Comparative utility of the DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic classifications of eating disorders of recurrent binge eating in an Australian community-based sample

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to compare the estimated prevalence, sociodemographic features and impacts of Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED; BN or BED of low frequency and/or limited duration) when comparing the DSM-5 with the broader ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for size and specifiers of binge-eating episodes in a general population epidemiological sample.

METHODS

2977 individuals (1524 women and 1453 men) aged ≥15 years from randomly selected households in South Australia were interviewed in person. Participants were asked questions relating to sociodemographic features, symptoms of eating disorder pathology, physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL; SF-12) and role impairment.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence of only one diagnosis, namely BED, was lower when applying DSM-5 criteria than when applying ICD-11 criteria, largely due to the Criterion B binge-eating specifiers of the DSM-5. There were no significant differences in participants' demographic features, HRQoL, or role impairment between the comparable diagnosis of either scheme.

CONCLUSIONS

There were few differences in distribution and similar levels of health impacts when applying either diagnostic scheme in this epidemiological study. However, cases of BED may be missed when using the stricter criteria of DSM-5 in epidemiological surveys. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical utility of the DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic specifiers of binge-eating.

Adult ADHD Symptoms in a Large Metropolitan Area From Brazil: Prevalence and Associations with Psychiatric Comorbidity, Bullying, Sexual Abuse, and Quality of Life

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and psychiatric correlates of symptomatic ADHD in a large metropolitan area of a middle-income country.

METHODS

An in-person household survey with randomly selected 2,297 adults aged 19 to 60 from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, assessed by trained lay interviewers. The Adult Self-Rating Scale Screener (ASRS-6) was used. Chi-square and logistic regression were conducted.

RESULTS

ADHD prevalence was 4.59 (95% CI [3.56, 5.44]). Those with ADHD were younger and more often unemployed; they displayed more psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse) and a history of bullying and sexual abuse. They also had worse physical health indicators. Findings remained significant when controlling for socioeconomic variables.

CONCLUSION

Adults with symptomatic ADHD from a large metropolitan area in Brazil show a pattern of findings consistent with what has been observed in higher-income countries.

The effectiveness of the TRACE online nutrition intervention in improving dietary intake, sleep quality and physical activity levels for Australian adults with food addiction: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Few interventions for food addiction (FA) report on dietary intake variables. The present study comprised a three-arm randomised controlled trial in adults with symptoms of FA. The aim was to evaluate dietary intake, sleep and physical activity resulting from a dietitian-led telehealth intervention at 3 months.

METHODS

Adults with ≥3 symptoms of FA and a body mass index > 18.5 kg/m2 were recruited. Dietary intake including energy, nutrients and diet quality were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire in addition to sleep quality and physical activity (total min) and compared between groups and over time. Personalised dietary goals set by participants were examined to determine whether improvements in percent energy from core and non-core foods were reported.

RESULTS

The active intervention group was superior compared to the passive intervention and control groups for improvements in percent energy from core (6.4%/day [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.0 to 12.9], p = 0.049), non-core foods (-6.4%/day [95% CI -12.9 to 0.0], p = 0.049), sweetened drinks (-1.7%/day [95% CI -2.9 to -0.4], p = 0.013), takeaway foods (-2.3%/day [95% CI -4.5 to -0.1], p = 0.045) and sodium (-478 mg/day [95% CI -765 to -191 mg], p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A dietitian-led telehealth intervention for Australian adults with FA found significant improvements in dietary intake variables. Setting personalised goals around nutrition and eating behaviours was beneficial for lifestyle change.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD in eating disorder treatment-seekers: Prevalence and associations with symptom severity

Although childhood trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been well-researched in eating disorder epidemiology, prevalence rates are unavailable for complex PTSD (CPTSD). Under recently introduced ICD-11 criteria, individuals with CPTSD have both PTSD symptoms and additional disturbances in self-organization (DSO). Using ICD-11 criteria, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD and DSO symptoms, diagnostic rates of PTSD and CPTSD, and childhood trauma exposure in eating disorder treatment-seekers. Participants (N = 217) were individuals attending residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient services who completed measures of eating disorder- and trauma-related symptoms and childhood adverse experiences. One third of participants reported PTSD symptoms, and over half reported DSO symptoms, with probable ICD-11 diagnostic rates of 3.8% for PTSD and 28.4% for CPTSD. CPTSD was significantly more prevalent than PTSD and more common in higher levels of care. Both PTSD and DSO symptom severity were positively correlated with eating disorder symptoms and impairment, rs = .285-.642. DSO symptom severity was a significant and unique explanatory factor of eating disorder severity and impairment. The findings highlight the prevalence of CPTSD in eating disorder populations and the association between DSO symptoms and eating psychopathology independent of PTSD symptoms. Implications are discussed for adjunct treatment approaches for individuals with comorbid eating disorders and PTSD or CPTSD.

A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research investigating disordered eating and help-seeking in elite athletes

OBJECTIVE

Elite athletes are at elevated risk for disordered eating and eating disorders; however, little is known about risk and maintaining factors, or barriers and facilitators of help-seeking in this cohort. This systematic review synthesized qualitative findings regarding possible risk and maintaining factors for disordered eating, as well as barriers to and facilitators of help-seeking in elite athletes.

METHOD

We conducted a search for qualitative studies that included experiences with body image concerns or disordered eating in elite athletes. A systematic search of CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases identified 828 articles, with 87 retained after title and abstract screening, and 38 included in the review. Quality appraisal was conducted using the checklist for appraising qualitative research (CASP). Data were extracted from each article, including demographic information (e.g., biological sex, age, sport type, level of competition, current, or former athlete) and the text under the "results" or "findings" section. Meta-themes were identified using inductive thematic meta-synthesis.

RESULTS

The extracted data indicated that most studies sampled female athletes from the United States and UK. Eight meta-themes were identified: (1) the power imbalance; (2) hyperfocus on body, food, and exercise; (3) rigidity; (4) the athlete's balance; (5) the athlete identity; (6) overvaluation and oversimplification; (7) shame, fear, and stigma; and (8) knowledge, education, and self-identification.

DISCUSSION

These findings highlighted gaps in the demographic representation of specific groups in this research (e.g., males, para-athletes, and ethnic diversity) and propose hypotheses of how sport pressure might contribute to athletes' experiences with disordered eating.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Disordered eating and body image concerns are prevalent and can have debilitating impacts for elite athletes; however, help-seeking is rare for this population. It remains unclear what factors contribute to disordered eating and/or inhibit help-seeking among elite athletes versus the general population. Understanding athletes' perspectives will inform the modification of prevention and treatment strategies to address athlete-specific factors.

Mapping Treatment Advances in the Neurobiology of Binge Eating Disorder: A Concept Paper

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a complex and heritable mental health disorder, with genetic, neurobiological, neuroendocrinological, environmental and developmental factors all demonstrated to contribute to the aetiology of this illness. Although psychotherapy is the gold standard for treating BED, a significant subgroup of those treated do not recover. Neurobiological research highlights aberrances in neural regions associated with reward processing, emotion processing, self-regulation and executive function processes, which are clear therapeutic targets for future treatment frameworks. Evidence is emerging of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which may mediate energy balance, high-lighting a possible underlying pathogenesis factor of BED, and provides a potential therapeutic strategy.

