Abuse of Anorexics with Special Reference to Newer Substances

Abstract

Twenty-two female patients dependent on drugs were questioned about their motives for taking anorexics. Only two of them were objectively overweight. A desire for stimulation usually lay behind the expressed motive of “slimming.” Menocil (2-aminophenyl-oxazoline fumarate) and Regenon (benzoltriethylamine HCl) also were found to have a stimulating effect. The psychosomatic aspects of obesity and the wish to reduce and of resulting anorexia nervosa are indicated. Recognition of the danger of producing drug dependence on the one hand and of the psychosomatic causes of obesity on the other should determine the doctor's attitude to these patients.