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Tarchi L, Stanghellini G, Ricca V, Castellini G. The primacy of ocular perception: a narrative review on the role of gender identity in eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 2024; 29:8. [PMID: 38217553 PMCID: PMC10787908 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01632-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenomenological research has enriched the scientific and clinical understanding of Eating Disorders (ED), describing the significant role played by disorders of embodiment in shaping the lived experience of patients with ED. According to the phenomenological perspective, disorders of embodiment in ED are associated with feelings of alienation from one's own body, determining an excessive concern for external appearance as a form of dysfunctional coping. The purpose of the present narrative review is to address the role of gender identity as a risk factor for EDs in the light of phenomenological approaches. METHODS Narrative review. RESULTS The current study discusses the interplay between perception, gender identity, and embodiment, all posited to influence eating psychopathology. Internalized concerns for body appearance are described as potentially associated with self-objectification. Furthermore, concerns on body appearance are discussed in relation to gendered social expectations. The current review also explores how societal norms and gender stereotypes can contribute to dysfunctional self-identification with external appearances, particularly through an excessive focus on the optical dimension. The socio-cultural perspective on gender identity was considered as a further explanation of the lived experience of individuals with ED. CONCLUSIONS By acknowledging the interplay between these factors, clinicians and researchers can gain a deeper understanding of these disorders and develop more effective interventions for affected individuals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V narrative review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Tarchi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale della maternità Padiglione 8B, 50126, Firenze, FI, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stanghellini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale della maternità Padiglione 8B, 50126, Firenze, FI, Italy
- Centro de Estudios de Fenomenologia y Psiquiatria, Universidad 'Diego Portales', Santiago, Chile
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale della maternità Padiglione 8B, 50126, Firenze, FI, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale della maternità Padiglione 8B, 50126, Firenze, FI, Italy.
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Martin GM, Tremblay J, Gagnon-Girouard MP. Sexual self-concept, functioning, and practices of women with binge eating episodes. Eat Weight Disord 2023; 28:37. [PMID: 37069446 PMCID: PMC10108796 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01565-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Positive sexuality has received little empirical attention in relation to eating disorders. Two tendencies related to sexuality have been identified among women with anorexia nervosa (avoidance) and bulimia nervosa (disinhibition), but it is unclear if they also apply to women with binge eating episodes without compensatory behaviors. This study aimed at (1) exploring the sexual self-concept, functioning, and practices of women with binge eating episodes with or without comorbid restrictive and/or compensatory behaviors, considering past experiences of violence, and (2) verifying the presence of distinct profiles of sexual dispositions among this population. METHODS In total, 253 women reporting recurrent episodes of loss of control related to food intake in the past 5 years, completed a web-based questionnaire. Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted to outline participants' sexual self-concept, functioning, and practices and to examine the relationship between these factors. A two-step cluster analysis was also performed to determine whether participants presented distinct profiles of sexual dispositions. RESULTS Participants were generally characterized by a negative sexual self-concept and poor sexual functioning. While a first subgroup of participants displayed a pattern of sexual difficulties and avoidance, a second subgroup had a positive sexual self-concept, better sexual functioning and a wider range of sexual practices. Subgroups did not differ relative to binge eating. CONCLUSIONS Sexuality offers a platform for positive embodiment, which can lead to the improvement of body image and mind-body connection and may thus constitute an essential clinical target to improve treatment related to binge eating episodes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II: The experimental study is a non-randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Manuela Martin
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, G1V 0A6, Québec, Canada.