Predictors of Mental Health Outcomes in a Multidisciplinary Weight Management Program for Class 3 Obesity

This study aimed to examine the potential predictors of improvement in mental health outcomes following participation in an intensive non-surgical outpatient weight management program (WMP) in an Australian public hospital. This was a retrospective cohort study of all adults with Class 3 obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) who enrolled in the WMP from March 2018 to June 2021. The participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short Version (EDE-QS), Kessler-10 Psychological Distress Scale, and 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36) at baseline and 12-month follow-up. A total of 115 patients completed 12 months in the WMP and were included in the study, with 76.5% being female, a mean ± SD age at baseline of 51.3 ± 13.8 years, a weight of 146 ± 26 kg, and a BMI of 51.1 ± 8.6 kg/m2. The participants lost an average of 8.6 ± 0.2 kg over 12 months, and greater weight loss at follow-up was significantly associated with improved global EDE-QS scores, psychological distress, and improved mental health quality of life. However, improvements in most mental health outcomes were not predicted by weight loss alone. Notably, a lower eating disorder risk at baseline was associated with less psychological distress at follow-up and greater weight loss at follow-up. Our results also found an association between reduced psychological distress and reduced binge eating frequency. These findings support the inclusion components of obesity interventions that target the psychological correlates of obesity to support improved outcomes in people with Class 3 obesity. Future studies should aim to identify which aspects of the WMP helped improve people's psychological outcomes.

A Systematic Review of the Effect of PTSD and Trauma on Treatment Outcomes for Eating Disorders

There is growing evidence of prior experiences of trauma and trauma-related symptoms among people with eating disorders; however, there is little understanding as to how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and exposure to traumatic events affect treatment outcomes. Without this knowledge, eating disorder clinicians are unable to tailor treatment to ensure good outcomes for the large percentage of this population that is affected by PTSD and trauma. This systematic review aimed to identify how PTSD and trauma exposure influence outcomes in eating disorder treatment. Systematic searches of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus databases identified 16 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated a negative effect on rates of eating disorder treatment completion and eating disorder psychopathology posttreatment. These findings were evident across studies that investigated the impact of a history of traumatic events as well as studies that investigated the impact of the presence of trauma-related symptoms seen in PTSD. Several methodological limitations were identified in the literature. These include: heterogeneous and unstandardized measures of PTSD and trauma, high attrition rates with follow-up, and insufficient data to enable comparisons by treatment setting, diagnostic presentation, and type of trauma exposure. The findings of this review have implications for future research and clinical care, including the importance of considering PTSD and trauma in assessment, treatment planning, and provision of both trauma-informed care and trauma-focused treatments for individuals with eating disorders.

Development and initial validation of the Multifaceted Instrument for Body Image Disturbance (MI-BoD)

Specific facets of body image disturbance have an important role in eating disorder (ED) onset and maintenance yet have been assessed with single items and/or questionnaires predominantly developed in female samples to capture desire for a thinner body. The aim of this multipart study was to develop the multifaceted instrument for body image disturbance (MI-BoD) that will assess body image disturbance across gender and body size. In Study 1, interviews were conducted with 31 ED lived experience experts (45% females) to develop an initial item pool which was then rated for relevance and clarity by 59 international field experts, shortened and refined by the research team, and then rerated by 20 field experts and 91 ED lived experience experts. Of the 477 items developed from interviews, 46 were retained for the initial validation study. In Study 2, the MI-BoD was administered to undergraduate students (N = 937; 84% females), community adolescents (N = 208; 58% females), and individuals with self-reported ED diagnosis (N = 410; 77% females) to assess its preliminary psychometric properties. Exploratory factor analysis revealed six underlying factors, namely, Dissatisfaction, Overvaluation, Preoccupation, Fear of Weight Gain, Body Checking, and Body Exposure. No differential item functioning was detected for most MI-BoD items across gender, weight status, and ED status (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic). Overall, the MI-BoD showed good internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, concurrent validity, and test-retest reliability. In conclusion, the MI-BoD is a promising tool for assessment of important facets of body image disturbance across gender, body size, and ED symptomatology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Sensory processing across eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of self-report inventories

OBJECTIVE

This review investigated the extant literature regarding the relationship between eating disorder diagnoses and sensory processing as measured by validated and reliable self-report inventories. Increasing evidence highlights the role of sensory processing in cognitive functions. Sensory processing is implicated in mental-ill health, including eating disorders (ED) and body image disturbances. However, the pathophysiological underpinnings of sensory processing, encompassing exteroception and interoception, in relation to ED remain underexplored.

METHOD

We included studies involving participants aged 15 years or older with an eating disorder diagnosis confirmed by semi-structured or structured interviews. We further limited inclusion to articles using validated and reliable self-report instruments to measure sensory processing. Our meta-analysis focused on studies using the interoceptive awareness subscale from the second version of the Eating Disorder Inventory. We used the Critical Appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies to assess the quality of included articles.

RESULTS

There were 19 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Most studies showed moderate-to-high quality. Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) were associated with heightened exteroception. Moreover, people with AN reported a heightened sense of taste compared to those with BN. Our meta-analysis comprising 10 studies, 19 samples, and 6382 participants revealed that AN (binge-purge subtype) and BN were associated with increased interoceptive difficulties compared to AN (restrictive subtype) or binge-eating disorder.

DISCUSSION

Overall, this review emphasizes the need for a deeper investigation into sensory processing, spanning both exteroception and interoception, in relation to ED. This may prove important for individualizing person-centered care.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

How people process internal, for example, hunger, and external, for example, taste and sensations is known to influence cognition and mental-ill health, including ED and body image disturbances. However, the ways in which sensory processing may contribute to ED are incompletely understood. We found that individuals with AN or BN experienced heightened exteroception, while people with an eating disorder characterized by purging reported increased interoceptive difficulties. These patterns could inform the development of more personalized treatments.

Explaining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Massage Therapists in Australia and Canada: A Mixed Methods Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of rapid change and uncertainty, with individual jurisdictions within countries implementing a variety of preventative measures. At the onset of the pandemic, as little was known about how COVID-19 was transmitted, restrictions, such as lockdowns, were implemented to prevent further spread of this virus. In many jurisdictions, massage therapists were deemed as nonessential for a period. This disruption to their livelihood, as a professional group and without autonomy to decide, was unprecedented. This prompted the question as to whether this experience had impacted massage therapists' professional identity. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used and massage therapists in Australia and Canada were recruited to participate. Results from a quantitative questionnaire completed by 649 respondents and from 31 semistructured interviews from a subset of the questionnaire participants were used in the mixed analysis. Results: Massage therapists, impacted by the pandemic, experienced a discord between what it means to be a massage therapist, providing patient-centered care and the public health initiatives implemented during the pandemic. This discord occurred in multiple situations and the type of discord was influenced by a number of factors, including how therapists identified themselves within the workforce (i.e., as a health care provider or a service provider). Conclusion: This study sought to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted massage therapists' professional identity. Massage therapists reported that the pandemic impacted their professional identity through a lack of congruence and discord between their identity-constituting beliefs and what it means to be a massage therapist. The sequela to this discord was therapists experiencing different types of moral distress and or moral injury. Future research is needed to determine the longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on massage therapists.

