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Michel EJ, Reich G, Meyer T. Parent-child age gaps in patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa and their associations with family dysfunction. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2024; 38:32-38. [PMID: 36287385 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-022-00433-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family factors are linked to the development of anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). However, due to a lack of direct comparison, it is still unknown whether the two entities of eating disorders differ with respect to the age gaps between parents and their affected children. METHODS In a cohort of 568 patients from the FamFINED study (FAMily Factors INvolved in Eating Disorders) diagnosed with eating disorders, we assessed the relationships between the parent-child age differences and family dysfunction, as determined by means of the General Family Questionnaire ("Allgemeiner Familienbogen" [FBA]). RESULTS Data showed that the age difference between the mother and the affected child was significantly higher in AN compared to BN patients (29.3 ± 5.3 vs. 28.3 ± 5.1 years, p = 0.017). Logistic regression confirmed that, also in adjusted models, the mother-child age difference significantly differed between the diagnoses of the two eating disorders (exp (B) = 0.918, 95% confidence interval 0.87-0.97, p = 0.004). However, the paternal age difference did not reach a statistical significance in the comparison between the two groups (p = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS The two entities of eating disorders differed significantly with respect to the age difference between the mother and the affected subject. The maternal age difference was higher in anorectic than in bulimic patients from the same study population. Further research is required to identify the psychophysiological mechanisms underlying these age-dependent effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Josephine Michel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Günter Reich
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, Göttingen, Germany.
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Giles EM, Cross AS, Matthews RV, Lacey JH. Disturbed families or families disturbed: a reconsideration. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:11-19. [PMID: 33721219 PMCID: PMC8860793 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01160-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between anorexia nervosa (AN) and family disturbance has been a subject of debate since its first description. What began as a clear view of the pathologically disturbed family causing AN has become ever more complex over the decades. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review is to explore the literature to examine the changes and evolution of clinical opinion around family dysfunction and AN over the last 20 years. METHODS A narrative review of heterogeneous studies in peer-reviewed publications sourced from the major databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, to illuminate the topic of family distress and AN by highlighting the conflicting and complementary ways it has been studied. RESULTS This review has highlighted the complexity of the relationship between anorectic sufferers and their families. It has explored the literature about parental burden, emotions and cognitive mechanisms together with parental attitudes about weight and shape. It is clear that there is no consistent psycho-social pathology in families which has been shown to be causative. However, over the last twenty years, research has highlighted the distress and family dysfunction caused by having to look after an anoretic child with poor mentalisation skills, insecure attachment and emotion dysregulation. CONCLUSION The area has become clearer over the last 20 years; research suggests a bi-directional relationship between AN and family dysfunction, with difficult dynamics becoming entrenched within the family. This is best addressed, the consensus suggests, by specialist family therapy and carer skills interventions. Longitudinal research is needed to definitively answer the question with rigorous scientific certainty. EMB RATING Level V. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level I: Evidence obtained from: at least one properly designed randomized controlled trials; systematic reviews and meta-analyses; experimental studies. Level II: Evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization. Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies. Level IV: Evidence obtained from with multiple time series analysis such as case studies. Dramatic results in uncontrolled trials might also be regarded as this type of evidence. Level V: Opinions of respected authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - J Hubert Lacey
- Schoen Clinic Newbridge, Birmingham, UK.
- St Georges, University of London, London, UK.
