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EDIC Peer - Reviewed Abstracts

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

French adaptation of the eating disorder recovery self-efficacy questionnaire (EDRSQ): Psychometric properties and conceptual overview

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objectives of this study were to (a) translate the EDRSQ to French (EDRSQ-F), (b) assess the psychometric properties of this French version, and (c) establish normative data for a non-clinical sample. Participants were 203 undergraduate women. They completed the EDRSQ-F and measures of ED symptoms, depression and self-esteem. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed a bi-factorial structure. Both scales demonstrated evidence of reliability and theoretically consistent evidence of construct validity. Findings support the validity of the EDRSQ-F and suggest it is a useful instrument for the assessment of EDs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Dimensionality of three versions of the eating disorder inventory in adolescent girls

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article presents a shortened version of the EDI-2 which may prove more suitable for use with adolescent girls in the general population than the original questionnaire. Certain practical suggestions for optimizing the use of the different versions of the EDI are also presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Selflessness and perfectionism as predictors of pathological eating attitudes and disorders: A longitudinal study

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This paper examines the role that selflessness and perfectionism may play as possible predictors of pathological eating attitudes and eating disorders (ED). 1057 schoolgirls (seventh to ninth grade) participated in the initial screening phase. They were administered the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Selflessness Scale (SS) and Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS). Based on their EAT-26 scores, 150 girls were invited to a clinical interview 2 years later (second phase). In the third phase 4 years later, 243 girls who completed the questionnaires in the seventh grade were the target of re-administration of these scales. Seventh-grade selflessness scores at initial screening phase predicted ED status determined in clinical interview at the 2-year interval and abnormal eating attitudes...

Expressive writing and eating disorder features: A preliminary trial in a student sample of the impact of three writing tasks on eating disorder symptoms and associated cognitive, affective and interpersonal factors

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To evaluate the impact of three writing tasks on the cognitive, affective and interpersonal factors typically associated with eating disorder symptoms, in a student population.Two experimental tasks and one control task were evaluated. Participants gave subjective ratings of the writing experience, and objective questionnaire measures were administered at baseline, and 4- and 8-week follow-up.Participants who dropped out without completing the writing tasks were more experientially avoidant. The three tasks differed significantly in subjective impact, and the experimental tasks were most effective in reducing eating disorder symptoms. They also ameliorated some key features associated with eating difficulties. The control task generally had less, no or a detrimental effect.The results prov...

Classification of eating disturbance in children and adolescents: Proposed changes for the DSM-V

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Childhood and adolescence are critical periods of neural development and physical growth. The malnutrition and related medical complications resulting from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and eating disorder not otherwise specified may have more severe and potentially more protracted consequences during youth than during other age periods. The consensus opinion of an international workgroup of experts on the diagnosis and treatment of child and adolescent eating disorders is that (a) lower and more developmentally sensitive thresholds of symptom severity (e.g. lower frequency of purging behaviours, significant deviations from growth curves as indicators of clinical severity) be used as diagnostic boundaries for children and adolescents, (b) behavioural ...

Lighting up lumps

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Naomi Feigenbaum (2009). One life. Hope healing and inspiration on the path to recovery from eating disorders. Jessica Kingsley Publishers: UK, (paperback), pp. 174, ISBN 978-1-84310-912-9

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Binge eating disorder in a Chinese male - A case report

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

There are reports in China about males suffering from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, but hitherto no report of binge eating disorder (BED).This case report describes the history, symptom progression and treatment of a male suffering from BED.Many Chinese people who come from rural areas try to integrate in the urban life. Regardless of their level of education many suffer various difficulties, which can trigger psychological disorders. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

PANDAS and anorexia nervosa - a spotters' guide: Suggestions for medical assessment

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infection (PANDAS) should be considered in sudden onset, prepubertal Anorexia Nervosa (AN), arising shortly after an apparent streptococcal infection. However, the absence of a specific biological marker of PANDAS renders the diagnosis difficult. This paper critically reviews available tests for PANDAS and recommends a standardized approach to its investigation.Medline database review between 1990 and 2008.Existing tests may be categorized as: (i) Non-specific markers of inflammation or immune response (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR; C-reactive protein, CRP; Neopterin), (ii) specific markers of streptococcal infection (throat swab and anti-streptococcal antibodies, Anti-streptolysin, ASO; Antideoxyribonucle...

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in anorexia nervosa: A case report and review of the literature on pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a case of a 20-year-old white woman with the history of anorexia nervosa presenting with spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM). On admission, her body mass index (BMI) was 9.9 kg/m2. Physical examination revealed subcutaneous crepitation especially in the axillae, the intercostal spaces, between the scapulae and along the spine. A chest X-ray showed extensive tissue emphysema, especially in the upper mediastinum. In a computed tomography (CT) scan, additional air was found in the upper retroperitoneal space adjacent to the stomach and to the left of the aorta. The patient recovered clinically within three weeks, and a CT scan showed a complete remission of the pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. Based on this, case review of the literature about the frequency of pneumomed...

Feelings of insecurity: Review of attachment and eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Attachment theory has received increasing attention from clinicians and researchers in the field of eating disorders. This paper is an updated review on theoretical approaches in the field, and of studies employing the Adult Attachment Interview.We searched the major databases such as PsycInfo and Science Direct for empirical and theoretical studies on attachment and eating disorders, and these are reviewed.Theoretical approaches on attachment and eating disorders highlight either retrospective, general risk or attachment theoretical statements. There is greater prevalence of insecure attachment in the eating disordered population than in non-clinical samples. However, there is no sufficient evidence to conclude about specific mechanisms for this connection.The theoretical approaches vary ...

Editorial note

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Commentary

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Setting the eating disorder aside: An alternative model of care

European Eating Disorders Review — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Eating disorder treatment typically involves psychotherapy, structured programmes to normalize eating behaviours, and weight restoration. Unfortunately some individuals who receive these treatments do not recover. The Community Outreach Partnership Program (COPP) was developed to address the needs of these individuals. Using a team approach which combines both community and hospital services, COPP assists clients increase their quality of life by fostering independence, increasing hope and enhancing social skills in the context of the client's economic, social and physical living environment. Preliminary outcome research reveals significant improvement in eating disorder and psychiatric symptoms in individuals who complete four or more months of COPP. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, L...

From shock therapy to psychotherapy: The role of Peter Dally in the revolutions of anorexia nervosa treatment

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Happy new [hellip]

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

June Alexander with Prof. Daniel Le Grange (2009) "My Kid is Back": Empowering parents to beat anorexia nervosa Melbourne University Press: Melbourne, pp. 320, ISBN 978-0522856002

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No Abstract (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Worsley, Tony. (2008). Nutrition promotion. Theories and methods, systems and settings CABI: Oxfordshire, UK, pp.434, ISBN 978-1-84593-463-7

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Psychometric evaluation of a Brazilian version of the impact of weight on quality of life (IWQOL-Lite) instrument

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The impact of weight on quality of life (IWQOL-Lite) is a self-administered instrument that assesses quality of life in obesity. It is composed of 31 items and five domains (physical function, self-esteem, sexual life, public distress, and work). The aim of the present study was to evaluate reliability (test-retest), internal structure, construct validity and discriminant validity.IWQOL-Lite scores were obtained from 89 people in a Weight Watchers institution (clinical sample) and 156 community volunteers (community sample). The participants were selected based on the same criteria: gender (female) and age (> 24 years), except for BMI. The community sample also completed the SF-36, a generic measure of health-related quality of life.The Brazilian IWQOL-Lite demonstrated good test-retest re...

Predicting the weight gain required for recovery from anorexia nervosa with pelvic ultrasonography: An evidence-based approach

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to explore the correlations between the maturity grading on pelvic U/S and weight for height (WfH) ratios and body mass index (BMI) percentiles. Ultrasound studies were performed in 72 female adolescents (aged 11-17 years at intake) with AN. Scans were graded for maturity using published parameters of pelvic maturity and compared with the patient's WfH ratio and BMI percentile. In our sample was a wide variation of WfH ratios and BMI percentiles at each grade of maturity. This supports the view that arbitrary targets for weight, WfH ratio or BMI percentile are likely to be unnecessarily high for some patients and too low for others. We recommend that targets be based upon baseline pelvic U/S grading and follow-up scanning. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eatin...

Atypical antipsychotics and anorexia nervosa: A review

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

There is currently mixed opinion regarding the value of using atypical antipsychotics to treat anorexia nervosa (AN).To evaluate the literature on the use of atypical antipsychotics in AN.A review of all studies and clinical guidelines published before September 2009 involving use of an atypical antipsychotic in patients with AN. Analysis is by narrative synthesis.Forty-three publications or study protocols were found, including four randomized-controlled trials, five open-label trials and 26 case reports. The most studied drugs were olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone. Atypical antipsychotics appear safe and there is some evidence of positive effects on depression, anxiety and core eating disordered psychopathology in patients with anorexia nervosa. Currently there is insufficient evid...

Towards an ecology of eating disorders: Creating sustainability through the integration of scientific research and clinical practice

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The field of eating disorders is currently at a crossroads and faces important challenges of sustainability. These challenges include problems with the current diagnostic classification of eating disorders and the divide between scientific research and clinical practice. If not addressed, there is a danger that the field will fail to evolve adaptively, risking increased stagnation and reduced relevance. To meet these challenges, researchers and clinicians must work toward a more holistic ecology of eating disorders based on the interaction of theory, research and practice. The present paper proposes six steps towards increased sustainability based on developing clinically relevant diagnosis, using systematic quality assurance, expanding the scope of treatment research and the definition of...

Exploring quality of life in the eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI), duration of illness and severity of illness on quality of life within a sample of individuals in treatment for an eating disorder. In addition this study explored differences in specific areas of quality of life (Psychological, Physical/Cognitive, Work/School and Financial) according to specific eating disorder diagnoses.Participants (N = 156) were adults currently receiving treatment for an eating disorder. Eating disorder symptomatology and quality of life were assessed using self-report questionnaires. BMI, duration of illness and eating disorder diagnosis was obtained during a clinical interview.Severity of the eating disorder and BMI were predictors of low quality of life. Duration of illness, contrary to clin...

Traumatic events, posttraumatic stress symptomatology and somatoform symptoms in eating disorder patients

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The central aim of the study was to assess the frequency of traumatic events and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women with eating disorders (EDs). In addition, the frequency of somatoform complaints was investigated in patients with PTSD compared to those without PTSD.101 ED patients (26.4 years, SD = 7.4) from an outpatient department were investigated by means of standardized questionnaires.63.3% of the anorexic and 57.7% of the bulimic patients had experienced at least one trauma in their life. 10% of the anorexic and 14.1% of the bulimic patients fulfilled the study definition for a current diagnosis of PTSD. Patients with a comorbid PTSD reported somatoform symptoms more frequently than patients without PTSD (p < 0.001).These findings provide additional support for t...