Key-in-session identity negotiations in a first line treatment for adult anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND

Exploration of client identity negotiations during treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a relatively new area of research. Research suggests that difficulties with identity negotiations may present as a barrier to treatment. This study sought to explore individuals' identity negotiations during therapy sessions using Compulsive Exercise Activity Therapy (LEAP) combined with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa (CBT-AN). Analysis focused on moments in therapy where individuals' identities were dominated or defined by AN and where alternative identities could be generated.

METHOD

40 in-session transcripts from sessions at early, mid and end points of the CBT-AN (with LEAP) treatment were qualitatively analysed for nine of the 78 participants in the original randomised control trial. Through a constructivist framework, thematic analysis was used to identify surface and latent meanings and discursive material participants used to negotiate their identities in the context of therapy sessions.

RESULTS

Analysis of in-therapy transcripts generated two themes pertaining to identity negotiations: (1) troubled identities and (2) rebuilding identities and lives outside of AN. Early therapy sessions explored fragmented and AN dominated identities, including how AN was troubling to participants' sense of self, contributed to conflicted identities, positioned them outside of normality, and was associated with isolated and othering identities. Within therapy sessions, participants engaged in a recursive process of shifting relationships with AN and themselves and building identities and lives outside of the AN identity. This included generating hopes for recovery and the future more frequently in mid- to late- therapy sessions.

CONCLUSION

Identity negotiations evident in the therapeutic conversations aligned with the key components of the CBT-AN intervention, including addressing (1) the characterisation of oneself as 'an anorexic' and (2) the diversification of roles and activities to broaden and enhance self-concepts. Future developments of therapeutic interventions for AN would benefit from greater consideration of ways to assist individuals to more comprehensively address problematic identities, including uncovering identities hidden by the AN identity and generating preferred identities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Ethics approval was obtained at the time of the initial study and for this embedded research by the HREC at the Western Sydney University (HR777332).

Outcomes and associated clinical features of people with eating disorders participating in residential treatment facilities: a scoping review

Residential treatment programs for eating disorders (EDs) have gained popularity in recent years, expanding beyond the United States to countries such as Canada, Italy, and the United Kingdom. These programs offer a "home-like" environment where individuals reside for several weeks or months, emphasising both physical restoration and psychological recovery. This scoping review aimed to provide an update since the most recent reviews on the literature regarding outcomes of residential treatment programs for EDs and to explore clinical features that were associated with these outcomes. Methods used followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted, and 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies reported improvements in various outcomes from admission to discharge, including changes in eating psychopathology, weight restoration, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Additionally, three studies reported positive outcomes at intervals after discharge and three predictive factors (self-compassion, personality organisation, and resistance to emotional vulnerability) were reported in a small number of studies. While residential treatment facilities consistently showed positive outcomes, the review highlights the need for randomised controlled studies to establish the efficacy of these programs for EDs. Future research should include controlled studies comparing residential facilities to other treatment settings and incorporate long-term follow-up outcomes and further studies of emergent predictive factors identified in this review.

Anorexia nervosa through the lens of a severe and enduring experience: 'lost in a big world'

BACKGROUND

Severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN), is a serious and persistent illness, despite 'state of the art' treatment. Criteria have been theoretically proposed, but not tested, and may not adequately capture illness complexity, which potentially inhibits treatment refinements. The clinical reality of death as an outcome for some people who experience SE-AN (1 in 20) and broadening access to voluntary assisted dying, further complicates the field, which is undeveloped regarding more fundamental concepts such as nosology, treatment, recovery definitions and alternative conceptualisations of SE-AN. The present paper is in response to this and aims to build upon qualitative literature to enhance phenomenological understandings of fatal SE-AN.

METHOD

A published book, being the legacy of a 32-year-old professional artist offers a rich account of a life lived with AN, for 18 years with continuous treatment. A polysemous narrative via the interrelationship between the languages of the artist's words and visual art is translated via interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), offering rich insight into the SE-AN experience.

FINDINGS

The process of analysis induced three superordinate themes (1) Disappearing Self (2) Dialectical Dilemma (3) Death and Dying: Finding Meaning. Two cross cutting themes traversed these themes: (a) Colour and (b) Shifting Hope, where the former produced a visual representation via the 'SE-AN Kaleidoscope'. Collectively the themes produce a concept of SE-AN, grounded in the data and depicted visually through the artist's paintings.

CONCLUSIONS

The picture of SE-AN revealed in the analysis extends upon conceptualisations of SE-AN, highlighting key processes which are thus far under explored. These factors are implicated in illness persistence eliciting opportunities for further research testing including diagnostic considerations and treatment directions. In SE-AN, distorted body image extends to a global distortion in the perception of self. Additional criteria for the severe and enduring stages of illness related to (1) self and identity processes (2) measures of 'global impoverishment' across life domains are proposed for consideration in the future testing of putative defining features of SE-AN.

Assessment and treatment of compulsive exercise in anorexia nervosa - A combined investigation of Compulsive Exercise Activity Therapy (LEAP) and Compulsive Exercise Test subscales

INTRODUCTION

Compulsive exercise is a transdiagnostic feature of eating disorders which adversely affects aspects of recovery, such as length of hospitalisation, risk of a chronic outcome, and risk of relapse. CompuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy (LEAP) aims to reduce compulsive exercise through a cognitive behavioural approach. This study aims to investigate the effect of LEAP on compulsive exercise behaviour using subscales of the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET), a measure of exercise in individuals with eating disorders. Predictive validity of the CET's subscales and its ability to predict eating psychopathology are investigated.

METHOD

This study used data from a randomized controlled trial of LEAP (1). Linear mixed modelling was used to investigate the effect of LEAP on compulsive exercise behaviour, and the predictive ability of CET subscales on various outcomes. The CET was compared to other exercise measures to assess its superiority in predicting eating psychopathology.

RESULTS

LEAP was superior in reducing the scores of the CET's Avoidance and Rule Driven Behaviour and Exercise Rigidity subscales. All subscales made a contribution to the respective models. The CET was superior to other measures in predicting eating pathology.

CONCLUSION

The results lend credibility to LEAP's ability to reduce core parts of compulsive exercise. The CET has been found to target important aspects of compulsive exercise behaviour, and has was superior to other exercise measures in predicting eating psychopathology.

The Effectiveness of Massage in Managing Pregnant Women with Pelvic Girdle Pain: a Randomised Controlled Crossover Feasibility Study

Introduction

Pelvic girdle pain is a common problem experienced during pregnancy, with high incidence rates and significant impacts on quality of life. Remedial massage might be able to provide some reduction in pain.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of massage in treating pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain to determine its merits and viability for use in a large-scale study.

Methods

A two-arm pilot randomised feasibility crossover-controlled trial. The two treatment phases were a) remedial pregnancy massage, and b) exercise.

Results

Twenty-four women started the study and 19 women completed the study. Data were collected on recruitment and retention rates, crossover study design methodology, participant sub-characteristics, and acceptability of the outcome measures (pain, quality of life, and disability).

Conclusion

Recruiting participants for a pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain study is indeed feasible; however, a crossover study design is not appropriate and future studies should consider a mixed methods study design.

