eating disorder in comparison to general population. For the purpose of explanation of the relationship of these disorders many conceptual models have been proposed. Case report. We presented a female patient displaying a comorbidity of eating disorder and alcohol dependency. We analyzed phenomenological similarities, personal characteristics and bio-psychological predisposition in order to ensure better understanding of the nature of the correlation of the two mentioned disorders. Conclusion. Even though, these days we find the synonym for eating disorders in the phrase "food addiction", it is impossible to categorize such a complex group of disorders to an addictive process. Moreover, we could assume that there exists a common psychobiological vulnerability which predisposes the development of one and/or the other disorder. To date knowledge has a significant implication for the development of new strategy in treating this comorbidity.

Keywords

• anorexia nervosa
• bulimia nervosa
• alcoholism
• personality disorders