Cognitive Processes in Depression and Bulimia

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Considerable research suggests that major depression (MD) is common in women with bulimia nervosa (BN). Yet, despite more than two decades of research, the precise relationship between these forms of psychopathology remains unknown. This project aims to examine the depressive symptoms and cognitive correlates of MD, BN, and comorbid MD and BN. It is hypothesized that the depression experienced by individuals with comorbid MD and BN will differ from that experienced by individuals with "pure" MD and that evidence for a depressive subtype of BN (i.e., depressive bulimia) will be illuminated. Approximately 100 women meeting one of four diagnostic criteria (MD, BN, comorbid MD and BN, and asymptomatic control) will be recruited for the study. Proposed methods include diagnostic interviews, self-report questionnaires, and information processing tasks designed to assess: (1) depressive and bulimic symptoms, (2) depressogenic cognitive biases, (3) dysfunctional attitudes regarding needs for achievement and approval, and (4) dysfunctional attitudes and cognitive biases regarding weight, shape, and food. The results of this project are expected to illuminate important symptomatic and cognitive distinctions between MD and depressive bulimia. Such findings will have significant implications for the classification of MD and BN and will inform treatment protocols for both forms of psychopathology.