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Marzola E, Cavallo F, Panero M, Porliod A, Amodeo L, Abbate-Daga G. The role of prenatal and perinatal factors in eating disorders: a systematic review. Arch Womens Ment Health 2021; 24:185-204. [PMID: 32767123 PMCID: PMC7979621 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-020-01057-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies showed that factors influencing fetal development and neonatal period could lead to lasting alterations in the brain of the offspring, in turn increasing the risk for eating disorders (EDs). This work aims to systematically and critically review the literature on the association of prenatal and perinatal factors with the onset of EDs in the offspring, updating previous findings and focusing on anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). A systematic literature search was performed on Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The drafting of this systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA statement criteria and the methodological quality of each study was assessed by the MMAT 2018. A total of 37 studies were included in this review. The factors that showed a more robust association with AN were higher maternal age, preeclampsia and eclampsia, multiparity, hypoxic complications, prematurity, or being born preterm (< 32 weeks) and small for gestational age or lower birth size. BN was only associated with maternal stress during pregnancy. Many methodological flaws emerged in the considered studies, so further research is needed to clarify these inconsistencies. Altogether, data are suggestive of an association between prenatal and perinatal factors and the onset of EDs in the offspring. Nevertheless, given the methodological quality of the available literature, firm conclusions cannot be drawn and whether this vulnerability is specific to EDs or mental disorders remains to be defined. Also, a strong need for longitudinal and well-designed studies on this topic emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Marzola
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Cavallo
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Panero
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alain Porliod
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Amodeo
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Gruber M, König D, Holzhäuser J, Castillo DM, Blüml V, Jahn R, Leser C, Werneck-Rohrer S, Werneck H. Parental feeding practices and the relationship with parents in female adolescents and young adults with eating disorders: A case control study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242518. [PMID: 33212471 PMCID: PMC7676917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Perceived parental influence on diet in early adolescence in the context of the parental relationship had previously not been studied in a clinical sample. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between eating disorders and characteristics of the relationship with parents and the parental feeding practices in early adolescence. METHODS 21 female adolescents and young adults with an eating disorder (ED)-bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa-and 22 females without eating disorder (healthy control; HC), aged between 16 and 26, were assessed via self-report questionnaires for problematic eating behaviour, relationship with parents, perceptions of parent's feeding practices at the age of 10-13 years and personality. Statistical evaluation was performed by means of group comparisons, effect sizes, regression analyses and mediator analyses. RESULTS Adolescent and young adult females with ED reported more fears/overprotection and rejection/neglect by their mothers and less self-responsibility in terms of eating behaviour during adolescence than did the HC. The relationship with the fathers did not differ significantly. Females who perceived more cohesion, rejection/neglect and fears/overprotection by the mother were more likely to suffer from an ED. Rejection/neglect by both parents were associated with less self-acceptance of the young females with even stronger effect sizes for the fathers than the mothers. Harm prevention in the young females was a partial mediator between fears/overprotection and the drive for thinness. CONCLUSIONS The parental relationship is partly reflected in the self-acceptance and self-responsibility in eating of the adolescent and young females, both of them are particularly affected in EDs. Stressors in the parent-child relationship should be targeted in treatment of eating disorders. Nutritional counselling for parents might be useful in early adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gruber
- Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel König
- Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julika Holzhäuser
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Victor Blüml
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rebecca Jahn
- Division of Social Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carmen Leser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Werneck-Rohrer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Werneck
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Maon I, Horesh D, Gvion Y. Siblings of Individuals With Eating Disorders: A Review of the Literature. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:604. [PMID: 32695030 PMCID: PMC7338552 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are serious psychopathologies characterized by a persistent disturbance in eating or eating-related behavior. Studies have shown EDs' detrimental consequences not only for patients, but also for their families. Nevertheless, a specific group that has so far been neglected, in both the research and clinical fields, are siblings of individuals with EDs. In an effort to identify this population's needs, and to facilitate effective prevention and treatment, this paper aims to review the existing literature on the subject, and examine siblings' personal experience, ways of coping, and levels of psychopathology. PubMed and PsycNet databases were searched with no publication date restrictions, yielding 26 relevant papers. Studies were categorized according to common themes they addressed, and subsequently summarized by highlighting common features, as well as information unique to each study. Several themes emerged, including emotional well-being, psychopathology, social consequences, family dynamics, and coping strategies. Results show that EDs experienced by one individual have significant effects on one's siblings, such as a decrease in quality of life, social isolation, and elevated familial strain. In several studies siblings were found to have elevated levels of psychopathology and EDs related symptoms. Nevertheless, findings' nature and magnitude were highly varied. The review indicates the need for further studies that will examine possible intra- and interpersonal moderating factors for EDs' impact on well-being among siblings, and take into consideration the substantial heterogeneity in studies conducted thus far. Additionally, this review highlights the need for novel and effective interventions, specifically targeting this at-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Maon