| | - Jérôme Tremblay
- Department of Sexology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Barakat S, McLean SA, Bryant E, Le A, Marks P, Touyz S, Maguire S. Risk factors for eating disorders: findings from a rapid review. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:8. [PMID: 36650572 PMCID: PMC9847054 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00717-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk factors represent a range of complex variables associated with the onset, development, and course of eating disorders. Understanding these risk factors is vital for the refinement of aetiological models, which may inform the development of targeted, evidence-based prevention, early intervention, and treatment programs. This Rapid Review aimed to identify and summarise research studies conducted within the last 12 years, focusing on risk factors associated with eating disorders. METHODS The current review forms part of a series of Rapid Reviews to be published in a special issue in the Journal of Eating Disorders, funded by the Australian Government to inform the development of the National Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy 2021-2031. Three databases were searched for studies published between 2009 and 2021, published in English, and comprising high-level evidence studies (meta-analyses, systematic reviews, moderately sized randomised controlled studies, moderately sized controlled-cohort studies, or population studies). Data pertaining to risk factors for eating disorders were synthesised and outlined in the current paper. RESULTS A total of 284 studies were included. The findings were divided into nine main categories: (1) genetics, (2) gastrointestinal microbiota and autoimmune reactions, (3) childhood and early adolescent exposures, (4) personality traits and comorbid mental health conditions, (5) gender, (6) socio-economic status, (7) ethnic minority, (8) body image and social influence, and (9) elite sports. A substantial amount of research exists supporting the role of inherited genetic risk in the development of eating disorders, with biological risk factors, such as the role of gut microbiota in dysregulation of appetite, an area of emerging evidence. Abuse, trauma and childhood obesity are strongly linked to eating disorders, however less conclusive evidence exists regarding developmental factors such as role of in-utero exposure to hormones. Comorbidities between eating disorders and mental health disorders, including personality and mood disorders, have been found to increase the severity of eating disorder symptomatology. Higher education attainment, body image-related factors, and use of appearance-focused social media are also associated with increased risk of eating disorder symptoms. CONCLUSION Eating disorders are associated with multiple risk factors. An extensive amount of research has been conducted in the field; however, further studies are required to assess the causal nature of the risk factors identified in the current review. This will assist in understanding the sequelae of eating disorder development and in turn allow for enhancement of existing interventions and ultimately improved outcomes for individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Barakat
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre (D17), InsideOut Institute, University of Sydney, Level 2, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Siân A McLean
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emma Bryant
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anvi Le
- Healthcare Management Advisors, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peta Marks
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Stephen Touyz
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Maguire
- InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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Gerges S, Obeid S, Hallit S. Associations Between Eating Attitudes, Mental Health, and Sexual Dysfunction during Pregnancy. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022:1-16. [PMID: 36433682 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2149937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study looked into sexual dysfunctions in a sample of Lebanese pregnant women (N = 433) while assessing their psychopathological correlates. It was a first attempt in research to examine the role of disordered eating attitudes in pregnancy, using the Arabic version of the Disordered Eating Attitudes in Pregnancy Scale. The pre/post comparison in terms of sexual functioning was based on the women's recall, using the Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory. According to the pregnant persons perceptions of their sexual functioning before and during pregnancy, 66.1% of the participants reported a lower frequency of sexual activity during pregnancy, 52.7% lower sexual desire, and 47.3% dyspareunia; 33% were sexually satisfied contrasted to 70% before pregnancy. Pregnancy was significantly associated with lower sexual outcomes compared to before. Higher anxiety and more disordered eating attitudes during pregnancy were significantly associated with lower sexuality composite scores. Our study accentuates the need for rigorous medical guidance on sexual activity during pregnancy and highlights dysfunctional eating behaviors and anxiety disorders as pejorative predictors of the sexual response among pregnant women. It thus sustains the hypothesis that mental health disorders pertain to the pathogenesis of sexual problems and should therefore be targeted in sexual health promotion during prenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gerges