Evaluation of a school-based programme of universal eating disorders prevention: Is it more effective in girls at risk?

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

There is currently controversy surrounding the effectiveness of universal versus selective prevention in eating disorders (ED). The present study aims at evaluating the effectiveness of universal school-based ED prevention administered to female secondary school students (n = 349). Students received either the full prevention programme (learning basic concepts of nutrition, criticism of aesthetic models of beauty emphasising extreme thinness, media literacy (ML)), a partial version of the programme (without nutritional education), or no prevention programme. Students were also classified on the presence or absence of distinct risk factors for ED: Early menarche, overweight, dieting, negative attitudes to food and perceived pressure to be thin. Pre-test data were collected 1 week prior to i...

The relationship between parental bonding, social problem solving and eating pathology in an anorexic inpatient sample

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study investigates the relationship between perceived parental bonding, social problem solving and eating psychopathology.Forty three female inpatients with anorexia nervosa and 76 student controls were assessed using the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Social Problem Solving Inventory and the Eating Disorders Examination or the Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire.The anorexic group reported significantly lower levels of parental care than the student control group and used more negative and avoidance style coping. In the anorexic group, disordered eating was significantly correlated with low maternal care and high control. Maternal bonding was found to mediate the relationship between avoidance style coping and eating pathology.Findings suggest a relationship between maternal...

How does overeaters anonymous help its members? A qualitative analysis

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We present three primary themes that emerged from the analysis of the focus groups' discussions, which emphasize why individuals entered OA, OA's 'tools', and how individuals perceived OA to 'work'. Overall, although participants agreed OA was helpful to them, there was no consensus regarding how OA 'works'. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Body dissatisfaction across cultures: Findings and research problems

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This review had two aims. The first aim was to describe the existing literature regarding body dissatisfaction across cultures. Previous studies were organized and presented according to three general patterns found in the existing literature, patterns that were to some extent based on the differing degrees of affluence and type of lifestyles in the cultures examined. The review's second aim was to illuminate some of the specific problems that studies of body dissatisfaction across cultures deal with and to provide suggestions for improvement. The suggestions concern how future research may achieve a more inclusive and detailed picture of body dissatisfaction across cultures, for instance by using diversified measurements, providing detailed information about the cultural groups that are e...

A case series investigating acceptance and commitment therapy as a treatment for previously treated, unremitted patients with anorexia nervosa

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) using a case series methodology among participants with a history of prior treatment for AN. Three participants enrolled; all completed the study. All participants had a history of 1-20 years of intensive eating disorder treatment prior to enrollment. Participants were seen for 17-19 twice-weekly sessions of manualized ACT. Symptoms were assessed at baseline, post-treatment and 1-year follow-up. All participants experienced clinically significant improvement on at least some measures; no participants worsened or lost weight even at 1-year follow-up. Simulation modelling analysis (SMA) revealed for some participants an increase in weight gain and a...

Body image in gay and straight men: A qualitative study

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to examine body image and related eating behaviours in younger gay and straight men.Qualitative study using a sample of gay and straight male university students, applying audiotaped and transcribed depth interview subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis.Fifteen young men (18-24) with a spectrum of sexual orientation (gay, straight and bisexual) agreed to participate. Five dominant categories emerged: body image ideal, external influences, perception of body image, dieting, mechanisms for modification (diet, exercise, cosmetics) and sexual orientation.Health and aesthetic ideals appear less divorced for young men than women, offering some degree of protection from eating disorders. Nonetheless there is widespread body dissatisfaction. Media and social influen...

Accuracy of self-reported weight and height among women with eating disorders: A replication and extension study

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Self-reported height and weight data are commonly reported within eating disorders research, and often used clinically. The aims of this study are to demonstrate the accuracy of self-reported height and weight among a group of women with eating disorders, and to determine whether that accuracy is associated with clinical diagnosis or levels of eating psychopathology.Sixty-four female patients (39 diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa or atypical Anorexia Nervosa and 25 with Bulimia Nervosa or atypical Bulimia Nervosa) were asked to self-report their height and weight. They then completed the Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Finally, they were weighed and their height was measured in a standardised manner. Accuracy scores for height and weight were calculated by subtracting the...

Investigating the role of attachment in social comparison theories of eating disorders within a non-clinical female population

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The findings suggest that attachment anxiety and avoidance influence disordered eating via different pathways, with attachment anxiety specifically being implicated in sociocultural models of disordered eating. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Caring for a sibling with anorexia nervosa: A qualitative study

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Few studies have explored eating disorders from the perspective of non-affected siblings. The aim of this investigation was to explore the unique experiences and challenges of siblings of women with anorexia nervosa (AN).Twelve semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with sibling participants to ascertain their perspective of caring for a sister with chronic AN.Qualitative analyses gleaned six themes: (1) the sibling role as protector and mediator; (2) familial factors that influence and reinforce these sibling roles; (3) consequences and benefits of AN to non-affected sibling; (4) coping strategies; (5) current and future intentions of caregiving and (6) professional and informal support.The findings from this qualitative study provide a window into the perceptions, feelings...

User satisfaction with services in a randomised controlled trial of adolescent anorexia nervosa

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

User satisfaction is a neglected outcome in adolescent anorexia nervosa especially since the relative effectiveness of different treatments is unclear. It may also affect clinical outcome.To assess young person's and parents' satisfaction with CAMHS outpatient, specialist outpatient and inpatient treatment received in a large randomised controlled trial.Quantitative and qualitative analysis of questionnaire data from 215 young people and their parents followed by focus groups to further explore emerging themes.High levels of satisfaction were reported, more amongst parents than young people and with specialist services. Both young people and carers strongly valued clinical relationships that involved being listened to and understood. They valued the expertise of specialist rather than gene...

A systematic review of impulsivity in eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of the current literature that examines impulsivity in individuals with eating disorders (ED). Studies were obtained from Embase, Pubmed and Psycinfo, and were included if they assessed impulsivity in individuals over 18 years of age with an ED diagnosis and published in the last 10 years. The methodological quality of the studies was rated. Twelve studies were included in this review, with methodological quality varying across studies. Findings suggest that impulsivity is best assessed multi-modally, with a combination of self-report, behavioural and physiological measures. In general, impulsivity was found to differentiate individuals with EDs from controls, as well as across diagnostic subtypes. The current findings have import...

Validating the eating disorder inventory (EDI-2) in two danish samples: A comparison between female eating disorder patients and females from the general population

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The Eating Disorder Inventory, Version 2 (EDI-2) is a questionnaire used clinically and in research all over the world. EDI-2 is cross-culturally valid, yet normative values may depend on culture. Norms and reliability of the Danish version have to date been lacking, and will be presented in this article, comparing patients (N = 575) and controls (N = 881). Also, internal reliability of scales is tested for both groups. Differences between norms of the Danish and the North American version of EDI were small but significant for all scales except asceticism (eating disorder patients) and ineffectiveness, interpersonal distrust and maturity fears (normal controls). For both groups the internal consistency was >0.70 for all subscales except asceticism. Although differences across the eating di...

Self-esteem, depression and eating disordered attitudes: A cross-cultural comparison between Cypriot and British young women

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

This study explores the native influences and possible vulnerability factors which may contribute in the development of eating disturbances in a non-Western country, Cyprus. Implications for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Meta-analysis on drugs in people with eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study was to examine whether drug use (DU) is higher in people with eating disorders (EDs) compared to a healthy control group and to perform a meta-analysis on the literature related to DU in people with EDs.We searched electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL) and reviewed studies published from 1994 to August, 2007, in English, German or Spanish. A total of 16 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included.The general meta-analysis revealed a negligible albeit significant effect size (0.119, p < .05). Risk was found to be higher in bulimia nervosa (BN, [delta] = 0.462, p = < .001), smaller in binge eating disorder ([delta] = 0.14, p < .05) and non-significant in anorexia nervosa (AN, [delta] = -.167, p = .070).The differential risk ob...

Drop-out from treatment for the eating disorders: A problem for clinicians and researchers

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

All professionals who work in the field of eating disorders will have encountered patients who do not make it into or through a course of treatment. This paper considers some of the difficulties that drop-out poses to clinicians and researchers. It also suggests strategies for addressing these challenges in future research and clinical practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

A case series evaluation of a modified version of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for the treatment of bulimic eating disorders: A pilot study

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 20 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

To determine the therapeutic outcome of a modified form of (IPT-BNm) amongst patients with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS).Following initial assessment, 59 patients with diagnoses of BN or EDNOS entered treatment in the form of 16 sessions of IPT-BNm. At initial assessment, patients completed measures of general psychopathology (SCL-90), Self esteem (RSE), eating psychopathology (EDE-Q), interpersonal functioning (Inventory of Interpersonal Functioning; IIP-32) and depression (BDI). At the middle and end of treatment, EDE-Q, IIP-32 and BDI measures were repeated.By the middle of therapy, patients had made significant improvements in terms of their eating disordered cognitions and behaviours (including reductions in EDE-Q scores, bingeing and self-i...

Unfavourable family characteristics and their associations with childhood obesity: A cross-sectional study

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

This cross-sectional study explores the influence of multiple familial factors on children's weight status and the interaction between parenting stress and unfavourable family characteristics.A total of 197 families with children between 6 and 14 years participated in this study. Of this group, 97 families had a child with normal weight and 100 families had a child with overweight. Parents reported on seven family factors (maternal BMI, number of children, family structure, socioeconomic position, life events, parental psychopathology and parenting stress).Families with overweight children experience more parenting stress. A regression analysis revealed that familial factors explain 27% in the variance in child's weight status. The hypothesis that a combination of familial factors will be ...

Personality dimensions among women with an eating disorder: Towards reconceptualizing DSM

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

To evaluate the incremental validity of a dimensional assessment of personality, after controlling for diagnostic category, in accounting for meaningful variation in eating disorder attitudes and behaviours and in current affective distress among a clinical sample of eating disordered women.244 treatment seeking eating disordered women and 116 non-eating disordered women were assessed with the NEO five factor inventory (NEO-FFI), and with measures of eating disorder attitudes and of affective distress using a cross sectional design.As predicted, differences were found between eating disordered and non-eating disordered women on several NEO-FFI scales, which provided a context for subsequent analyses. NEO-FFI scales accounted for meaningful variation in eating disordered attitudes and behav...