- Department of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Danny Horesh
- Department of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Yari Gvion
- Department of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Lloyd EC, Haase AM, Foster CE, Verplanken B. A systematic review of studies probing longitudinal associations between anxiety and anorexia nervosa. Psychiatry Res 2019; 276:175-185. [PMID: 31096148 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to establish whether anxiety predicts subsequent anorexia nervosa onset and maintenance. A systematic review of longitudinal studies assessing the association between stable anxiety exposures (e.g. trait anxiety/anxiety disorder pathology) and anorexia nervosa development or maintenance was undertaken. Eight studies met inclusion criteria. Seven probed the association between anxiety and anorexia nervosa onset, and one assessed the association between anxiety and anorexia nervosa maintenance. Individuals with anorexia nervosa were more likely to report childhood anxiety compared to healthy individuals, but whether childhood anxiety explains unique variance in anorexia nervosa development is unclear. Current evidence does not support longitudinal associations between specific anxiety disorders (independently of other anxiety disorders) and subsequent anorexia nervosa onset, however anxiety disorder diagnosis in general may predict increased anorexia nervosa risk. The single study probing the association between anxiety and anorexia nervosa maintenance did not find evidence supporting a relationship. The quality of individual studies was fair to high, however the body of evidence was of low quality. Further research that minimises bias, allowing for strong conclusions concerning longitudinal associations between anxiety and subsequent anorexia nervosa outcomes, is required to inform anorexia nervosa aetiology. This in turn may promote improved prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Caitlin Lloyd
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK.
| | - Anne M Haase
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charlie E Foster
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TH, UK
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Fetal programming and eating disorder risk. J Theor Biol 2017; 428:26-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Farstad SM, McGeown LM, von Ranson KM. Eating disorders and personality, 2004–2016: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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10
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A new social-family model for eating disorders: A European multicentre project using a case–control design. Appetite 2015; 95:544-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Micali N, Solmi F, Horton NJ, Crosby RD, Eddy KT, Calzo JP, Sonneville KR, Swanson SA, Field AE. Adolescent Eating Disorders Predict Psychiatric, High-Risk Behaviors and Weight Outcomes in Young Adulthood. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015; 54. [PMID: 26210334 PMCID: PMC4515576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED), including purging disorder (PD), subthreshold BN, and BED at ages 14 and 16 years, are prospectively associated with later depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and substance use, and self-harm. METHOD Eating disorders were ascertained at ages 14 and 16 years in 6,140 youth at age 14 (58% of those eligible) and 5,069 at age 16 (52% of those eligible) as part of the prospective Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Outcomes (depression, anxiety disorders, binge drinking, drug use, deliberate self-harm, weight status) were measured using interviews and questionnaires about 2 years after predictors. Generalized estimating equation models adjusting for gender, socio-demographic variables, and prior outcome were used to examine prospective associations between eating disorders and each outcome. RESULTS All eating disorders were predictive of later anxiety disorders. AN, BN, BED, PD, and OSFED were prospectively associated with depression (respectively AN: odds ratio [OR] = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.00-1.94; BN: OR = 3.39, 95% CI = 1.25-9.20; BED: OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.06-3.75; and PD: OR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.38-4.74). All eating disorders but AN predicted drug use and deliberate self-harm (BN: OR = 5.72, 95% CI = 2.22-14.72; PD: OR = 4.88, 95% CI = 2.78-8.57; subthreshold BN: OR = 3.97, 95% CI = 1.44-10.98; and subthreshold BED: OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.43-3.75). Although BED and BN predicted obesity (respectively OR = 3.58, 95% CI = 1.06-12.14 and OR = 6.42, 95% CI = 1.69-24.30), AN was prospectively associated with underweight. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent eating disorders, including subthreshold presentations, predict negative outcomes, including mental health disorders, substance use, deliberate self-harm, and weight outcomes. This study highlights the high public health and clinical burden of eating disorders among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Micali
- Institute of Child Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Palliative Care and Pediatrics Section, University College London, and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York.