"I Need Someone to Help Me Build Up My Strength": A Meta-Synthesis of Lived Experience Perspectives on the Role and Value of a Dietitian in Eating Disorder Treatment

Dietitians are included in eating disorder (ED) treatment teams for their expertise in nutrition. However, little is known about an individual's experience of dietetic intervention as part of their ED treatment and what they value as part of dietetic care. Therefore, the aim of this review was to synthesise the available qualitative literature to understand the role and value of a dietitian in ED treatment from the perspective of individuals with lived experience. Six databases and Google Scholar were searched and a thematic synthesis and meta-synthesis of fifteen studies were conducted. Four themes were constructed from the data: (1) "guidance and structure"-Provision of nutrition knowledge and skills; (2) "having all my bases covered"-Dietitians as part of a multidisciplinary team; (3) Challenges in nutritional treatment; and (4) "it was my treatment and my recovery"-Person-centred dietetic treatment. Across all identified themes was the cross-cutting theme of a shared treatment journey between the dietitian and the individual receiving treatment. These findings support dietitians having a role that is not limited only to the provision of nutrition treatment in ED care and illustrates the importance of dietitians engaging with clients by centring on the individual's needs and preferences. Further understanding helpful dietetic treatment components and identifying gaps in training is needed to develop these broader roles for dietetic care.

How to address physical activity and exercise during treatment from eating disorders: a scoping review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This scoping review aimed to provide a recent update on how to address dysfunctional physical activity and exercise (DEx), and on effects and experiences from including supervised and adapted physical activity or exercise (PAE), during treatment of eating disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

A systematic search for peer-reviewed publications in the period 2021-2023 generated 10 original studies and 6 reviews, including one meta-analysis (reporting according to PRISMA and SWiM). Findings showed that DEx was effectively managed by use of psychoeducation and/or PAE. Inclusion of PAE as part of treatment showed low-to-moderate impact on health and positive or neutral effects on eating disorder psychopathology. There were no reports of adverse events. For individuals with anorexia nervosa, PAE improved physical fitness with no influence on body weight or body composition unless progressive resistance training was conducted. For individuals with bulimia nervosa, DEx was reduced simultaneously with increased functional exercise and successful implementation of physical activity recommendations during treatment. Experiences by individuals with eating disorders and clinicians, including accredited exercise physiologists, pointed to positive benefits by including PAE in treatment.

SUMMARY

Lack of consensus about DEx and of recommendations for PAE in official treatment guidelines hinder adequate approaches to these issues in eating disorder treatment.

Social and Occupational Functioning in Individuals With BPD: A Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to explore social and occupational functioning levels in individuals with BPD and whether this varies according to symptomatic status, age, or gender. A multi-database search was conducted for articles, and of the 1164 records identified, 19 were included in this review. Of the 15 studies reporting on social functioning, 13 indicated significant levels of impairment, and of the 14 studies reporting on global functioning, all indicated significant impairment across both clinical and in-remission populations. Occupational functioning was primarily assessed as either a part of global functioning or by subscales within social functioning, highlighting a lack of use of dedicated measures for its assessment. This systematic review found that individuals with BPD experience a range of significant impairments in functioning persisting across the lifespan. Further studies are warranted to explore levels of functional impairment across all functional domains and factors associated with continual functional impairment in this population.

A randomised controlled trial of clinician supported vs self-help delivery of online cognitive behaviour therapy for Bulimia Nervosa

High dropout rates and poor adherence associated with digital interventions have prompted research into modifications of these treatments to improve engagement and completion rates. This trial aimed to investigate the added benefit of clinician support when paired alongside a ten-session, online cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) self-help intervention for bulimia nervosa (BN). As part of a three-arm, phase II randomised controlled trial, 114 participants (16 years or over) with full or subthreshold BN were randomly assigned to complete the intervention in a self-help mode (with administrative researcher contact; n = 38), with adjunct clinician support (weekly 30-minute videoconferencing sessions; n = 37), or a no-treatment waitlist control (WLC; n = 39). Baseline to post-treatment (12-weeks) decreases in objective binge episode frequency were significantly greater for clinician-supported participants as compared to WLC, but not for self-help when compared to WLC. However, due to continued improvements for self-help across follow-up (24-weeks), both arms outperformed WLC when analysed as an overall rate of change across three timepoints. Clinician-supported participants outperformed self-help in regards to laxative use and dietary restraint. Our results demonstrate that good clinical outcomes can be achieved with a relatively brief online CBT-based program even in the absence of structured clinical support, indicating a possible overreliance upon clinician support as a primary adherence-facilitating mechanism.

Is binge eating associated with poor weight loss outcomes in people with a high body weight? A systematic review with meta-analyses

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to compare the weight change in people with or without binge eating who underwent various weight loss treatments.

METHODS

We searched for studies in PubMed, American Psychological Association, and Embase from inception to January 2022. The studies selected included assessment of binge eating and body weight before and after weight loss treatment in people of any age. The meta-analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA). We used Egger's regression test, the funnel plot, and the Trim and Fill test to assess the risk of publication bias.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies were included in the systematic review, with a total of 10.184 participants. The included studies were divided into three categories according to types of weight loss treatments, namely, (1) bariatric surgery; (2) pharmacotherapy isolated or combined with behavioral interventions; and (3) behavioral and/or nutritional interventions. The meta-analyses showed no significant difference in weight loss between people with or without binge eating engaged in weight loss treatments, with an overall effect size of - 0.117 (95% CI - 0.405 to 0.171; P = 0.426).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed no difference in weight loss in people with or without pre-treatment binge eating who received various weight loss treatments. Weight loss treatments should not be withheld on the basis that they will not be effective in people with pre-treatment binge eating, albeit their safety and longer term impacts are unclear.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, at least one properly designed randomized controlled trials; systematic reviews and meta-analyses; experimental studies.

Relationship between psychopathology and binge size in binge eating spectrum disorders

INTRODUCTION

Food intake during binge eating episodes has been found to be associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between caloric intake during binge eating episodes (BEE) and psychopathology in individuals with binge eating spectrum disorders (BSD).

METHODS

One-hundred and fourteen outpatients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder were sequentially assessed. MINI PLUS was used to assess psychiatric diagnoses. Validated self-report instruments were used to assess general and eating-related psychopathology. The assessment of caloric consumption during BEE was performed through Dietpro Clinical Program. Data analysis was performed with independent Student's t test, effect size (Cohen's d) and Pearson's correlation.

RESULTS

Participants with BSD comorbid with a depressive disorder consumed significantly more calories during BEE than those without depression. Furthermore, participants with BSD and higher levels of impulsivity had a greater caloric intake during the episode. Specifically, regarding BN, participants with greater disease severity consumed more calories during the episode than those with less severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, depression and high impulsivity were associated with a higher caloric intake during BEE in individuals with BSD. For those with BN, the disease severity was associated with greater caloric consumption during the episode. Our results support the relevance of early identification of psychiatric comorbidities and the implementation of strategies to control mood and impulsivity aiming at a better prognosis in the treatment of BSD.

An exploration of how adolescents experience and reason their parents' comments on their weight, shape, and eating

INTRODUCTION

Disordered eating among adolescents is of increasing concern given associated physical and mental health sequelae. Cognitions underlying disordered eating are formed in childhood and adolescence. Parents are a significant presence during this period, so it is critical to understand how they influence their adolescent's eating cognitions and behaviors.

METHODS

Qualitative analysis using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) methodology was employed to consider the lived experiences of 10 Australian adolescents (14-19 years), 60% female, as they engaged with their parents in a range of weight, shape, and eating communications.