An approach to sub-grouping the eating disorder population: Adding attachment and coping style

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

To investigate whether clinically meaningful sub-groups of patients can be identified by clustering eating disorder features, attachment and coping styles.165 patients completed the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and Utrecht Coping List (UCL). Cluster analysis was used to identify sub-groups across the sample.Four clusters were identified. Cluster one had low levels of eating disorder behaviours and the most severe attachment and coping difficulties. Cluster two had high levels of dietary restriction and exercise, and a fearful/avoidant attachment style. Cluster three had high levels of binge eating and vomiting, and few attachment and coping difficulties. Cluster four had low levels of eating disorder features and positive attachment and coping sty...

Risk and protective factors for disturbed eating in adolescent girls - aspects of perfectionism and attitudes to eating and weight

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study was to longitudinally examine the role of personal standards, self-evaluation, perceived benefits of thinness and attitudes to eating and weight in the development of healthy versus disturbed eating in adolescent girls. In a longitudinal study, girls who participated in two assessments, four to five years apart, were divided into three groups according to the attitudes to eating that they manifested at the second evaluation: those with disturbed eating patterns (DE-group, n = 49), those with intermediate concerns about eating (IE-group, n = 260) and those with healthy eating attitudes (HE-group, n = 120). Variables concerning attitudes to eating and weight and physical self-evaluation emerged as risk factors, whereas personal standards or self-evaluation in general di...

Extreme weight change behaviours: Are overweight and normal weight adolescents different, and does this vary over time?

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

This study examined the nature of extreme weight loss behaviours among overweight and normal weight adolescents. Body mass index (BMI), body dissatisfaction, body importance, pubertal timing, negative affect, bulimic symptoms, food supplements and exercise dependence were evaluated at Time 1 and 16 months later at Time 2 among 788 adolescents. There were a large number of differences in the strategies adopted by overweight adolescents, and these remained relatively stable over time. In addition, girls engaged in more bulimic symptoms than boys; particularly overweight girls. Negative affect was also a major predictor of health risk behaviours for overweight adolescent boys and girls. Implications of these findings for the treatment of extreme weight loss behaviours among overweight adolesc...

Appraisal of caregiving burden, expressed emotion and psychological distress in families of people with eating disorders: A systematic review

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this review is to appraise the literature regarding psychological distress, burden and expressed emotion (EE) in caregivers of people with eating disorders (EDs). Electronic databases were searched up until October 2008. Selected studies contained carers of people with ED and employed one measure of burden, EE or psychological distress. Twenty studies were identified measuring psychological distress burden and EE. Most of the studies examined these features in families of anorexic patients. The majority of the studies found high levels of psychological distress, burden and EE in this population. Only few studies included a control group. Carers of people with ED presented high levels of psychological distress and burden. ED carers tend to have levels of EE resembling that fo...

The treatment of night eating: the patient's perspective

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, most patients reported that their doctors did not identify or treat NE, which led to dissatisfaction with their care. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

The effect of attentional training on body dissatisfaction and dietary restriction

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of attentional training towards shape, weight and food related information on body dissatisfaction and dietary restriction. A total of 98 female participants were trained to attend to negative shape/weight words, positive shape/weight words, negative (high calorie) food words, positive (low calorie) food words or neutral words. Subsequently, a body image challenge was presented and participants' body dissatisfaction and dietary restriction were measured. Results indicated that negative shape/weight attentional biases exacerbated body dissatisfaction and a bias towards negative food words intensified dietary restriction. The study provides evidence for specificity in the effects of attentional biases and supports the notion that atte...

Perfectionism and eating attitudes in portuguese students: A longitudinal study

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

To investigate the role of perfectionism in the development of disordered eating behaviours.382 female university students completed the Hewitt & Flett MPS and the EAT-40 at baseline, and 1 year after (T1) and 206 2 years later (T2).Perfectionism at baseline was significantly associated with long-term abnormal eating attitudes/behaviours. Self-Oriented Perfectionism (SOP) and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP) were significant predictors of disordered eating behaviours. Regression analysis revealed that SOP at baseline was predictive of Diet Concerns and overall eating disturbance (EAT total score), at T1 and T2. SPP was a significant predictor of Social Pressure to Eat at T1 and T2 and of Bulimic Behaviours only at T1.Our findings contribute to a more clear understanding of the assoc...

The prevalence, incidence and development of eating disorders in finnish adolescents - a two-step 3-year follow-up Study

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

To investigate the prevalence, incidence and development of eating disorders and subclinical eating pathology.A two-step three-year follow-up study on eating disorders in adolescence (N = 595) was conducted in western Finland. A screening questionnaire followed by a semi-structured interview was used to determine the prevalence, incidence and development of eating disorders.The lifetime prevalence rates for females age 18 were 2.6% for anorexia nervosa (AN), 0.4 for bulimia nervosa (BN), 7.7% for AN-NOS, 1.3% for BN-NOS and 8.5% for subclinical eating disorders. No prevalent case of DSM-IV eating disorders was found among the male participants. The incidence rate of any eating disorder in females age 15-18 was 1641 per 100 000 person-years.Eating disorders are relatively common in female a...

Factors related to motivation for change in adolescents with eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

To examine the association between motivation for change and eating disorder symptom severity, the quality of the parent-adolescent relationship and depressive symptom severity in adolescents with eating disorders.Fifty-four female adolescents with eating disorders (mean age = 15.8 years, SD = 1.6) participated in this research prior to beginning outpatient treatment. Participants completed the Motivational Stages of Change for Adolescents Recovering from an Eating Disorder, the Eating Disorders Inventory-2, the Relations with Parents scale from the Behavioral Assessment System for Children and Adolescents Self-report and the Child Depression Inventory.Greater motivation for change was associated with less body dissatisfaction, more adaptive parent-adolescent relationships and fewer depres...

Let eating disorder patients decide: Providing choice may reduce early drop-out from inpatient treatment

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Premature drop-out from treatment is a highly prevalent phenomenon among eating disorder (ED) patients. In a specialized inpatient treatment unit a major change was made in the admission strategy in 2001, giving a maximum of personal choice to the patients. A quasi-experimental research was carried out comparing 87 patients treated till 2000 ('old' strategy) with 87 patients treated from 2001 on ('new' strategy). The results indicate that the provision of choice at the beginning of treatment significantly reduced drop-out during the first weeks of inpatient treatment. No differences between both strategies on later drop-out and weight change (in anorexia nervosa patients) during inpatient treatment were found. The results are discussed in the light of the importance placed on dynamics of p...

Do schema processes mediate links between parenting and eating pathology?

European Eating Disorders Review — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Adverse parenting experiences are commonly linked to eating pathology. A schema-based model of the development and maintenance of eating pathology proposes that one of the potential mediators of the link between parenting and eating pathology might be the development of schema maintenance processes - mechanisms that operate to help the individual avoid intolerable emotions.To test this hypothesis, 353 female students and 124 female eating-disordered clients were recruited. They completed a measure of perceived parenting experiences as related to schema development (Young Parenting Inventory-Revised (YPI-R)), two measures of schema processes (Young Compensatory Inventory; Young-Rygh Avoidance Inventory (YRAI)) and a measure of eating pathology (Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI)).In support o...

Coping strategies in eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The present article describes the coping strategies of patients with eating disorders (ED), their relation with determined personality characteristics and the specificity of strategies in comparison with a control group and a group of patients with other mental disorders.Ninety-three patients with ED, 73 university psychology and nutrition students and 74 patients with other mental disorders were studied using the Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI) and the Inventory for the Assessment of Personality Disorders (IA-TP).Patients with ED presented more self-criticism, social withdrawal, inadequate emotion-focused management and general inadequate management if they were compared to the student sample and more self-criticism than patients with other mental disorders. Anorexic patients obtained h...

Eating concerns and media influences in an Irish adolescent context

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

EPICA is the first large-scale Irish study of a school-going population examining the impact of media influences on eating attitudes.Students were screened using the EAT-26, EDI-III and a study-specific questionnaire. A sub-sample of parents' views was included.Three thousand and thirty-one students (mean age 14.74) and 56 parents enrolled. The majority (71.4%) of adolescents felt adversely affected by media portrayal of body weight and shape, with more than a quarter (25.6%) believing it to be 'far too thin'. A significant correlation between media impact and high EAT scores ([chi]2 = 450.78, df = 2, p < 0.05) and EDI-III scores ([chi]2 = 387.51, df = 4, p < 0.05) was demonstrated. Parents also view media portrayal as too thin (94.7%), less than half are adversely affected by it (49.2%) b...

What happened to the ones who dropped out? Outcome in eating disorder patients who complete or prematurely terminate treatment

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

There is a lack of knowledge about the outcome of eating disorder patients who terminate treatment prematurely. The present study followed-up eating disorder patients who had previously dropped out of treatment and examined clinical status 36 months after intake.Dropouts (n = 30) were compared with treatment completers (n = 52) on diagnostic status, clinical symptoms, psychosocial adjustment and treatment satisfaction at follow-up. Patterns of change from intake to follow-up within groups, as well as between groups, were explored.No significant differences were found between groups at follow-up, except for more treatment dissatisfaction reported among dropouts. When patterns of change were examined between groups, patients who completed treatment were found to have made significantly great...

Viewership of pro-anorexia websites in seventh, ninth and eleventh graders

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

To examine the prevalence of visiting pro-anorexia websites by 13-, 15- and 17-year old adolescents and to explore correlates of visiting such websites and predictors of anorexia nervosa (AN).Questionnaire in a sample of 711 secondary school children from the 7th, 9th and 11th grade in Flanders, Belgium.12.6% of the girls and 5.9% of the boys had visited such websites. In girls, visiting pro-anorexia websites was associated with a higher drive for thinness, worse perception of appearance and more perfectionism.The prevalence of visiting pro-anorexia sites is non-trivial and the significant correlations between viewership of pro-ana sites and predictors of AN suggest a potential for negative impact of exposure to pro-ana sites. We conclude with some speculative remarks on the potential thre...

Night eating, binge eating and related features in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The aim of the study was to explore the nature and extent of the association between night eating, other forms of disordered eating and obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS).Eighty-one participants (20 women and 61 men), mean age 53.7 years diagnosed with OSAS were assessed prior to starting treatment. Using a cut-off of [ge]25 on the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), 8.6% of the participants screened positive for night eating syndrome (NES). In addition, 7.5% met criteria for a daytime eating disorder. NES was significantly associated with diagnoses of depression, anxiety and eating disorders and was significantly correlated with an impairment of mental quality of life. No associations were found between NES and gender, BMI and the severity of the OSAS. NES does not appear to be closely linked t...