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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Castellini G, Cassioli E, Rossi E, Mancini M, Ricca V, Stanghellini G. Bridging cognitive, phenomenological and psychodynamic approaches to eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:2273-2289. [PMID: 35179727 PMCID: PMC9556383 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01379-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive, psychodynamic, and phenomenological scholars converged their attention on abnormal bodily phenomena as the core psychopathological feature of eating disorders (EDs). While cognitive approaches focus their attention on a need for "objective" (i.e., observable, measurable) variables (including behaviours and distorted cognitions), the phenomenological exploration typically targets descriptions of persons' lived experience. According to a new emerging phenomenological perspective, the classic behavioural and cognitive symptoms of EDs should be considered as epiphenomena of a deeper core represented by a disorder of the embodiment. The cognitive-behavioural model is the most studied and, up till now, clinically efficacious treatment for EDs. However, as any coherent and scientifically grounded model, it presents some limitations in its application. Numerous patients report a chronic course, do not respond to treatment and develop a personality structure based on pathological eating behaviours, since "being anorexic" becomes a new identity for the person. Furthermore, the etiopathogenetic trajectory of EDs influences the treatment response: for example, patients reporting childhood abuse or maltreatment respond differently to cognitive-behavioural therapy. To obtain a deeper comprehension of these disorders, it seems important to shift attention from abnormal eating behaviours to more complex and subtle psycho(patho)logical features, especially experiential ones. This characterisation represents the unavoidable premise for the identification of new therapeutic targets and consequently for an improvement of the outcome of these severe disorders. Thus, the present review aims to provide an integrated view of cognitive, psychodynamic, and phenomenological perspectives on EDs, suggesting new therapeutic targets and intervention strategies based on this integrated model. Level of Evidence: Level V.Level of evidence Level V: Opinions of authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Milena Mancini
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health, Territory, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stanghellini
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health, Territory, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Centro de Estudios de Fenomenología y Psiquiatría, Diego Portales' University, Santiago, Chile
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Rossi E, Cassioli E, Martelli M, Melani G, Hazzard VM, Crosby RD, Wonderlich SA, Ricca V, Castellini G. Attachment insecurity predicts worse outcome in patients with eating disorders treated with enhanced cognitive behavior therapy: A one-year follow-up study. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:1054-1065. [PMID: 35735601 PMCID: PMC9543332 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the role of attachment insecurity in predicting a worse longitudinal trend of eating disorder (ED) psychopathology and body uneasiness in patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) or Bulimia Nervosa (BN) treated with Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy, considering the longitudinal interplay between these dimensions. METHOD In total, 185 patients with AN or BN performed the baseline assessment, and 123 were re-evaluated after 1 year of treatment. Participants completed questionnaires evaluating ED psychopathology (Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire) and body uneasiness (body uneasiness test). For the assessment of adult attachment, the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised was administered at baseline. Bivariate latent change score analysis within the structural equation modeling framework was performed to investigate the evolution of ED psychopathology and body uneasiness, their longitudinal interplay, and the role of attachment style as an outcome predictor. RESULTS After treatment, all psychopathological features showed an overall improvement. Higher baseline levels of body uneasiness predicted a worse course of ED psychopathology. The change in body uneasiness over time depended on changes over time in ED psychopathology, but not vice versa. Insecure attachment predicted a worse longitudinal trend of ED psychopathology, and, through this impairment, it indirectly maintained higher levels of body uneasiness, as confirmed by mediation analyses. DISCUSSION The role of attachment insecurity as a predictor of treatment outcome suggests the need for an integration of the cognitive-behavioral conceptualization of EDs with a developmental perspective that considers attachment-related issues. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Considering the burden of EDs in terms of public health and the unsatisfactory response to standard treatments, the identification of outcome predictors is of considerable clinical interest. This study demonstrated that attachment insecurity was associated with worse longitudinal trends of ED psychopathology and body uneasiness in patients with AN and BN treated with CBT-E, highlighting the importance of personalizing treatment programs taking into account a developmental perspective on these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Michela Martelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Giulia Melani
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Vivienne M. Hazzard
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Ross D. Crosby
- Sanford Center for Biobehavioral ResearchFargoNorth DakotaUSA
| | | | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