RESULTS

Our inductive IPA revealed three key themes representing adolescents' experiences and meaning-making: Parents as Influencers-adolescents acknowledged parents are influencers (objects) within a wider context of community and cultural norms (symbols) and can be protective for peer influence on body image ideals; Expression and Perception-the "what" (weight-talk as an object) and the "how" (objects as independent influences) of gendered parental communication related to health and fitness ideals and illustrated diverse interpretations of both verbal and non-verbal expression; and Fertile Soil and Maturity-the adolescent's characteristics and context influence perceptions of communication, a fear of deviating from norms, and an overarching focus on being "healthy" yet not always knowing what that was. Perception of bidirectional communication also offered valuable insights into potential dangers through family loyalty and in-group permissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight implications for the nuanced influence of parental communication and illustrate the pivotal role of parents within the bioecosystem of adolescent development.

Association of participants who screened positive for night eating syndrome with physical health, sleep problems, and weight status in an Australian adult population

BACKGROUND

Night eating syndrome (NES) is a unique eating disorder characterised by evening hyperphagia and nocturnal ingestions which cause significant distress and/or impairment in functioning. Despite the growing literature, NES remains poorly understood and under diagnosed. As such, this study aims to compare the prevalence of physical health conditions in participants with NES when compared to participants without an eating disorder (ED) and participants with other eating disorders (including anorexia nervosa (AN), binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN)) in a general population Australian sample of adults.

METHODS

The data for this study were obtained from the 2017 Health Omnibus Survey (HOS) a multi-stage, cross-sectional survey, conducted by Harrison Research in South Australia. This current study focused on 2547 participants over 18 years of age and specific questions from this population survey including those related to participant demographics and health.

RESULTS

This study identified that participants who screened positive for night eating syndrome (spNES) when compared to participants with other eating disorders (ED) or no ED diagnosis, were significantly more likely to have an increased age, be female, have lower levels of education and have lower household income. Additionally, the spNES group was significantly associated with sleep apnoea (p = 0.031), insomnia or other sleep problems (p < 0.0001), increased BMI (p < 0.0001), increased levels of pain/discomfort and lower physical health-related quality of life. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes were not significantly associated with the spNES group or the "other ED" group which included participants with AN, BED, BN.

CONCLUSIONS

Several physical health problems were found to be significantly associated with the spNES group including sleep problems, increased BMI, increased levels of pain and lower self-reported physical health-related quality of life. Consequently, future research exploring the complex interaction between NES and these medical conditions may provide further insight into the diagnosis, screening tools and management of NES. Additionally, this study highlights the need for future studies which use larger population-based samples.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III. Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Correction: Dahill et al. Associations between Parents' Body Weight/Shape Comments and Disordered Eating Amongst Adolescents over Time-A Longitudinal Study. Nutrients 2023, 15, 1419

There was an error in the original publication [...].

Perceptions on Healthy Eating Impact the Home Food Environment: A Qualitative Exploration of Perceptions of Indigenous Food Gatekeepers in Urban Fiji

The home food environment (HFE) can have important direct and indirect impacts on dietary practices. Nutrient transitions in the HFE of Pacific Island countries (PICs) are key contributors of the high rates of adult and childhood overweight and obesity in the region. Pacifica mothers are important sociocultural agents who play critical roles in their HFE through setting eating-appropriateness standards and mitigating the impacts of food availability and accessibility on the HFE. This study used an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore how urban indigenous Fijian mothers perceive healthy eating and how these perceptions impacted the food decisions they made for their families. Mothers in this study held complex, multifaceted perceptions on healthy eating and these perceptions had both positive and negative impacts on the family food choices they made, the strategies they adopted for healthy eating and their perceived motivators for healthy eating. The findings of this study underscore the need for a deeper understanding and analysis of uptake of public health messaging related to healthy and unhealthy eating and the importance of targeted promotion of healthful nutrition in this community. Promoting consumption of traditional and locally grown foods can enhance nutrition and food security and combat nutrition transition in the region.

Conceptualisation of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa: a qualitative meta-synthesis

BACKGROUND

Severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN) is amongst the most impairing of all mental illnesses. Collective uncertainties about SE-AN nosology impacts treatment refinement. Qualitative research, particularly lived experience literature, can contribute to a process of revision and enrichment of understanding the SE-AN experience and further develop treatment interventions. Poor outcomes to date, as evidenced in clinical trials and mortality for people with SE-AN (1 in 20) demonstrate the need for research that informs conceptualisations and novel treatment directions. This interpretative, meta-ethnographic meta-synthesis aimed to bridge this gap.

METHODS

A systematic search for qualitative studies that explored the AN experiences of people with a duration of greater than 3 years was undertaken. These studies included those that encompassed phenomenology, treatment experiences and recovery.

RESULTS

36 papers, comprising 382 voices of SE-AN experiences informed the meta-ethnographic findings. Four higher order constructs were generated through a synthesis of themes and participant extracts cited in the extracted papers: (1) Vulnerable sense of self (2) Intra-psychic processes (3) Global impoverishment (4) Inter-psychic temporal processes. Running across these meta-themes were three cross cutting themes (i) Treatment: help versus harm, (ii) Shifts in control (iii) Hope versus hopelessness. These meta-themes were integrated into conceptualisations of SE-AN that was experienced as a recursive process of existential self-in-relation to other and the anorexia nervosa trap.

CONCLUSIONS

The alternative conceptualisation of SE-AN proposed in this paper poses a challenge to current conceptualisations of AN and calls for treatments to engage with the complex intra and inter-psychic processes of the SE-AN, more fully. In doing so, clinicians and researchers are asked to continue to be bold in testing novel ideas that may challenge our own rigidity and attachment to dominant paradigms to best serve the individual person with SE-AN. The 'global impoverishment of self', found in this synthesis of AN experiences, should inform proposed diagnostic criteria for SE-AN.

Impact of LEAP and CBT-AN Therapy on Improving Outcomes in Women with Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental health disorder that has serious physical, emotional and social consequences. Whilst cognitive behavioural therapy for AN (CBT-AN) has demonstrated efficacy, there remains a global need to improve AN treatment. Compulsive exercise activity therapy (LEAP) is an active therapy consisting of the addition to CBT-AN of eight specific sessions that focus on exercise and motivation for behavioural change. This paper presents a secondary analysis of 74 female participants in a randomised control trial of LEAP plus CBT-AN versus CBT-AN alone. The main aim of this study was to explore putative predictors and to estimate the magnitude of changes due to LEAP for specific outcome measures. Participants (LEAP: n = 36; CBT-AN: n = 38) were assessed at three successive surveys: baseline, end of therapy, and 6 months post-therapy. The overall effect sizes for changes between baseline to end of therapy and baseline to 6-month follow-up assessment showed large effect sizes (Cohen's d > = 0.80) for mental-health-related quality of life (MHRQoL), weight concern, dietary restraint, eating concern, AN stage change, and psychological distress (all p < 0.05). The results also indicated that several pre-treatment characteristics, including body mass index (BMI), level of eating disorder (ED) symptoms, and MHRQoL are important for identifying whether a treatment is likely to be effective. Future treatment programs should aim to optimise early improvements in BMI, ED symptoms, and MHRQoL.