Cognitive-behavioural therapy for individuals with bulimia nervosa and a co-occurring substance use disorder

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

A significant percentage of individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) also can be diagnosed with a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD). Although studies have addressed the frequency of overlap between the disorders, etiology and shared personality traits, limited research is available about the treatment of these comorbid patients. Adapting cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) to serve as an integrated treatment for patients with both BN and a SUD is a viable option, as studies of CBT suggest that this form of treatment is efficacious for both disorders independently. The shared strategies in CBT for BN and SUDs facilitate the development of a combined treatment for individuals with both disorders with the addition of modules designed to address some common features of these disorders, such...

Parental attitudes, body image disturbance and disordered eating amongst adolescents and young adults: A review

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this paper was to review the existing literature regarding the contribution of parental influences to the sociocultural pressures on body image disturbance and disordered eating so as to highlight principal findings so that parents can be given practical information and identify areas that require further research.Relevant articles were located through Pubmed, Sciencedirect and PsychInfo, as well as the screening of bibliographies.The available data suggest that parents are strong communicators of sociocultural pressures. Parental influences via verbal messages and active encouragement have been shown to have more impact on offspring's body concerns and eating behaviours than modelling effects. Both mothers and fathers are important sources of influence for their offspring.C...

Sociocultural influences on body dissatisfaction and dieting in Hong Kong girls

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

We investigated the relationship of sociocultural influences (SI) promoting thinness (parental, peer and media pressures for thinness, and individual value for modernity), age and body mass Index (BMI) to body dissatisfaction (BD) and dieting in 294 Hong Kong community adolescent girls. We proposed that BD mediated SI's relationship with dieting. In bivariate analyses, all variables were significantly (p [le] .05) related to BD (ß's from 0.14 to 0.59), and, except for modernity, to dieting (ß's from 0.17 to 0.51). In multivariate analyses, peer (ß = 0.32, p < .001) and media pressures for thinness (ß = 0.18, p < .01) bypassed BD and were directly associated with dieting. A culture of thinness appears to be associated with weight loss efforts among girls in modernising cultures independ...

Are Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa separate disorders? Challenging the 'transdiagnostic' theory of eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are classified as separate and distinct clinical disorders. Recently, there has been support for a transdiagnostic theory of eating disorders, which would reclassify them as one disorder.To determine whether AN and BN are a single disorder with one cause or separate disorders with different causes.Hill's Criteria of Causation were used to test the hypothesis that AN and BN are one disorder with a single cause. Hill's Criteria of Causation demand that the minimal conditions are needed to establish a causal relationship between two items which include all of the following: strength of association, consistency, temporality, biological gradient, plausibility, coherence, experimental evidence and analogy.The hypothesis that AN and BN have a single ...

Bigorexia: bodybuilding and muscle dysmorphia

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Muscle dysmorphia is an emerging condition that primarily affects male bodybuilders. Such individuals obsess about being inadequately muscular. Compulsions include spending hours in the gym, squandering excessive amounts of money on ineffectual sports supplements, abnormal eating patterns or even substance abuse. In this essay, I illustrate the features of muscle dysmorphia by employing the first-person account of a male bodybuilder afflicted by this condition. I briefly outline the history of bodybuilding and examine whether the growth of this sport is linked to a growing concern with body image amongst males. I suggest that muscle dysmorphia may be a new expression of a common pathology shared with the eating disorders. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Associ...

Existential well-being in younger and older people with anorexia nervosa - a preliminary investigation

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Previous research suggests that anorexic behaviour may be an attempt to introduce control into a chaotic environment, and that the need for stability and meaning in life is an important factor in the development of psychopathologies. The phenomenon of 'existential anxiety' is a characteristic reaction to a lack of meaning in the life of an individual. This preliminary study attempted to identify whether existential concerns are associated with anorexic symptoms.Two groups of women with anorexia (those aged between 18 and 30, and those aged over 30, respectively) were compared to two age-matched comparison groups across four measures: The eating disorder inventory (EDI), the Beck depression inventory (BDI), the anorectic cognition scale and the McGill quality of life existential well-being ...

Weight limits, estimations of future BMI, subjective pubertal timing and physical appearance comparisons among adolescent girls as precursors of disturbed eating behaviour in a community sample

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

From a clinical point of view, a high 'objective' BMI or an early biological onset of puberty are well-known risk factors for eating disorders. In contrast, little is known about irrational beliefs and subjective meanings of body weight and pubertal timing.Mostly using standardised questionnaires, 136 girls with an average age of 12 years were asked to report their eating behaviour, (body) self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, weight limits, estimations of future BMI, subjective pubertal timing and appearance-related social comparisons.Results showed significant correlations between disturbed eating behaviour and the existence of a weight limit, which was reported by 45% of the girls. Twenty two per cent wished to have a future BMI beneath the 10th percentile. In terms of pubertal timing, gir...

Learning experiences in dance class predict adult eating disturbance

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Elite dancers are at increased risk of eating disorders. The authors hypothesized that specific learning about thinness in dance class, rather than simple participation in dance training, tends to be an important aspect of the risk process. Approximately 500 college women reported on their previous dance experiences, their dance-related learning about thinness, their eating behaviours and attitudes and their thinness expectancies. Results showed that lifetime amount of time spent in dance class was unrelated to adult eating disturbance, women's reports of learning experiences concerning thinness during their dance classes predicted adult disordered eating concurrently, and thinness expectancies appeared to mediate the relationship between learning about thinness and adult eating disturbanc...

Loss of control over eating in overweight youngsters: The role of anxiety, depression and emotional eating

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The current study investigated loss of control (LC) over eating and the role of anxiety, depression and emotional eating in a sample of both treatment seeking (N = 115) and non-treatment seeking (N = 73) overweight youngsters (aged 8-18) using a semi-structured clinical interview and self-report questionnaires. It was found that treatment seekers reported twice as much LC (40%) compared to non-treatment seekers (21%). Cross-sectional prediction models indicated that increased anxiety was associated with emotional eating and LC. Emotional eating tended to mediate the relationship between anxiety and LC. Increased depression was associated with emotional eating but not with LC. Especially overweight treatment seekers turn out to be at risk for LC. Because LC may develop as a result of inadeq...

Binge eating disorder pharmacotherapy clinical trails - who is left out?

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This report examined the characteristics of subjects interested in binge eating disorder (BED) pharmacotherapy trails who were ineligible for participation.Data on 2685 potential subjects interested in participating in five different placebo-controlled monotherapy trails of BED were analysed.Of the 2685 potential subjects, 1230 (45.8%) were ineligible because they did not meet entry criteria, 586 (21.8%) were eligible for participation, 531 (19.8%) were not interested in the study and 338 (12.6%) were not contacted. Among the 1230 ineligible candidates, 525 (42.7%) were taking exclusionary psychotropic medication, 305 (24.8%) did not meet specified BED criteria, 157 (12.7%) were out of the required age (n = 83) or weight (n = 74) range, 212 (17.2%) had prohibited medical (n = 78) or psychi...

The relationship between skinfold thickness and body mass index in North European Caucasian and East Asian women with anorexia nervosa: Implications for diagnosis and management

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

To investigate the relationship between skinfold thickness and body mass index (BMI) in North European Caucasian and East Asian young women with and without anorexia nervosa (AN) in two countries.Height, weight and skinfold thicknesses were assessed in 137 young women with and without AN, in Australia and Singapore. The relationship between BMI and the sum of triceps, biceps, subscapular and iliac crest skinfolds was analysed with clinical status, ethnicity, age and country of residence as covariates.For the same BMI, women with AN had significantly smaller sums of skinfolds than women without AN. East Asian women both with and without AN had significantly greater skinfold sums than their North European Caucasian counterparts after adjusting for BMI.Lower BMI goals may be appropriate when ...

A pilot intervention to reduce eating disorder risk in Latina women

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The current study tested the effects of an eating disorder risk reduction programme (Food, Mood and Attitude (FMA)) with Latina women.Fifty-two female Latina college students were screened. Of these, 28 eligible women were administered a questionnaire packet prior to and approximately 2 months and again 1 year after completing a 2-hour computer-based risk reduction programme called FMA and participating in two 2-hour discussion groups about risk factors for eating disorders.Paired sample t-tests indicated significant changes from pre- to post-assessment on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ)-shape concerns subscale (p = .002), Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2)-body dissatisfaction (BD) subscale (p < .001) and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ; p = .006). Significant chan...

Eating disorders in ballet dancing students: Problems and risk factors

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

To study the prevalence of symptoms of eating disorders and risk eating behaviours and the relationship between life at a dance school and the risk of developing an eating disorder (ED) in an adolescent population of Spanish dance students.Questionnaires were used to assess attitudes to eating, cultural influences on the body shape model, eating disorders (DSM-IV) and risk factors for eating disorders in 76 adolescent dance students (age 12-17 years) at the Barcelona Theatre Institute. Subjects were compared with a community sample of 453 female adolescents. To study the relationship between ED and characteristics of this particular school, an original questionnaire was administered to 105 students at the school aged from 12 to 21 years.The prevalence of eating disorders and several risk a...

Effectiveness of day hospital treatment for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of this observational study was to examine the short-term effectiveness of a structured, largely manualised day hospital treatment, as well as the stability of short-term effects in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Eighty-three patients, 47 with AN and 36 with BN, were assessed at pre-treatment, at the end of the day hospital treatment and at follow-up approximately one year after post-treatment. Outcome measures were body mass index (BMI), disturbed eating attitudes and behaviours assessed by the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), frequency of bingeing and purging, and general psychopathology assessed by the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). At the end of the day hospital treatment, significant improvements could be found on all outcome variables (frequency...

Many roads lead to Rome: Why does cognitive behavioural therapy remain unsuccessful for many eating disorder patients?

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This paper makes the case that the widely used evidence-based 'CBT' approaches remain unsuccessful in many eating disorder patients. Six critical 'personal reflections' are formulated on why many patients remain totally resistant toward our therapeutic endeavours. My reflections suggest that probably many roads may lead to Rome. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Pros and cons of using the mental health act for severe eating Disorders in Adolescents

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, based in a specialist hospital, we compared patients treated under parental consent with those detained under the Mental Health Act: their characteristics and outcome up to 12 months after discharge.34 patients were informal (treated under parental consent) (age: 16.2 ± 1.3 years) and 16 were treated under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act (age: 16.2 ± 1) in a 3-year period. Detained patients had an earlier age of onset (12.2 ± 5 vs. 14.3 ± 1.8) and more previous hospitalisation. On admission, their psychosocial functioning (Children's Global Assessment Scale (C-GAS): 13.6 ± 2 vs. 26.9 ± 9; Health of the Nation Outcome Scale for Children and Adolescents (HONOSCA): 41.7 ± 5 vs. 31.9 ± 5) were worse than voluntary patients', they had a higher level of co-morbid depres...

