Impulsividad en mujeres con Bulimia Nerviosa

Abstract

Lack of self-control is an essential feature of bulimia nervosa; so much so that impulsiveness has been associated with neuropsychological and physiological alterations in these patients. In this paper we review articles on this subject that confirm that the existence of a decrease of inhibitory control explains the lack of self-control in behaviors concerning food or sexual activity. Patients with bulimia nervosa succumb easily to an intense desire for food and experience frequent gluttonous behavior. Similarly, sexual activity increases and becomes uncontrollable. Both food and sexual behaviors seem to have as a main function the momentary relief of negative emotions. The literature, in addition, shows that these highly destructive behaviors reflect the existence of a very low control of impulsiveness and difficulties in decision-making. Consequently, the lack of chronic inhibitory control in emotional and physiological processes contributes to the maintenance of poor emotional regulation. Thus, patients with bulimia nervosa present increased defensive reflexes and low cardiac variability In this article, we emphasize the necessity of integrating behavioral, neuropsychological and physiological intervention techniques to improve multidisciplinary treatment of bulimia nervosa. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)(journal abstract)