Twenty-year associations between disordered eating behaviors and sociodemographic features in a multiple cross-sectional sample

BACKGROUND

Disordered eating behaviors (DEB) impact on health and wellbeing worldwide. This study aimed to examine sociodemographic trends in the prevalence of DEB over 20 years in the Australian general population.

METHODS

Data were derived from five sequential cross-sectional surveys (1998, 2008, 2009, 2016 and 2017) with population-representative samples of adults and adolescents residing in South Australia (N = 15 075). DEBs investigated were objective binge eating (OBE), strict dieting/fasting, and purging. Sociodemographic data included gender, age, educational level, work and marital status, and residence.

RESULTS

OBE prevalence increased significantly. Strict dieting/fasting also increased from 1998 to 2008/9 but remained stable between 2008/9 and 2016/7. Purging prevalence did not change significantly over time. All survey years were associated with a significantly higher odds of OBE, and strict diet/fasting compared to 1998. Lower age, a higher Accessibility Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA) score, higher body mass index (BMI), higher educational attainment, and not being in a married or de facto relationship were independently associated with greater adjusted odds for endorsing OBE. Younger age, female gender, and higher BMI were also independently associated with greater adjusted odds for endorsing strict dieting/fasting.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased prevalence of DEBs in various strata of Australian society has both public health and clinical implications. The results refute the stereotype that eating disorders (EDs) predominantly affect young women. They build impetus for future research on EDs among men and older individuals, with a view to developing tailored public health and clinical interventions for these populations.

Measuring cognitive flexibility in anorexia nervosa: Wisconsin Card Sorting Test versus cued task-switching

PURPOSE

The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is the most common measure of cognitive flexibility in anorexia nervosa (AN), but task-switching paradigms are beginning to be utilized. The current study directly compared performance on a cued task-switching measure and the WCST to evaluate their association in participants with a lifetime diagnosis of AN, and to assess which measure is more strongly associated with clinical symptoms.

METHODS

Forty-five women with a lifetime diagnosis of AN completed the WCST, cued color-shape task-switching paradigm, Anti-saccade Keyboard Task, Running Memory Span, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales short form and Eating Disorder Flexibility Index.

RESULTS

There was no evidence of a significant association between WCST perseverative errors and cued task-switching switch costs. Results suggest lower working memory capacity is a determinant of higher perseverative error rate. When controlling for mood variables, neither cognitive flexibility measure was a significant independent predictor of symptom severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Results provide support for previous suggestions that WCST perseverative errors could occur due to difficulties with working memory, sensitivity to feedback, and issues with concept formation. Cued task-switching paradigms may provide a useful measure of cognitive flexibility for future eating disorders research by reducing task-specific confounds.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III Case-control analytic study.

The paradox of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on massage therapists in Australia and Canada: The reporting of a qualitative strand of a mixed methods study

INTRODUCTION

In both Australia and Canada, healthcare providers considered essential were allowed to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the global pandemic on professional identity included opportunities for role expansion, a focus on ethical principles and social accountability, and professional pride. These results were found only for those considered to be essential and do not likely resonate with those classified as non-essential, such as massage therapists, leaving a gap in understanding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This qualitative strand of a sequential explanatory mixed methods study used qualitative description. Individuals who expressed interest were purposefully selected, based on age, gender, type of practice, and experience with the four key phenomena of interest. Data collected through semi-structured interviews was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Member checking enhanced the trustworthiness of the results.

RESULTS

Thirty-one (16 Australian and 15 Canadian) participants were interviewed. The main theme described was the pandemic paradox. At some point during the pandemic, most participants were labelled by government agencies as a non-essential service. However, participants reported feeling both essential and non-essential. Two subthemes were also described: factors contributing to creating the paradox and consequences of the paradox.

CONCLUSION

A number of pre-existing factors around professional identity, such as patient relationships combined with the conditions instituted to manage the COVID-19 pandemic included designating health care services as essential or non-essential, created the paradox experienced by respondents and the subsequent experience of moral distress. Further research into moral distress experienced by massage therapists is needed.

Obtaining long-term recovery: advances in optimizing treatment outcomes in patients with binge-eating disorder

INTRODUCTION

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a complex and disabling eating disorder (ED) associated with considerable burden and impairments in quality of life and physical/mental health. It has been recognized as a formal ED category since 2013, however BED is still underdetected and undertreated.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of BED as well as the evidence on the efficacy of the existing treatments. The authors searched Scopus, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.Gov, and ANZCTR with terms including 'assessment' OR 'treatment' OR 'diagnosis' OR 'mechanisms' AND 'binge eating' OR 'binge-eating disorder' for manuscripts published between January 2013 and April 2023.

EXPERT OPINION

Most of the trials on treatments of BED have been in people of high weight with weight loss as an outcome. Nevertheless, less is known about the treatment of this condition in people with body mass index (BMI) within the normal range where weight stabilization may be a more appropriate goal. Moreover, there is a need for an enhanced appreciation of the role of combination treatment to improve overall outcomes. Also, there are important opportunities for future research in understanding the mechanisms of action and effectiveness of BED treatments.

Grazing Is Associated with ADHD Symptoms, Substance Use, and Impulsivity in a Representative Sample of a Large Metropolitan Area in Brazil

Grazing is a clinically relevant eating behaviour, especially when it presents with a sense of loss of control (compulsive grazing). There is evidence that other disordered eating patterns are associated with problematic substance use and impulsivity-related conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This overlap contributes to higher psychopathology and treatment complications. Less is known about grazing, and most information originates in high-income countries. Hence, we sought to investigate relationships between grazing, tobacco and alcohol use, ADHD, and impulsivity in a large representative sample from Brazil. Data were collected by trained interviewers from adults (N = 2297) through an in-person household survey based on a stratified and clustered probability sample. We found significant associations between compulsive grazing and problematic alcohol use (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.65, 5.53), ADHD (OR = 8.94, 95% CI: 5.11, 15.63), and smoking (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.47), with impulsivity contributing to the first two relationships. The substantial association with ADHD suggests that other executive functions may promote disordered eating, possibly expressed through difficulties in adhering to regular meals. Clinically, these findings highlight the importance of assessing problematic eating patterns, such as compulsive grazing, in those presenting with difficulties with substance use or impulsivity, and vice versa.

The prevalence and burden of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in a general adolescent population

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the prevalence and impairment associated with possible Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in community adolescent populations. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and psychological distress associated with possible ARFID in a sample of adolescents from the general population in New South Wales, Australia.

METHODS

A representative sample of 5072 secondary school students aged between 11 and 19 years completed the online EveryBODY survey in 2017. The survey included demographic data, eating behaviours, psychological distress and both physical and psychosocial health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

The prevalence of possible ARFID was 1.98% (95% CI 1.63-2.41) and did not differ significantly across school years 7-12. The weight status of participants with possible ARFID did not differ significantly from those without possible ARFID. When measuring gender identity, the ratio of males to females with possible ARFID was 1:1.7. This was statistically significant, however, the effect size was very small. Psychological distress and HRQoL did not differ significantly between the possible ARFID and non-ARFID group.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of possible ARFID was found to be similar to that of anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder in the general adolescent population. Adolescents who identify as girls rather than boys may be more likely to develop ARFID, replication with new samples is required to confirm these findings. The impact of ARFID on HRQoL may be minimal in adolescence and become more significant in adulthood, further research using longitudinal design, healthy control groups and/or diagnostic interviews is required.