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Cassioli E, Rossi E, Vizzotto C, Malinconi V, Vignozzi L, Ricca V, Castellini G. Avoidant Attachment Style Moderates the Recovery of Healthy Sexuality in Women With Anorexia Nervosa Treated With Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E): A 2-Year Follow-Up Study. J Sex Med 2022; 19:347-355. [PMID: 35000889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insecure Attachment style has been associated with interpersonal problems in persons with Anorexia Nervosa (AN), and it might moderate the recovery of healthy sexuality in these subjects. AIM The aim of the present 2-year follow-up study was to evaluate the role of insecure attachment style as a moderator of the recovery of healthy sexuality in women with AN. METHODS 63 Italian women with AN treated with a multidisciplinary approach including Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy were evaluated by means of a clinical interview and self-administered questionnaires. Individual psychotherapy sessions were administered by experienced psychotherapists over the course of at least 40 weeks (median number of sessions = 43, range: 38-50); trained dieticians provided personalized nutritional counselling to facilitate weight recovery. The assessment was performed at baseline (T0) and after 1 (T1) and 2 (T2) years. OUTCOMES The administered questionnaires investigated general psychopathology (SCL-90-R), eating disorder-specific psychopathology (EDE-Q), female sexuality (FSFI) and adult attachment style (ECR). RESULTS At baseline, avoidant attachment style was associated with all domains of sexual dysfunction. Longitudinal analysis showed a significant decrease in both eating disorder-specific psychopathology and sexual dysfunctions at follow-up evaluations. However, only 45% of remitted subjects also recovered healthy sexuality: these women reported significantly lower avoidance scores than those who only recovered from AN. Moderation analysis indicated that sexual desire did not increase in participants with higher levels of avoidant attachment. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These novel findings highlighted the importance of the assessment of adult attachment in the clinical setting, for better characterization and treatment of persons suffering from AN. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The long follow-up duration, the multidisciplinary nature of the treatment, and the novelty of the topic were major strengths of the study, whereas the limited sample size and the absence of biological data were the main limitations. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the crucial role of avoidant attachment in the relationship between AN and sexual dysfunctions, underlining the importance of integrating treatments with attachment-focused interventions. Cassioli E, Rossi E, Vizzotto C, et al. Avoidant Attachment Style Moderates the Recovery of Healthy Sexuality in Women With Anorexia Nervosa Treated With Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E): A 2-Year Follow-Up Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:347-355.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Camilla Vizzotto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Viola Malinconi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Castellini G, Rossi E, Ricca V. Are There Common Pathways for Eating Disorders and Female Sexual Dysfunction? J Sex Med 2021; 19:8-11. [PMID: 34848138 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Corsi E, Cardi V, Sowden S, Coll M, Cascino G, Ricca V, Treasure J, Bird G, Monteleone AM. Socio-cognitive processing in people with eating disorders: Computerized tests of mentalizing, empathy and imitation skills. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:1509-1518. [PMID: 34056730 PMCID: PMC8453969 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders are psychiatric illnesses characterized by extreme eating behaviors, such as sustained food restriction or loss of control over eating. Symptoms are thought to be maintained by a variety of mechanisms, one of which may be the socio-cognitive impairments associated with eating disorders. While some previous work has addressed socio-cognitive impairments in eating disorders, this work has relied mostly on self-report data. METHOD Here we employed computerized tests of (a) mentalizing (ability to infer the mental states of others); (b) empathy (the degree to which the emotional states of others can be identified and the degree to which the states of others impact one's own emotional state); and (c) imitation (the degree to which observation of another's actions prompts the performance of those actions); in a group of 78 women with an eating disorder and a matched control group of 66 healthy women. RESULTS People with eating disorders showed both hyper- and hypo-mentalizing and reduced accuracy of emotional and cognitive mental state inference. They displayed less imitation of observed actions, but no differences in empathy compared to healthy controls. Although anxiety and depressive symptoms had significant effects on mentalizing, most of the observed inter-group differences persisted. DISCUSSION Women with eating disorders have difficulties mentalizing and imitating observed actions despite intact non-social automatic imitation, compared to healthy controls. These findings provide an indication that intervention modules to strengthen specific areas of social cognition might be helpful to improve patients' social skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Corsi
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Eating DisordersInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondonUK
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Valentina Cardi
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Eating DisordersInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondonUK
