In which condition is hypokalemia commonly found in association?

Hypokalemia, which refers to low potassium levels in the blood, is commonly associated with bulimia. This eating disorder often involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives.

When someone with bulimia vomits, there is a significant loss of stomach acid, which can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, particularly a decrease in potassium levels. Moreover, the use of laxatives can further exacerbate this condition by promoting excretion of potassium and other electrolytes through the gastrointestinal tract. The result is often a deficiency of potassium, which can have various physiological effects, including muscle weakness, cramping, and cardiac issues.

In contrast, while anorexia can also lead to electrolyte imbalances and can include hypokalemia in certain circumstances (especially if purging behaviors are present), it is not the condition where hypokalemia is most typically and directly associated. ADHD and autism do not have a direct correlation with hypokalemia, since they are neurodevelopmental disorders that do not primarily involve issues with electrolyte balance.