Personal standards, self-evaluation and perceived benefits of thinness in girls and young women with disturbed eating

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study was to examine personal standards, self-evaluation and perceived benefits of thinness in Swedish females 14-21 years with disturbed eating (DE) and to compare these to a group with other psychosocial problems and to a symptom free group. Seventy subjects with DE-group, 65 subjects with psychosocial problems and 70 symptom free subjects were compared regarding items selected from four questionnaires. High personal standards expressed in a competitive way were specific for the DE-group. In comparison with the other groups the DE-group also reported significantly more perceived benefits of thinness and they more frequently believed that thinness would make them more popular. The DE-group also reported a more negative self-evaluation, although this was a trait shared with...

Comparison of the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) in the Netherlands, Austria and Italy

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Comparison of scores of the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) in non-clinical females aged 15-35 years (total n = 2402) in three European countries with North-South variation.Participants were high school girls from the Netherlands (n = 642), Austria (n = 544) and Italy (n = 359), and college students from the Netherlands (n = 348), Austria (n = 114) and Italy (n = 395).Age-dependent differences of EDI subscale scores were observed. Whereas in Dutch females weight and body shape concerns had a peak between 16 and 19 years, these concerns remained relatively constant in Italy and Austria. The Italian scores were significantly higher than the Dutch scores on almost all EDI subscales whereby effects were small or medium.The scores may be influenced by socio-cultural factors, cultural traits, cu...

Eating disorders and disordered eating in Israel: An updated review

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Israel presents a unique opportunity to study the role of socio-cultural parameters in the development of mental disturbances because of the exceptional diversity of the Israeli society. In the present review, we aimed to analyse the current state of disordered eating in Israel by means of an extensive literature review. The following are the main findings of our review: The frequency of maladaptive eating among female and male Israeli Jewish adolescents is higher in comparison to many other Westernised countries. Among different Jewish sub-populations, Kibbutz women have been found until recently to show higher rates of disordered eating in comparison to other Israeli samples. Recent studies show no such difference between Kibbutz members and the general Israeli population. No clear-cut f...

Myoedema in anorexia nervosa: A useful clinical Sign

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

When significant weight loss occurs in anorexia nervosa, routine physical examination may reveal the striking phenomenon of myoedema or muscle mounding. This refers to the way in which a localised short-lasting swelling may be induced in a voluntary muscle as a result of tactile percussion, ideally with a patellar hammer. The present case report describes this finding in a patient with anorexia nervosa and discusses its physiological and clinical significance. It is suggested that as a clinical sign myoedema may be of value in the management of anorexia nervosa by challenging the denial of illness which is so characteristic of it. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

The moderation of pessimistic judgments associated with high and low dietary Restraint

European Eating Disorders Review — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the moderation of pessimistic judgments associated with high and low levels of dietary restraint using the Consider-An-Alternative debiasing procedure. Caucasian female participants were randomly assigned to either a control or debiasing group in a mixed factorial repeated measure designed experiment. The participants read and made probability ratings as to the likelihood of future negative eating-related events. The results showed that the debiasing procedure was effective in the reduction of pessimistic judgmental predictions for low restraint participants only. The results were discussed in terms of the debiasing technique and how it may serve to reduce pessimistic judgments. Finally, a potential for application in psychotherapy and cognitive models of psychopath...

Treatment emergent mania responding to valproate in a Chinese female adolescent population with eating disorders: A case series

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Eating disorders are commonly associated with depressive symptoms. In an adolescent and binge eating population fluoxetine is commonly used to treat co-morbid depression associated with eating disorders. In some patients this may precipitate treatment emergent mania (TEM). Risk factors in the adolescent population include being older, female, having a longer duration of illness, more previous mood episodes, a higher prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism, early-onset anxiety and recent exposure to a mood-elevating agent. Diagnosis and management of these co-morbid conditions is challenging due to the overlapping symptomatology and the adverse effects of both conditions complicating pharmacological management. This is illustrated with three cases in a Chinese female adolescent population ...

Cross-cultural differences in the macronutrient intakes of women with anorexia nervosa in Australia and Singapore

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

To compare the macronutrient intakes of women with and without anorexia nervosa (AN) across cultures.Participants were women with AN (n = 39) and without AN (n = 89) of North European and East Asian backgrounds recruited in Australia and Singapore. Energy and the percentage energy contributed by protein (%protein), fat (%fat) and carbohydrate (%CHO) were assessed from participant's diet histories and analysed in terms of cultural group, acculturation, socio-economic status (SES) and education level.AN status was associated with lower energy and higher %CHO. Greater %protein was associated with greater acculturation to Western culture and lower SES, but not AN. Greater %fat was associated with lower SES and lower acculturation in women with AN, but with higher acculturation in controls. Gre...

Surgery and parental separation as potential risk factors for abnormal eating attitudes - longitudinal study

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Due to the susceptibility of eating disorders (ED) to stressful life events, we wanted to examine longitudinally whether two childhood adversities: (1) surgery and (2) parental separation, will affect abnormal eating attitudes in adolescents. Consecutively for 4 years, the eating attitude test (EAT-26) and the eating disorder inventory-2 (EDI-2) questionnaires were administered to students from grades 7th through 10th and 8th through 11th. Multilevel analysis revealed that parental separation and oral or cosmetic dermatologic surgeries were significantly correlated with EAT-26 and EDI-2 scores throughout the 4 years of the study. Post-hoc interpretation suggests a connection between (A) chirurgic intervention in the oral cavity and problematic eating attitudes, and (B) cosmetic dermatologi...

Do Ramadan fasting restrictions alter eating behaviours?

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

During Ramadan month, Muslims should refrain from drinking, eating and smoking from dawn to sunset. Ramadan fasting can be considered as a kind of dietary restriction. Eating restriction is a risk factor for later development of eating disorders. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether Ramadan fasting changes the eating behaviours of young people, especially girls who are known as the most vulnerable group for eating disorders. Our sample consisted of 79 healthy volunteers from a high school (63 females; mean age = 16.29; 16 males; mean age = 16.31) who fasted during the Ramadan month. No statistically significant differences were found between the scores of EAT (Eating Attitude Test) and BITE (Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh) which were administered within the weeks before ...

The development of the childhood retrospective perfectionism questionnaire (CHIRP) in an eating disorder sample

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This investigation explored the prevalence and predictive value of childhood obsessive-compulsive personality traits (OCPTs) in the development of eating disorders (EDs) using a novel retrospective questionnaire. To reduce bias associated with retrospective self-report data, an identical informant version of the questionnaire was also utilised. Substantial test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities were found for the questionnaire, as well as concordant validity with the semi-structured interview from which it was derived. Participants with an ED (n = 246) endorsed more childhood behaviours reflecting OCPTs than the control group (n = 89). This was mirrored in the informant report data (n = 93). The prevalence rate for each OCPT in childhood was significantly higher in the total ED sample c...

A 'trans-transdiagnostic' model of the eating disorders: a new way to open the egg?

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Using neuropsychological feedback therapeutically in treatment for anorexia nervosa: two illustrative case reports

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Information processing in anorexia nervosa (AN) has been characterised as having a tendency to get trapped in detail, and having difficulties with set-shifting. These characteristics can be addressed in treatment through personalised interventions targeting thinking styles and their role in the development and maintenance of an eating disorder (ED). This paper outlines a three-session assessment and feedback module designed to identify and address these information processing biases. Two case reports are presented to illustrate the structure, content and outcome of the intervention. Both patients described the intervention as helpful in providing a structure and rationale for the steps required in recovery. The short nature and promising results of this intervention make it an attractive a...

Confidence interval

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Nancy J. Dougherty and Jaqueline J. West (2007). The matrix and meaning of character: an archetypal and developmental approach. Routledge: London, New York, pp. 298, ISBN 978-0-415-40300-9

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

John Coleman, Leo B. Hendry and Marion Kloep (2007). Adolescence and health. John Wiley & Sons: Chichester, UK, pp. 256, ISBN 978-0-470-09207-1

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Sabine Wilhelm (2006). Feeling good about the way you look: a program for overcoming body image issues'. Guilford Publications: New York, NY, pp. 212, ISBN 978-1593852948

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Excessive exercise in the eating disorders: a need for less activity from patients and more from researchers[hellip]

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

'Excessive exercise' and eating-disordered behaviour in young adult women: further evidence from a primary care sample

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

In order to replicate findings from previous community-based research, conducted in Australia, in a different sample, we examined relationships between exercise behaviour, eating-disordered behaviour and quality of life among young adult women attending one of two primary care facilities in the upper Midwest region of the United States.A high level of guilt when exercise is missed was associated with markedly elevated levels of eating disorder psychopathology and significantly reduced quality of life. The combination of exercising solely for weight and shape and intense guilt after missing exercise was associated with very high levels of eating disorder psychopathology, comparable to those of individuals seeking specialist treatment.The findings provide further evidence that where young ad...

Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination of women with anorexia nervosa

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Limited research indicates that public attitudes toward individuals with eating disorders are moderately negative. The present study examined specific forms of stigmatisation attributed to individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). Eighty female participants recruited from an undergraduate institution completed questionnaires assessing stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination of four target individuals: a woman with AN, depression, schizophrenia and mononucleosis. AN was considered to result more from lack of social support and biological factors than poor living habits. Characteristics attributed to targets were less positive for AN than the targets with schizophrenia and mononucleosis; participants reported greater discomfort interacting with the target with AN compared to the targets with...

Denial and concealment of eating disorders: a retrospective survey

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

To get an idea of how (ex-)patients deal with the recognition of an emergent eating disorder.A retrospective survey was carried out via the websites of two organizations for (ex-)patients with an eating disorder.The respondents (N = 401) reported a variety of attempts to conceal their eating disorder: excuses to avoid eating together, methods to give the false impression of having eaten, avoidance of being weighed and falsifying weight. Often these methods were described as a deliberate strategy. Information about possible health risks had little or no impact on most respondents, who were familiar with the notion of eating disorder but did not apply it to themselves. Many believed they would have recognized their eating disorder earlier if they had met a clinician who was familiar with thi...