- Department of General PsychologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | | | | | - Giammarco Cascino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, Section of NeurosciencesUniversity of SalernoSalernoItaly
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Janet Treasure
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Eating DisordersInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Geoffrey Bird
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry CentreInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondonUK
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Kasson E, Vázquez MM, Doroshenko C, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE, Wilfley DE, Taylor CB, Cavazos-Rehg PA. Exploring Social Media Recruitment Strategies and Preliminary Acceptability of an mHealth Tool for Teens with Eating Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7979. [PMID: 34360270 PMCID: PMC8345665 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: The current study leveraged social media to connect with teens with EDs to identify population specific characteristics and to gather feedback on an mHealth intervention. (2) Methods: We recruited teens with EDs from social media in two phases: (1) Discovery Group, (2) Testing Group. The Discovery Group (n = 14) participants were recruited from Facebook/Instagram and were asked to review the app for up to one week and provide qualitative feedback. After incorporating feedback from the Discovery Group, we refined our social media outreach methods to connect with 30 teens with EDs to pilot this mobile app. Recruitment from a variety of platforms on social media was successful, with the majority of enrolled participants in the Testing Group coming from Snapchat (60%) and a large percentage of participants belonging to gender and sexual minority groups (63%). (3) Results: Participants from both groups experienced extremely high rates of depression (100% Discovery, 90% Testing) and/or anxiety symptoms (100% Discovery, 93% Testing) in addition to ED symptoms, and noted this as a possible barrier to app engagement. (4) Conclusion: Use of social media for recruitment of teens with EDs is feasible and may connect with groups who may be more difficult to reach using traditional recruitment methods. Among the Discovery Group there was high acceptability of and interest in an app to support ED recovery, and characteristics of both groups demonstrated need for support in other mental health domains. Future studies should evaluate the preliminary efficacy of such tools among teens to determine the effects of such interventions on ED symptoms and other mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Kasson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (E.K.); (M.M.V.); (C.D.); (E.E.F.-C.)
| | - Melissa M. Vázquez
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (E.K.); (M.M.V.); (C.D.); (E.E.F.-C.)
| | - Christine Doroshenko
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (E.K.); (M.M.V.); (C.D.); (E.E.F.-C.)
| | - Ellen E. Fitzsimmons-Craft
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (E.K.); (M.M.V.); (C.D.); (E.E.F.-C.)
| | - Denise E. Wilfley
- Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - C. Barr Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
- Center for m2Health, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Patricia A. Cavazos-Rehg
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (E.K.); (M.M.V.); (C.D.); (E.E.F.-C.)
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Rossi E, Cassioli E, Gironi V, Idrizaj E, Garella R, Squecco R, Baccari MC, Maggi M, Vignozzi L, Comeglio P, Ricca V, Castellini G. Ghrelin as a possible biomarker and maintaining factor in patients with eating disorders reporting childhood traumatic experiences. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2021; 29:588-599. [PMID: 33939220 PMCID: PMC8251850 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The recent conceptualization of ghrelin as a stress hormone suggested that its chronic alterations may have a role in maintaining overeating behaviors in subjects with eating disorders (EDs) reporting childhood traumatic experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate the alterations of ghrelin levels in patients with EDs, their associations with early trauma, binge and emotional eating, and possible moderation/mediation models. METHOD Sixty-four patients with EDs and 42 healthy controls (HCs) had their plasma ghrelin levels measured and completed questionnaires evaluating general and ED-specific psychopathology, emotional eating, and childhood traumatic experiences. RESULTS Participants with anorexia nervosa had higher ghrelin levels than HCs in body mass index (BMI)-adjusted comparisons. Moreover, patients reporting a history of childhood trauma had higher ghrelin levels. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA), BMI, and self-induced vomiting were independent predictors of ghrelin levels. Moderation analyses showed that ghrelin levels were associated with binge and emotional eating only for higher levels of childhood trauma. Elevated ghrelin was a significant mediator for the association of CSA with binge eating. CONCLUSIONS These results support the hypothesis that chronic alterations in ghrelin levels following childhood traumatic experiences could represent a neurobiological maintaining factor of pathological overeating behaviors in EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Veronica Gironi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rachele Garella
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Squecco
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Baccari
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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