A Scoping Review on the Association between Night Eating Syndrome and Physical Health, Health-Related Quality of Life, Sleep and Weight Status in Adults

Night eating syndrome (NES) is characterised by recurrent episodes of night eating, evident through excessive food consumption after the evening meal or eating after awakening from sleep, often associated with significant distress and/or impairment in functioning. This scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. The search was conducted through the use of PubMed, Medline (OVID) and SCOPUS, to identify relevant articles published within the last 10 years. Search terms including "Night eating*" OR "NES" and Boolean phrases were used to refine the search. Additionally, the age of participants was restricted to 18 years and above, to ensure only adult participants were included. The abstracts of the remaining articles were used to screen for those that were relevant. From a total of 663 citations, 30 studies assessing night eating syndrome met the inclusion criteria to be included in the review. We found inconsistent associations of NES with higher body mass index (BMI), less physical activity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and poorer quality of sleep. These inconsistencies may have been due to the use of different measurement methods, lack of power from small sample sizes of NES in some studies and varying ages of participants, with associations being more likely to be found in higher-quality, representative populations than in university student samples. There were no associations of NES with T2DM in clinical populations and with hypertension, OSA and metabolic syndrome, but sample sizes were small. The impacts of NES on these medical conditions should be addressed in future, using well-sized and long-term studies involving representative populations of adults. In conclusion, NES likely has negative impacts on BMI, T2DM, physical activity, and sleep quality, which in turn may increase cardio-metabolic risk. However, further research is needed to elucidate the interaction between NES and its associated features.

A systematic review of people's lived experiences of inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa: living in a "bubble"

BACKGROUND

Treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) is typically delivered on a continuum of care, starting with outpatient treatment, and moving onto intensive outpatient, day or residential treatment and/or inpatient hospitalisation. However, minimal attention has been afforded to the lived experiences of persons undergoing inpatient treatment for AN. In particular, qualitative literature pertaining to the lived experiences of specialist inpatient or residential treatment of AN remains fragmented and incomplete. The aim of this review was to synthesise current literature exploring patients' lived experiences of residential and inpatient treatment for AN within eating disorder-specific treatment services.

METHODS

Five databases were searched and a qualitative thematic systematic review and meta-synthesis of 11 studies were conducted.

RESULTS

Eleven studies of 159 participants were included. Four meta-themes were constructed from the data: (1) a medical discourse-"I don't think it's individualised here"; (2) restrictive practice-living in a "bubble"; (3) myself, others and "a similar demon"; and (4) I am "not just another anorexic". The data also revealed two cross-cutting themes: (1) more than a single experience; and (2) meaning making and identity.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the inpatient treatment experience as well as the inherent conflicts in balancing the necessity of medical and psychological intervention with person-centred treatment approaches in the treatment of AN.

Development of transdiagnostic clinical risk prediction models for 12-month onset and course of eating disorders among adolescents in the community

OBJECTIVE

To develop and internally validate risk prediction models for adolescent onset and persistence of eating disorders.

METHODS

N = 963 Australian adolescents (11-19 years) in the EveryBODY Study cohort completed online surveys in 2018 and 2019. Models were built to predict 12-month risk of (1) onset, and (2) persistence of a DSM-5 eating disorder.

RESULTS

Onset Model. Of the n = 687 adolescents without an eating disorder at baseline, 16.9% were identified with an eating disorder after 12 months. The prediction model was based on evidence-based risk factors for eating disorder onset available within the dataset (sex, body mass index percentile, strict weight loss dieting, history of bullying, psychological distress, weight/shape concerns). This model showed fair discriminative performance (mean AUC = .75). The most important factors were psychological distress, weight and shape concerns, and female sex. Diagnostic Persistence Model. Of the n = 276 adolescents with an eating disorder at baseline, 74.6% were identified as continuing to meet criteria for an eating disorder after 12 months. The prediction model for diagnostic persistence was based on available evidence-based risk factors for eating disorder persistence (purging, distress, social impairment). This model showed poor discriminative performance (mean AUC = .65). The most important factors were psychological distress and self-induced vomiting for weight control.

DISCUSSION

We found preliminary evidence for the utility of a parsimonious model for 12-month onset of an eating disorder among adolescents in the community. Future research should include additional evidence-based risk factors and validate models beyond the original sample.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

This study demonstrated the feasibility of developing parsimonious and accurate models for the prediction of future onset of an eating disorder among adolescents. The most important predictors in this model included psychological distress and weight and shape concerns. This study has laid the ground work for future research to build and test more accurate prediction models in diverse samples, prior to translation into a clinical tool for use in real world settings to aid decisions about referral to early intervention.

Community Women’s Lifestyle and Eating Disorders in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic: A 15-Year Follow-Up Study

Most studies suggest that COVID-19 has adversely affected the quality of life and mental health, including eating disorders. However, studies have yet to examine longitudinally the impact of COVID-19 on eating disorder symptomatic individuals. This study aims to examine longitudinally the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle and eating disorder symptoms of a symptomatic group of community-dwelling women. These women (n = 171) were enrolled in a longitudinal study, completed a COVID-19 modular self-report (post or Qualtrics, 2020/21), and participated in the current study. This study examined a 15th year follow-up. In 2020, 40% were tested for COVID-19. Of these, 87% had negative results; 5.3% self-isolated at home; 20.5% stopped working/studying in person; 28% continued online work/study; and 28% stopped work/studying in person. The pandemic affected sporting activities, music, and club activities (32.7% discontinued); 38% socialized in person; 16% socialized online; and 10% completely stopped socializing. Preliminary findings showed that the respondents showed no significant changes in levels of psychological distress (K10: 21.4 ± 9.8 vs. 19.0 ± 7.1, p < 0.171), and impaired quality of life (SF12: 50.9 ± 8.0 vs. 48.3 ± 9.5, p < 0.055) at 15-year follow-up. Eating disorder symptoms increased over time (EDE-Q global: 2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 2.9 ± 1.4, p < 0.013). Observed worsening of eating disorder-related symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic may be due to interrupted eating patterns, exercise restrictions and the absence of social support. Provision and access to interventions to support those affected by eating disorders are a high priority, especially during these times. Further analyses with data imputation may find or further establish direct implications of COVID-19 in eating disorders.

The association between eating disorders and mental health: an umbrella review

OBJECTIVE

There have been an increasing number of systematic reviews indicating the association between eating disorders (ED), including its risk factors, with mental health problems such as depression, suicide and anxiety. The objective of this study was to conduct an umbrella review of these reviews and provide a top-level synthesis of the current evidence in this area.

METHOD

A systematic search was performed using four databases (MEDLINE Complete, APA PyscInfo, CINAHL Complete and EMBASE). The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews (with or without meta-analysis), published in the English language between January 2015 and November 2022. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools for use of JBI Systematic reviews.

RESULTS

A total of 6,537 reviews were identified, of which 18 reviews met the inclusion criteria, including 10 reviews with meta-analysis. The average quality assessment score for the included reviews was moderate. Six reviews investigated the association between ED and three specific mental health problems: (a) depression and anxiety, (b) obsessive-compulsive symptoms and (c) social anxiety. A further 3 reviews focused on the relationship between ED and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) while 2 reviews focused on ED and suicidal-related outcomes. The remaining 7 reviews explored the association between ED and bipolar disorders, personality disorders, and non-suicidal self-injury. Depression, social anxiety and ADHD are likely to have a stronger strength of association with ED relative to other mental health problems.