Personality traits and self-injurious behaviour in patients with eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

The interest in different aspects of personality and the neuropsychological basis for behaviour in eating disorder patients has increased over the last decade. The present study aims at exploring personality traits, self-injurious behaviour (SIB) and suicide attempts in a group of severely ill eating disorder patients. Patients with eating disorders (N = 38) and age-matched controls (N = 67) were examined concerning self-reported personality traits by means of the Karolinska scales of personality (KSP). Psychosocial history and SIB was collected from medical records. Depression was rated by means of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results indicated significantly higher anxiety-related and detachment traits in both anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) patients and higher host...

The assessment of the family of people with eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

We describe in detail the pattern of interpersonal reactions that can result when a family member has an eating disorder. Shared traits such as anxiety, compulsivity and abnormal eating behaviours contribute to some of the misperceptions, misunderstandings and confusion about the meaning of the eating disorder for family members. Unhelpful attributions can fuel a variety of emotional reactions (criticism, hostility, overprotection, guilt and shame). Gradually these forces cause family members to accommodate to the illness or be drawn in to enable some of the core symptoms. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Shame in women with a history of eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Several studies have investigated shame in eating disorders but most have used non-clinical samples examined only one type of eating disorder or included only a limited range of shame measures. The current study explored shame from multiple perspectives in women who report a range of eating disorder diagnoses and who are at different stages of illness and recovery.In a postal questionnaire study, 224 women with a history of an eating disorder completed measures of anorexic and bulimic symptoms, depression and shame.After controlling for levels of depression, shame was associated with eating disorder symptoms. Specifically, shame as a measure of 'perceived involuntary subordination' (external shame) was uniquely associated with severity of anorexia nervosa symptoms, while shame as a measure...

Expressed emotion among white and ethnic minority families of adolescents with bulimia nervosa

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Expressed emotion (EE), a measure of a relative's attitudes and behaviours towards an ill family member, has been found to be related to treatment outcome for both anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Although cultural and ethnic background can influence the way in which family members interact, very little is known about cultural differences in EE among families of an eating disordered adolescent. As part of a treatment study for adolescent BN, 55 patients and 84 parents participated in a structured interview, from which EE ratings were made. White and ethnic minority families were compared on five subscales of EE as well as overall level of EE (high vs. low). No significant differences were found between white and minority families. These findings are consistent with previous ...

Primary prevention of eating disorders: characteristics of effective programmes and how to bring them to broader dissemination

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Based upon the observation of advances in the primary prevention of eating disorders (ED), it is summarized that school-based programmes, focusing on risk factors for females with interactive elements, dissonance induction and booster sessions yield significant effects even under strong methodological conditions. However, beyond the presented research findings it remains often unclear, if and how programmes can be brought to a broader dissemination within a community, region or country.Introducing the programme PriMa (German school-based programme for the primary prevention of anorexia nervosa (AN) for girls up to the age of 12), we describe the process of programme evaluation (including 1.006 girls from 42 schools in Thuringia, Germany, who participated in a controlled study using a pre-p...

High definition

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Janet D. Latner and G. Terence Wilson (Eds.) (2007). Self-help approaches for obesity and eating disorders. Research and practice. The Guilford Press: New York, USA, pp. 376, ISBN-13: 978-1-59385-442-3

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Michael L. Free (2007). Cognitive therapy in groups: guidelines and resources for practice (2nd ed.). Wiley, 381p, ISBN: 978-470-02448-5

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Sara Gilbert (2005). Counselling for eating disorders. Sage Publications Ltd: London, UK, pp. 192, ISBN: 1412902797

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Exploring quality of life for eating-disordered patients

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

This qualitative study used a semi-structured interview to explore whether user perspective on quality of life changed following a 12 week day therapy programme for eating disorders. Thematic analysis was used to explore emergent themes. The most significant finding was the difference between the trajectories of the completers and the non-completers of the day programme. Whilst completers and non-completers were similar at the start of the programme, completers moved through aspiration to actual change in the quality of their lives, whereas non-completers were unable to take their aspiration through to action. One possible explanation for the findings is that motivation may be an important intermediate variable, with completers of the programme being more motivated to improve not only thei...

Emotional awareness and core beliefs among women with eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Patients with eating disorders have been shown to experience the emotional components of alexithymia - difficulties in identifying and describing emotions. In keeping with cognitive theories, which stress the role of schema-level beliefs in understanding emotions, this study examined the core beliefs that are associated with this difficulty in women with eating disorders. Seventy eating-disordered women completed standardised measures of core beliefs and alexithymia. There were no differences in alexithymia between diagnostic groups, so the women were treated as a single, transdiagnostic group. Multiple regression analyses showed specific patterns of association between the core beliefs and the emotional elements of alexithymia. Difficulties in identifying emotions were associated with ent...

Personality disorders in 545 patients with eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Previous research on the prevalence of personality disorders in patients with eating disorders varies greatly in findings, but a general understanding seem to exist that personality disorders are rather common among eating-disordered patients. The present investigation is aimed at establishing the prevalence of DSM III-R or DSM IV personality disorders in a large population seeking treatment for eating disorders.Five hundred and forty-five patients with DSM IV- eating disorders have been evaluated using the structured clinical interview for DSM III-R or IV-Axis II and the eating disorder examination.The 29.5% of the population have one or more personality disorders according to DSM III-R or DSM IV criteria. Personality disorders, and specifically borderline personality disorder, are signif...

Why (and when) clinicians compel treatment of anorexia nervosa patients

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

This paper addresses the question of the circumstances which lead clinicians to use legal coercion in the management of patients with severe anorexia nervosa, and explores similarities and differences between such formal coercion and other forms of 'strong persuasion' in patient management.Logistic regression and other statistical analysis was undertaken on 75 first admissions for anorexia nervosa from a sample of 117 successive admissions to an eating disorder facility in New South Wales, Australia, where an eating disorder was the primary diagnosis. Admissions with other primary diagnoses, such as bulimia nervosa (25 episodes), and entries with a co-morbid diagnosis (e.g. depression or opiate overdose), were discarded, leaving 96 admissions by 75 individuals.Resort to measures of legal c...

The inpatient management of physical activity in young people with anorexia nervosa

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

This study investigates the management of physical activity in young inpatients with anorexia nervosa. Through telephone interviews and postal surveys inpatient units across the UK were asked about written documents regarding physical activity management, how they viewed healthy exercise, how they assessed physical fitness to engage in activity, the management approaches taken, provision of education and support around this issue and range of activities provided. Results indicated that a variety of approaches were taken, with little consensus between units, although the majority of approaches did involve some form of restriction, frequently determined by weight criteria. There were few substantial written documents to guide practice and a range of interpretations of healthy exercise. The f...

The Portuguese short form of the Eating Attitudes Test-40

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

To develop a Portuguese short form, the Eating Attitudes Test-40 (EAT-40) was administered to a community sample of 922 female students and to a clinical sample of 63 females suffering from an eating disorder. With the EAT responses of the community sample a factor analysis was performed and items with factor loadings [ge] 0.30 were selected. Internal consistency was computed for both the instrument and the factors. To study the discriminant capacity the proportion of symptomatic answers and the mean scores were compared between the clinical (N = 63) and control (N = 63) samples. Three factors were extracted: Drive for Thinness (14 items, [alpha] = .839), Bulimic Behaviours (8 items, [alpha] = .670), Social Pressure to Eat (3 items, [alpha] = .758). The short form is composed of 25 items a...

Group motivational enhancement therapy as an adjunct to inpatient treatment for eating disorders: a preliminary study

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Difficulties in fostering eating disorder (ED) patients' motivations to overcome their illness are widely considered to be a major hurdle in the course of successful treatment. However, no previous study has assessed the use of interventions specifically designed to target poor motivation amongst patients with illnesses that are severe enough to warrant hospitalisation.A brief Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) group programme for inpatient ED sufferers was developed and evaluated.Forty two consecutive inpatients were sequentially allocated to treatment groups. Twenty three inpatients completed a four session MET group programme in addition to routine hospital care. A control group of 19 participants completed treatment as usual (TAU).Despite an absence of significant differences betwe...

A longitudinal study of perfectionism in adolescent onset anorexia nervosa-restricting type

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

This longitudinal study analyses self-reported perfectionism, eating disorders and psychiatric symptoms during recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN). With a recovered design, a group of 68 previous patients with AN was studied in two follow-up studies, 8 and 16 years after 1st admission to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP). Levels of perfectionism stayed the same while eating disorder symptoms and psychiatric symptoms decreased during recovery. Levels of perfectionism were inversely related to duration of remission so that individuals that had short illness duration had lower levels of perfectionism at both follow-ups. Patients with initial high levels of perfectionism may be at risk for a long illness duration which we recommend clinicians to acknowledge. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & ...

Socio-Demographic characteristics of eating disorder patients in an outpatient clinic: a descriptive epidemiological study

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

The present study focused on the differential help-seeking characteristics of eating disorder (ED) patients.Written reports of 698 ED-related patients who were referred to the largest outpatient ED clinic in Israel during the period 1991-2002 were retrieved from the patient files.The typical profile was as follows: female, Israeli-born, secular, Jewish, urban, Ashkenazi (Western origin) ethnic background and high-level of parental education. Noteworthy, were the high percentage of kibbutz patients and the low percentages of patients from both the Arab and Jewish religious sectors.The results are discussed in light of the socio-cultural impact on professional help-seeking among individuals suffering from ED. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source:...

Atypical antipsychotics in severe anorexia nervosa in children and adolescents - review and case reports

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

To review the literature on the use of atypical antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa of children and adolescents and to present three case reports on quetiapine treatment of this subgroup.Review of the literature and case report.Several case reports and two small open-label trials, mainly in adults, observed beneficial effects of olanzapine on anorexic psychopathology. Only 16 case reports have been published on children and adolescents. Because of its lower propensity to induce weight gain quetiapine might be favourable with regard to patients' compliance. Our case reports revealed positive psychopathological effects and good tolerability of quetiapine in minors with severe anorexia nervosa. Careful titration and intense drug monitoring are recommended.In a small subset of patients with sev...

A prospective study of obsessive-compulsive and borderline personality traits, race and disordered eating

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Most previous investigations of the relationship between personality and disordered eating have been cross-sectional and have utilised relatively homogeneous samples. The current study sought to prospectively explore two specific putative personality risk factors for disordered eating in an ethnically diverse sample of women (n = 58). During the initial and 2-year follow-up assessments, semi-structured diagnostic interviews were administered. Analyses revealed that borderline personality disorder symptoms, as well as an interaction between obsessive-compulsive personality disorder symptoms and race, significantly predicted disordered eating over a 2-year period. Obsessive-compulsive personality pathology was most strongly predictive of disordered eating for the African American women, spec...

