The significance of the neurotic symptoms of bulimia nervosa.

The significance of the neurotic symptoms of bulimia nervosa is a subject of current debate. In the present paper, data are reported on changes in these symptoms during the course of psychological treatment directed at the eating disorder itself. A significant association was found between outcome in terms of eating habits and the severity of neurotic symptoms after treatment. There was no association between outcome and the pre-treatment level of neurotic symptoms. These findings suggest that the neurotic symptoms are likely to constitute a secondary psychological reaction.