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Abstract
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (i.e., DSM-5) currently recognizes three primary eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. The origins of eating disorders are complex and remain poorly understood. However, emerging research highlights a dimensional approach to understanding the multifactorial etiology of eating disorders as a means to inform assessment, prevention, and treatment efforts. Guided by research published since 2011, this review summarizes recent findings elucidating risk factors for the development of eating disorders across the lifespan in three primary domains: (1) genetic/biological, (2) psychological, and (3) socio-environmental. Prospective empirical research in clinical samples with full-syndrome eating disorders is emphasized with added support from cross-sectional studies, where relevant. The developmental stages of puberty and the transition from adolescence to young adulthood are discussed as crucial periods for the identification and prevention of eating disorders. The importance of continuing to elucidate the mechanisms underlying gene by environmental interactions in eating disorder risk is also discussed. Finally, controversial topics in the field of eating disorder research and the clinical implications of this research are summarized.
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Treasure J, Stein D, Maguire S. Has the time come for a staging model to map the course of eating disorders from high risk to severe enduring illness? An examination of the evidence. Early Interv Psychiatry 2015; 9:173-84. [PMID: 25263388 DOI: 10.1111/eip.12170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine the evidence to support using a staging heuristic for eating disorders, suggesting that the diagnosis of an eating disorder follows a trajectory across the life course. Specifically, to examine whether high-risk markers and prodromal features presenting in childhood and adolescence can later transition to the full manifestation of the illness in early adulthood, and whether over time, the illness can be described as becoming severe and enduring, often resistant to treatment. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature search on the MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from using the following terms: staging, duration of illness, early intervention, developmental epidemiology, neurobiological marker, phenotype, partial syndrome, severe enduring, chronic, prospective, longitudinal, cohort, epidemiology, adolescent, adult with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, eating disorder. The evidence was organized according to the staging heuristic defined by McGorry. RESULTS Evidence from epidemiological studies, neuropsychological findings, treatment responsivity and prognosis, support a specific staging trajectory for anorexia nervosa in that there is a longitudinal trajectory with evidence of neurobiological progression and evidence that interventions matched to stage of illness may optimize the benefit. There is less data at the moment to support such a model for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. CONCLUSION The staging heuristic is a useful model for anorexia nervosa in terms of providing prognostic information and stage matched interventions. Although the evidence is encouraging, further research is needed before a similar model could be applied for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Treasure
- PO59 Eating Disorder Unit, Kings College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK
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Kim YR, Kim JH, Kim MJ, Treasure J. Differential methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene in patients with anorexia nervosa: a pilot study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88673. [PMID: 24523928 PMCID: PMC3921190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Recent studies in patients with anorexia nervosa suggest that oxytocin may be involved in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa. We examined whether there was evidence of variation in methylation status of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene in patients with anorexia nervosa that might account for these findings. Methods We analyzed the methylation status of the CpG sites in a region from the exon 1 to the MT2 regions of the OXTR gene in buccal cells from 15 patients and 36 healthy women using bisulfite sequencing. We further examined whether methylation status was associated with markers of illness severity or form. Results We identified six CpG sites with significant differences in average methylation levels between the patient and control groups. Among the six differentially methylated CpG sites, five showed higher than average methylation levels in patients than those in the control group (64.9–88.8% vs. 6.6–45.0%). The methylation levels of these five CpG sites were negatively associated with body mass index (BMI). BMI, eating disorders psychopathology, and anxiety were identified in a regression analysis as factors affecting the methylation levels of these CpG sites with more variation accounted for by BMI. Conclusions Epigenetic misregulation of the OXTR gene may be implicated in anorexia nervosa, which may either be a mechanism linking environmental adversity to risk or may be a secondary consequence of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youl-Ri Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Inje University, Seoul Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeong-Hyun Kim
- Indang Institute of Molecular Biology, Inje University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- School of Biological Sciences, Inje University, Gimhae, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jeong Kim
- Indang Institute of Molecular Biology, Inje University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Janet Treasure
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
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Keel PK. Commentary on Empirical Examinations of the Association between Anxiety and Eating Disorders. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2013; 37. [PMID: 24187397 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-013-9566-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A substantial body of research supports comorbidity between eating and anxiety disorders, and articles in this special section explore the nature of this association using severity different research designs. This commentary reviews findings from these articles included, focusing on inferences that may be drawn from each design. Collectively, articles support the need for future studies to examine whether eating and anxiety disorders share underlying mechanisms. If identified, such mechanisms could create opportunities for transdiagnostic interventions that ameliorate suffering from both eating and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela K Keel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
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