DISCUSSION

Mental health problems such as depression, social anxiety and ADHD were found to be more prevalent among people suffering from eating disorders. Further research is necessary to understand the mechanism and health impacts of potential comorbidities of ED.

Food Consumption during Binge Eating Episodes in Binge Eating Spectrum Conditions from a Representative Sample of a Brazilian Metropolitan City

The prevalence of binge eating spectrum conditions (BESC) are increasing globally. However, there is a lack of data from general population samples in low- and middle-income countries. Thus, this study described the food consumption during objective binge eating episodes (OBE) in people with BESC from a metropolitan city in Brazil. Participants comprised 136 adults (18 years old-60 years old) with Binge Eating Disorder (BED), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), or recurrent binge eating (RBE) from a two-phase epidemiological survey. They were interviewed in their homes by trained lay interviewers using the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns updated for the DSM-5 to assess BESC diagnosis and food consumption during a typical OBE. Overall, participants consumed a mean of 1067 kcal during the episodes. For the most part, these calories were derived from carbohydrates (58%) and lipids (30%), irrespective of the diagnosis. Regarding food item consumption, individuals with BED and RBE consumed staple foods (mainly rice and beans) more frequently than those with BN. Conversely, participants with BN ingested sugar-sweetened beverages more frequently than the BED group. In conclusion, there were differences in the eating patterns of individuals with BESC in Brazil. BED and RBE participants consumed more typical foods, whereas those with BN preferred foods with a high content of energy during their OBE.

Associations between Parents' Body Weight/Shape Comments and Disordered Eating Amongst Adolescents over Time-A Longitudinal Study

Parents are key influencers of adolescents' attitudes on weight, shape, and eating, and make more positive than negative comments, with negative comments most impactful. This study examined prospective unique associations of parental positive and negative comments in a community sample of adolescents with paediatric psychosocial quality of life (PED-QoL), Eating Disorder Weight/Shape Cognitions (EDEQ-WS), BMI percentile, and Psychological Distress (K10) scales. Data were from 2056 adolescents from the EveryBODY study cohort. Multiple regressions were conducted for the impacts of parental positive and negative comments on four dependent variables at one year after controlling for their stage of adolescence (early, middle, late). Multiple imputation and bootstrapping were used for handling missing data and violations of normality. Results indicated that positive maternal comments on eating were associated with increased EDCs and better quality of life at one year. Paternal positive weight shape comments were associated with a decrease in psychological distress, but positive eating comments saw a decrease in quality of life. Findings highlight the nuances of parental comments and how these are perceived and interpreted, and could alert health care workers and family practitioners who have weight, shape, and eating conversations to be aware of the potential influence of their communication.

Novel ketamine and zinc treatment for anorexia nervosa and the potential beneficial interactions with the gut microbiome

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe illness with diverse aetiological and maintaining contributors including neurobiological, metabolic, psychological, and social determining factors. In addition to nutritional recovery, multiple psychological and pharmacological therapies and brain-based stimulations have been explored; however, existing treatments have limited efficacy. This paper outlines a neurobiological model of glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic dysfunction, exacerbated by chronic gut microbiome dysbiosis and zinc depletion at a brain and gut level. The gut microbiome is established early in development, and early exposure to stress and adversity contribute to gut microbial disturbance in AN, early dysregulation to glutamatergic and GABAergic networks, interoceptive impairment, and inhibited caloric harvest from food (e.g., zinc malabsorption, competition for zinc ions between gut bacteria and host). Zinc is a key part of glutamatergic and GABAergic networks, and also affects leptin and gut microbial function; systems dysregulated in AN. Low doses of ketamine in conjunction with zinc, could provide an efficacious combination to act on NMDA receptors and normalise glutamatergic, GABAergic and gut function in AN.

A systematic review with meta-analyses of the relationship between recurrent binge eating and sleep parameters

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are known to compound the negative effects of other health issues, such as eating disorders and the associated behavior of binge eating. Previous studies suggested associations between binge eating and sleep problems, but the strength of the relationship is unknown.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses examining the relationship between binge eating and sleep parameters. We searched for studies in Scopus, PubMed, and PsycInfo. The quality of evidence, including risk of bias, was assessed with adaptations of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies, depending on study design. Data was synthesized as the difference in sleep between people who did or did not have binge eating.

RESULTS

Thirty-one reports of studies met our eligibility criteria. Results are presented in 12 meta-analyses. In the 7 reports of studies (with 4448 participants) that assessed poor overall sleep quality, we found poorer overall sleep quality in people with binge eating compared to people without binge eating, with a standardized mean difference of 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.92; P < 0.001), which is a large effect size. In addition, we found evidence that people with binge eating had significantly greater hypersomnia/daytime sleepiness (7 reports of studies with 4370 participants), insomnia (5 reports of studies with 12,733 participants), and difficulty falling asleep (3 reports of studies with 4089 participants) compared to people without binge eating, with moderate effect sizes (standardized mean differences of 0.57-0.66).

CONCLUSIONS

People with binge eating exhibit poorer overall sleep quality compared to people without binge eating, and may also exhibit greater hypersomnia/daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and difficulty falling asleep. It is recommended that healthcare professionals routinely screen for poor overall sleep quality when treating people with binge eating-and address sleep difficulties when present.

Associations among relationship status, gender, and sexual attraction in Australian adolescents' eating pathology

OBJECTIVE

Engaging in romantic relationships in adolescence may inadvertently increase participation in appearance culture and the risk for eating pathology. Little research has considered this effect, particularly as it relates to adolescents' gender identity and sexual attraction. Therefore, this study examined the associations among relationship status, gender, and sexual attraction in adolescents' eating pathology.

METHODS

Data from the first wave of the EveryBODY study, a large sample of Australian adolescents aged 11-19 years (n = 3262, M_age  = 15.00, 53.80% girls), were used. Participants reported their relationship status and eating pathology (fasting, purging, binge eating, driven exercise, steroid use, and shape/weight concerns) using an online survey.

RESULTS

Logistic regressions adjusting for age and BMI percentile revealed that romantic relationships were associated with higher adjusted odds (AORs) for reporting clinical frequency/severity threshold of fasting, purging, steroid use, and shape and weight concerns (AORs: 1.34-3.68). Relative to boys, girls had higher adjusted odds of reporting clinical frequency/severity threshold of all eating disorder features (AORs: 1.47-7.40), except for steroid use for muscle gain. Adolescents who reported same-sex attraction, were unsure of their sexual attraction, or did not endorse any sexual attraction had greater adjusted odds of reporting clinical frequency/severity threshold of fasting, purging, and shape and weight concerns (AORs: 1.35-1.83) than those with only other-sex sexual attraction. Interactions among relationship status, gender, and sexual attraction were nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Romantic experience emerged as a novel correlate for adolescents' eating pathology. Future research should uncover the contextual factors within relationships that may contribute to this association.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

The initiation of romantic relationships is normative during adolescence. However, adolescents' romantic desirability is often determined by their physical appearance, increasing the risk for eating pathology. Among a large sample of Australian adolescents, romantic involvement was associated with greater likelihood of clinical threshold eating pathology for adolescent boys and girls, regardless of sexual attraction. It is urgent to identify the factors within romantic relationships that are associated with eating pathology.