Body image disturbance in young North European and East Asian women with and without eating disorders in Australia and in Singapore

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

To investigate body image disturbance in young women with and without an eating disorder (ED) across two different ethnic groups in Australia and Singapore.The relationship of body image disturbance to cultural orientation and socio-cultural factors was analysed in 154 women with and without an ED. Participants were from the following backgrounds: North European Australian, East Asian Australian, Singaporean Chinese (SC) and North European expatriates in Singapore.Irrespective of cultural group, women with an ED had similar body dissatisfaction. Among those without an ED, SC women reported greater body dissatisfaction than all other cultural groups. Finally, within each cultural group, ED participants reported significantly higher body dissatisfaction than their non-ED counterparts with th...

Depressive tendencies and lower levels of self-sacrifice in mothers, and selflessness in their anorexic daughters

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

(1) To compare levels of selflessness (the tendency to ignore one's own needs and serve others') and asceticism of parents and daughters, in anorexic and control families. (2) To investigate the relationship between parents' depression and daughters' selflessness. Twenty-eight anorexic daughters and their 28 mothers and 23 fathers were compared to 29 control daughters and their 29 mothers and 28 fathers, participants were administered the Beck Depression Inventory, the Selflessness Scale, the asceticism scale of the Eating Disorder Inventory and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Anorexics' mothers showed significantly lower levels of selflessness and asceticism compared to control mothers; anorexic daughters showed significantly higher levels of selflessness and asceticism comp...

Childhood experiences of being bullied and teased in the eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the possible links between such experiences and eating disorders, focusing on the potential mediating role of two socially oriented emotions-shame and social anxiety. Ninety-two eating-disordered women completed measures of social anxiety, shame, eating pathology and childhood experiences of being bullied and teased about their appearance (by peers and family). There was a specific relationship between teasing by peers about appearance and body dissatisfaction, which was mediated by shame. These findings support existing evidence regarding the associations between trauma and eating pathology. They suggest that clinicians need to consider the potential role of teasing by peers about appearance and shame when understanding body dissatisfaction. Further research is nee...

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of eating disorder endorsements among adolescents and young adults from China

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This research assessed the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of eating disorder symptoms among young people from China. A sample of 1320 females and 783 males between 12 and 22 years of age was recruited from academic settings in various regions of China and completed a back-translated Chinese version of the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale, as well as measures of body dissatisfaction and demographics. As expected, reported eating disorder symptoms and body dissatisfaction were significantly higher for females than males. Eating disorder symptoms and body dissatisfaction were also more pronounced for participants from higher income households. Finally, age differences in symptoms and body dissatisfaction were inconsistent. In sum, findings extend past prevalence research and highl...

Emotional awareness among eating-disordered patients: the role of narcissistic traits

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

The narcissistic defences and a lack of emotional awareness (alexithymia) are both salient features of eating disorder pathology, as well as being linked to each other. As each of these characteristics impacts independently on treatment, it is important to understand how they interact within an eating-disordered population. The present study assessed the associations between the three core elements of alexithymia and the core and defensive elements of narcissism in this clinical group. Seventy eating-disordered patients completed standardised measures of alexithymia and narcissism, and multiple regression analyses were conducted in order to examine the relationship between these variables. Core narcissism (e.g. grandiosity, entitlement) was associated with difficulties in describing feelin...

Dieting in Spanish adolescent girls

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This article examines the relation between dieting and non-dieting adolescent girls and body mass index (BMI), eating attitudes and the influence of the aesthetic body shape model. Three hundred forty-nine Spanish adolescent girls in their second year of secondary education were selected. The research design was a cross-sectional ex post facto study and validated measures were used to assess the main variables. Fourteen per cent of the sample was on a diet. Of this group, 69% were overweight, 70% had disordered eating attitudes and 70% were influenced by the current aesthetic body shape model. In all situations, the scores for dieters were significantly higher than those for non-dieters. Although there is not yet any clear consensus with regards to how adolescents interpret the term 'diet'...

Treating young people with eating disorders: transition from child mental health to specialist adult eating disorder services

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study discusses the implication of these results in transitional arrangements between CAMHS and Adult services. It also highlights the need for heightened awareness of particular issues of self-esteem and maturation in these patients moving between services. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Eating disorders and concurrent psychopathology: a reconceptualisation of clinical need through Rasch analysis

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Therapies for anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED) and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) take as their focus, perhaps of necessity, the eating disorder symptomatology. However, there is increasing evidence of comorbidity of psychopathological mechanisms (e.g. perfectionism, depression) with eating disorders which, left untreated, may diminish any therapeutic effects. Thus identifying the extent of comorbidity in an eating disorder population and assessing the relationship between psychopathological mechanisms and the eating disorder is important. Rasch analysis was applied to the findings from questionnaires (EDI-2; SCL90-R) completed by 105 female patients referred to an eating disorder unit. General psychopathology was found to be more in...

Metacognition in patients with anorexia nervosa, dieting and non-dieting women: a preliminary study

European Eating Disorders Review — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

To explore metacognition in women with anorexia nervosa (AN), dieting and non-dieting women.A cross-sectional study between groups design compared women with AN (n = 15), normal dieters (n = 17) and non-dieters (n = 18). A semi-structured interview was used to explore presence and content of explicit metacognitions and use of metacognitive control strategies.Explicit metacognitions and metacognitive control strategies were present in all three groups of women. There were group differences in amount and function of metacognitive activity and trends in the qualitative data suggested participants with AN believed that their thoughts were abnormal and uncontrollable. They used six metacognitive strategies more than control groups and were less successful at using thought re-appraisal and atten...

Attachment styles, memories of parental rearing and therapeutic bond: a study with eating disordered patients, their parents and therapists

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (n = 30) and bulimia nervosa (n = 27), their parents and therapists were recruited for this study aimed at examining differences between clinical groups and a control group (n = 35) in terms of attachment styles and perceptions of memories of parental rearing. Within the clinical groups, relations among these variables and therapeutic bond were explored. In addition, parents' and their daughters' attachment styles were compared. The results showed differences between clinical and control groups: the daughters in the control group reported lower levels of attachment anxiety compared to those of the clinical groups; their mothers exhibited higher security than mothers of anorectic patients and lower avoidance than mothers of bulimic patients. For the ...

Getting better byte by byte: a pilot randomised controlled trial of email therapy for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

One hundred and ten people in an university population responded to emailed eating disorder questionnaires. Ninty-seven fulfilling criteria for eating disorders (bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), EDNOS) were randomised to therapist administered email bulimia therapy (eBT), unsupported Self directed writing (SDW) or Waiting list control (WLC). Measures were repeated at 3 months. Diagnosis, Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Bulimia investigatory test (BITE) scores were recorded. Follow-up rate was 63% and results must be interpreted cautiously. However significantly fewer participants who had received eBT or SDW fulfilled criteria for eating disorders at follow up compared to WLC. There was no significant difference between eBT and SDW in the analysis of variance (ANOVA), ...

Symptom severity and treatment course of bulimic patients with and without a borderline personality disorder

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

There are contradictory results concerning the frequency of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in bulimic patients and its impact on eating pathology and treatment outcome. We evaluated 240 patients with bulimia nervosa using EDI-2, SIAB and SCL-90-R. Only a minority of patients had a BPD (13.8%). There were no differences in binging or purging behaviour between patients with and without BPD, but borderline patients had significantly more feelings of ineffectiveness and more disturbances in interoceptive awareness. Bulimic patients with BPD showed significantly more general psychopathology. Although, BPD patients started with higher levels of pathology, there were similar reductions of symptoms over the course of treatment in both groups. Psychotherapy in bulimic patients with a BPD has...

Developing a parenting skills-and-support intervention for mothers with eating disorders and pre-school children: part 2. Piloting a group intervention

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to define and clarify intervention components, and make a preliminary assessment of the feasibility, acceptability and potential for achieving clinical change of the group intervention.An eight-session group intervention was developed and piloted with four or five participants in each of three trials. Feedback demonstrated that the majority of participants tolerated and valued this type of intervention, and felt it had a positive impact on parenting skills and confidence. Preliminary evaluation suggested reduction in parenting concerns and improved depression scores following group participation.The groups revealed a range of difficulties experienced by such mothers. An intervention designed to address the identified issues could have important beneficial effects on child ...

Look at yourself: can body image therapy affect the cognitive and emotional response to seeing oneself in the mirror in eating disorders?

European Eating Disorders Review — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

The study examined whether the extent of negative body-related thoughts and emotions evoked by looking in a mirror can be changed by cognitive-behavioural body image therapy (BIT) and whether any remaining cognitive and affective responses dropped faster after the treatment. Females with eating disorders (n = 17) looked in a mirror for 40 minutes under standardised conditions before and after BIT. A control group (CG) (n = 24) was also exposed to their own bodies twice. Cognitive and affective reactions were assessed four times during the session. Hierarchical Linear Modelling revealed that among eating-disordered patients, the entrance levels of negative thoughts and feelings were lower at post compared to pre-BIT, whereas they remained stable in the CG. The extent of reduction of the rem...

It would not have happened to me at home: qualitative exploration of sojourns abroad and eating disorders in young Czech women

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Eating disorders can be triggered by life events involving migration and acculturation.To explore associations between sojourns abroad and the onset and course of eating disorders.Six semi-structured interviews with women with an eating disorder and history of sojourn abroad and seven first-person Internet testimonies were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).We identified three trajectories relating eating disorders to sojourns abroad: (I) weight-gain when abroad associated with later development of an eating disorder; (II) development or worsening of an eating disorder when abroad; (III) stay abroad as an attempt to escape the illness. Three topics informed on the impact of sojourns abroad on mental health: (A) different food and eating habits; (B) negative emoti...

Nurse evaluation of hyperactivity in anorexia nervosa: a comparative study

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, 18 patients with AN under treatment in a specialized eating disorder centre simultaneously rated their own physical activity levels, used an actometer, and were observed for physical activity by trained nurses. We found that nurse ratings of activity correlated significantly with the average actometer activity score (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). Patients could not rate their own activity levels accurately. Nurse observation of activity levels of AN patients during treatment is a reliable and useful monitoring tool. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Emotional responses to food in adults with an eating disorder: a qualitative exploration

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

In this study we asked 10 adult women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa or an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) to articulate their thoughts whilst viewing slides of a range of different foodstuffs, during an in-depth interview session. The data were transcribed and subjected to qualitative analysis. A core theme of 'Control' was identified. Whilst control has been previously acknowledged in the literature as an important aspect of eating disordered behaviour, this is the first report to link control with negative emotional responses to the sight of food. Clinically, an exploration of the notion of control and how it relates to particular foods may be beneficial in therapy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: Euro...

