Differential diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive purging behavior and laxative abuse in bulimia nervosa (a case report)

An analysis of a clinical case of massive laxative drug abuse in a patient suffering from an eating disorder is presented. In this clinical case, the authors note psychopathological syndromes similar to addiction syndrome. A bulimic nervous patient who took up to 53 tablets of the laxative Bisacodyl daily for two years. The article describes in detail the clinic and the dynamics of laxative abuse. The manifestations similar to withdrawal syndrome and dependence syndrome are described: a pronounced need to take the drug; impaired ability to control its quantity; an increase in the amount of the drug taken; physical and mental disorders when it is discontinued; continued use, despite the obvious harmful consequences. These facts indicate the need to study the prevalence, clinical features, and treatment methods of laxative drug abuse.