A study of bone density change in patients with anorexia nervosa

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

In patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) several factors combine to cause osteoporosis, and the risk of osteoporosis increases with chronicity of illness. The authors carried out a follow-up study in patients who attended the Eating Disorders department of the Hospital de Santa Maria. The average follow-up period was of 7.6 years. Fifteen patients were included. Patients answered clinical history questions and underwent neck of femur and spine densitometry. The most important variable with negative correlations to bone recovery was disease duration. A positive correlation between bone recovery and time since the first menstrual cycle post-amenorrhea was also found. However, AN is a condition in which once weight improves and menstrual cycles become regular, severe damage to bone structure is...

Promoting positive body image in young girls: an evaluation of 'Shapesville'

European Eating Disorders Review — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of the current research was to evaluate Shapesville, a children's picture book designed to promote positive body image in young children. Participants were a convenience sample comprising 84 girls (aged 5-9 years) recruited from four private girls' schools. Girls were randomly allocated to be read either Shapesville or a control book. Individual measures of body image, stereotyping on the basis of weight and media internalisation, as well as knowledge of non-appearance topics, were obtained at pre- and post-intervention, as well as at 6-week follow-up. Relative to the control book, girls' appearance satisfaction increased after reading Shapesville. In addition, stereotyping on the basis of weight and internalisation of media ideals was reduced. Finally, reading Shapesville also inc...

The patient's account of relapse and recovery in anorexia nervosa: a qualitative study

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study provides valuable information about the way in which AN patients experience their illness and highlight the factors that help or hinder recovery. These findings may help enhance relapse prevention programs and potentially enhance our ability to identify and target those individuals at the greatest risk of relapsing. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Eating disorder not otherwise specified in an inpatient unit: the impact of altering the DSM-IV criteria for anorexia and bulimia nervosa

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

To evaluate (1) the Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) prevalence in an eating disorder inpatient unit; (2) the impact of altering the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa on the prevalence of EDNOS.One hundred and eighty six eating disorder patients consecutively hospitalised were included in the study. The prevalence of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and EDNOS was evaluated with the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). The EDNOS prevalence was recalculated after the alteration of three diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa and one for bulimia nervosa.Seventy eight patients (41.9%) met the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, 33 (17.8%) for bulimia nervosa and 75 (40.3%) for EDNOS. The alteration of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria reduced the p...

The needs of carers of patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study aims to assess the degree of distress and the need for support of carers of patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa (BN).Thirty-two carers filled out the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Burden Inventory (BI). In addition, they were interviewed with a semi-structured research interview, the Carers' Needs Assessment (CNA), to assess relevant problem areas as well as the needs for helpful interventions. Patients were interviewed with the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) to assess the severity of the eating disorder. All patients met criteria for anorexia (n = 16) or BN (n = 16) according to DSM-IV criteria.The mean duration of illness was 5.6 years. The mean age of the carers was 41 years. Most of the carers were mothers or partners. In the CNA we found high numbe...

Weight curves as predictors of short-term outcome in anorexia nervosa inpatients

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of the present study was to find factors that predict the short-term outcome of inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN).Female inpatients with AN (N = 100) were divided into treatment completers (N = 50) and drop-outs (N = 50). Using stepwise linear regression the relationship of demographic data, illness history and patterns of weight gain to BMI gain up to discharge were analysed.Among drop-outs, 69% of the variance in BMI gain up to discharge was explained by length of the first half of treatment (FHT), average weekly BMI gain and average weight loss during FHT. Among completers, 52% of the variance in BMI gain up to discharge was explained by BMI at admission and average weekly BMI gain during the second half of treatment (SHT).Weight curves offer important information about shor...

Personality in non-clinical adolescents with eating disorders

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study was to examine whether personality-related differences also exist in non-clinical adolescents with any given type of eating disorder (ED) and whether personality characteristics are associated with changes in the course of the diagnosis.An initial sample of 1336 boys and girls (mean age: 11.37, SD = 0.62) was assessed in a two-phase long-term study. A total of 258 subjects were selected from the initial sample (T1) and contacted again 2 years later (T2) (n = 200). These subjects comprise the sample group of this study. Of these, 51 were diagnosed with ED (37 with diagnosis type anorexia (DTA) and 14 with diagnosis type bulimia (DTB)). An experimental version of the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI) was applied.Subjects with DTA had significantly higher...

Are two informants better than one? Parent-child agreement on the eating styles of children who are overweight

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

It is currently unknown to what extent the view of a child with overweight on its' own eating behaviour converges with parental perception regarding this behaviour and how parent-child agreement is influenced by overweight status and age.Youngsters (N = 498; range 7-15 years; 37% boys) referred for weight treatment to an outpatient University centre filled in the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire - child version (DEBQ-child version; Van Strien & Braet, unpublished work), prior to treatment, while their parents reported on their child's eating behaviour by completing the DEBQ-parent version (Braet & Van Strien, ).Parents scored significantly higher when reporting on the emotional eating and external eating behaviour of their child, while they scored lower for restrained eating (all p < 0...

Adverse relationship processes: the attempts of women with Bulimia Nervosa symptoms to fit the perceived ideal of intimate partners

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study drew together research on anxious attachment, self-silencing, self-consciousness during sexual activity and bulimic symptoms.A mixed community/university sample of 225 women aged 18-63 (M = 30.24, SD = 10.44) and involved in an intimate relationship completed questionnaires.Adverse relationship processes were significantly associated and each was also associated with bulimic symptoms. Self-consciousness during sexual activity was the best predictor of bulimic symptoms, followed by anxious attachment. Self-silencing was redundant when the other relationship processes were included in the regression. General psychopathology mediated the association between self-silencing and bulimic symptoms, and partially mediated associations between bulimic symptoms and both anxious attachment ...

Brief report: decreased bone mineral density as a long-term complication of teenage-onset anorexia nervosa

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

To follow up bone mineral density (BMD) 4 years after decreased BMD was diagnosed in adult individuals with teenage-onset anorexia nervosa (AN).In a previous study BMD was assessed in 39 individuals (36 women, 3 men) 11 years after AN onset. Decreased BMD occurred in a minority. In the present study, a 4-year follow-up of individuals with decreased BMD, 11 AN women were reassessed by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Two women still had an eating disorder (ED).Eight out of eleven women met criteria for decreased BMD/osteoporosis. There was an increase in BMD of total body and lumbar spine (LS). There was a relationship between lumbar BMD and BMI.At follow-up of decreased BMD in adult women with teenage-onset of AN, there is a possibility of improvement of BMD. © 2007 John Wile...

Self-report versus interview assessment of purging in a community sample of women

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Agreement between self-report and interview assessment of purging behaviours was examined in a community sample of women with a high level of eating disorder symptoms (n = 324) who completed both the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q).Of 46 individuals who reported any use of self-induced vomiting or laxative misuse on the questionnaire, 19 (41.7%) denied these behaviours when subsequently questioned in a face-to-face interview. These individuals had lower levels of eating disorder psychopathology, functional impairment and general psychological distress, than participants who reported purging on both the questionnaire and at interview (n = 27).The assumption of interview superiority in the assessment of specific aspects of eating disord...

Cross-cultural assessment of eating disorders: psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the Bulimia Test-Revised

European Eating Disorders Review — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a Spanish version of the Bulimia Test-Revised (BULIT-R). The goal was to test the factor-structure equivalence of the BULIT-R across two samples of college students from two different cultures, Spain and the US. Researchers using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) have reported different model solutions for the factor-structure of the BULIT-R: a one-factor model, a four-factor model, a five-factor model and a six-factor model. For the two samples, CFA did not support any of the models previously reported in the literature. EFA supported a six- and a four-factor models for the US and Spanish samples, respectively. © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Sou...

A two-stage epidemiologic study on prevalence of eating disorders in female university students in Mexico

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) in women.Two samples of university students (1995, n = 522; 2002, n = 880) completed the Eating Attitudes Test and the Bulimia Test (BULIT; Stage 1). During Stage 2, the women that exceeded the cut-off point of one or both questionnaires and a random sample of women that did not exceed the cut-off point were interviewed.The results showed a prevalence rate of 0.49% for ED in 1995 (0.14% for bulimia nervosa [BN] and 0.35% for EDs not otherwise specified [EDNOS]) and a prevalence rate of ED of 1.15% in 2002 (0.24% for BN and 0.91% for EDNOS). Anorexia nervosa was not found in either of the evaluated periods. Nevertheless, the results must be taken with reservation since there was a high rate of loss to follow-up (second stage).T...

Developing a parenting skills-and-support intervention for mothers with eating disorders and pre-school children part 1: qualitative investigation of issues to include

European Eating Disorders Review — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study aimed to (i) identify themes and issues that might usefully be addressed in a skills-and-support intervention for mothers with eating disorders who have children less than 5 years of age, and (ii) determine the most appropriate format for such an intervention.Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with seven mothers with eating disorders and pre-school children, and four local health professionals working with mothers of pre-school children.Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed 10 themes: 'Passing on Traits', 'Food Preparation and Provision', 'Interactions Around Food and Mealtimes', 'Mother's Intake', 'Self Care', 'Self Identity and Parental Expectations', 'Impact on General Parent-Child Relationship', 'Need for Control', 'The Group Experience' and ...

Illness perception in eating disorders and psychosocial adaptation

European Eating Disorders Review — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study shows that patients' illness perceptions are related to illness adaptation. Illness identity was associated with emotional and psychosocial adjustment, and having faith that treatment may control the illness was related to positive benefits for ED. These results suggest that a psychological intervention, which addresses patients' illness representations, may assist in their adjustment to ED. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

Pro-eating disorder websites: users' opinions

European Eating Disorders Review — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 05:00:00 +0100

The phenomenon of 'pro-eating disorder' websites remains relatively unexplored by researchers in published formats. Supporters of the sites claim beneficial effects but health professionals worry that the sites propagate disordered behaviours. The present study addressed visitor characteristics and perceived impact of visits. A 24-item questionnaire supplemented with the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) was developed and posted on the website of the UK mental health charity SANE. Participants who interacted with others on the sites and sought emotional support reported improved mental state after visiting, and for them, evidence was found of reduced impact from potentially damaging content. 'Silent browsing' in order to sustain a disorder was found to be mainly harmful. 'Silent browsers' ...

Spoilt for Choice?

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)

James Mitchell and Carol Peterson (Eds.) (2005). Assessment of eating disorders. The Guilford Press: New York, EEUU, pp. 242, ISBN 1-59385-196-0

European Eating Disorders Review — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0100

No Abstract. (Source: European Eating Disorders Review)