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Melles H, Jansen A. Anxiety matters: a pilot lab study into food, weight, and virtual body exposure in anorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:141. [PMID: 39272190 PMCID: PMC11395645 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01094-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety is a core characteristic of anorexia nervosa and a potential target of exposure therapy, which requires a profound understanding of the patients' fears in order to be successful. The knowledge about fears in anorexia nervosa that should be targeted during exposure therapy can be enriched by laboratory research to the precise emotional and behavioral responses of anorexia nervosa patients when they are exposed to disorder relevant fear stimuli. METHODS In the laboratory, patients with anorexia nervosa (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 51) were exposed to 1. their own body weight and a 10% higher body weight on the scale, 2. a standardized lab breakfast, and 3. five virtual bodies with different BMIs ranging from extreme underweight to lower healthy weight. The participants emotional (anxiety, disgust, satisfaction, acceptance) and behavioral responses (calorie consumption) were assessed. Patients with anorexia nervosa but not the healthy controls then received an intensive exposure treatment (~ 30 individual exposure sessions) targeting their individual fears, next to standard care. After the exposure treatment, it was investigated whether the patients' responses to the laboratory tasks changed. RESULTS Across all tasks, the patients reported more anxiety than healthy controls. The patients also consumed less calories during the breakfast and accepted the different body weights on the scale less than healthy controls. During the virtual body exposure, the patients' emotional responses did not differ per avatar but they reacted more negatively towards avatars with healthier weights than did healthy controls. After the exposure treatment, the patients reported less fears and they consumed more calories while their BMIs had increased. They were also more accepting of healthier weights. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to food-, body- and weight-related stimuli in the laboratory induces emotional reactions in patients with anorexia nervosa that are informative for the identification of exposure therapy treatment targets. In addition, exposure therapy targeting individual fears in patients with anorexia nervosa led to symptom reduction and is a promising intervention for the treatment of anorectic fears, though more research is needed to optimize its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Melles
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anita Jansen
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Lochner C, Maré KT, Stein DJ. Structured clinical interview for diagnosing obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 133:152494. [PMID: 38718482 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are several established structured diagnostic interviews that cover common mental disorders seen in general psychiatry clinics. The administration of more focused diagnostic interviews may be useful in specialty clinics, such as OCD clinics. A semi-structured clinician-administered interview for obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (SCID-OCSD) was developed and adapted for DSM-5/ICD-11 obsessive-compulsive and related disorders as well as other putative obsessive-compulsive spectrum conditions. OBJECTIVE To introduce a semi-structured diagnostic interview for in-depth assessment of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs), and to report on its implementation in adults with primary OCD attending an OCD-specialized unit. METHODS Patients with primary OCD were interviewed using the SCID-OCSD. The SCID-OCSD assesses disorders drawn from several diagnostic categories that share some core features of obsessive-compulsive phenomenology and that are often comorbid in OCD (e.g., obsessive-compulsive related disorders, impulse-control disorders, and a spectrum of compulsive-impulsive conditions such as tics, eating disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, and behavioral addictions. Participants had to be at least moderately symptomatic on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Severity scale (YBOCS, i.e., a total score ≥ 14) to be included in the current study. RESULTS One hundred and one adult patients with current OCD (n = 101, 37 men and 64 women), took part in the study. Forty-two participants (n = 42) had OCD and one or more current or past comorbid OCSDs, with excoriation (skin-picking) disorder (n = 16) and body dysmorphic disorder (n = 14) being the most common. Nine (n = 9) participants reported a history of non-suicidal self-injury, and 6 participants reported a history of comorbid tics. CONCLUSIONS In OCD clinics, the SCID-OCSD may help diagnose the full range of putative OCSDs, and so facilitate treatment planning and research on these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lochner
- SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - Karen T Maré
- SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Butler RM, Christian C, Girard JM, Vanzhula IA, Levinson CA. Are within- and between-session changes in distress associated with treatment outcomes? Findings from two clinical trials of exposure for eating disorders. Behav Res Ther 2024; 180:104577. [PMID: 38850690 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Imaginal exposure is a novel intervention for eating disorders (EDs) that has been investigated as a method for targeting ED symptoms and fears. Research is needed to understand mechanisms of change during imaginal exposure for EDs, including whether within- and between-session distress reduction is related to treatment outcomes. METHOD Study 1 tested four sessions of online imaginal exposure (N = 143). Study 2 examined combined imaginal and in vivo exposure, comprising six imaginal exposure sessions (N = 26). ED symptoms and fears were assessed pre- and posttreatment, and subjective distress and state anxiety were collected during sessions. RESULTS Subjective distress tended to increase within-session in both studies, and within-session reduction was not associated with change in ED symptoms or fears. In Study 1, between-session reduction of distress and state anxiety was associated with greater decreases in ED symptoms and fears pre-to posttreatment. In Study 2, between-session distress reduction occurred but was not related to outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Within-session distress reduction may not promote change during exposure for EDs, whereas between-session distress reduction may be associated with better treatment outcomes. These findings corroborate research on distress reduction during exposure for anxiety disorders. Clinicians might consider approaches to exposure-based treatment that focus on distress tolerance and promote between-session distress reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Butler
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, USA.
| | - Caroline Christian
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, USA
| | | | - Irina A Vanzhula
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, USA
| | - Cheri A Levinson
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, USA
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Christian C, Vanzhula IA, Ciotti V, Levinson CA. Development and Validation of a Broad and Fear-Adaptable Measure of Fear Approach and Application to Common Eating Disorder Fears. Assessment 2024; 31:602-616. [PMID: 37226768 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231174469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Fear approach is a theorized mechanism of exposure treatment for anxiety-based disorders. However, there are no empirically established self-report instruments measuring the tendency to approach feared stimuli. Because clinical fears are heterogeneous, it is important to create a measure that is adaptable to person- or disorder-specific fears. The current study (N = 455) tests the development, factor structure, and psychometric properties of a self-report instrument of fear approach broadly and the adaptability of this measure to specific eating disorder fears (i.e., food, weight gain). Factor analyses identified a unidimensional, nine-item factor structure as the best fitting model. This measure had good convergent, divergent, and incremental validity and good internal consistency. The eating disorder adaptations retained good fit and strong psychometric properties. These results suggest that this measure is a valid, reliable, and adaptable measure of fear approach, which can be used in research and exposure therapy treatment for anxiety-based disorders.
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Christian C, Butler RM, Burr EK, Levinson C. An Intensive time series investigation of the relationships across eating disorder-specific fear responses and behavior urges in partially remitted anorexia nervosa. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 102:102804. [PMID: 38128286 PMCID: PMC10923000 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102804] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious and persistent psychiatric illness. Many individuals with AN cycle between stages of remission (i.e., relapse), with research documenting that cognitive remission generally lags behind nutritional/weight restoration. Yet, little is known about which mechanisms promote movement from partial remission in AN (defined as nutritional, but not cognitive, recovery) to full remission. Fear-based processes, including avoidance and approach behaviors, likely contribute to the persistence of cognitive-behavioral AN symptoms after nutritional restoration. The current study used intensive longitudinal data to characterize these processes during partial remission (N = 41 participants with partially remitted AN; 4306 total observations). We aimed to a) characterize frequency of fear-based processes in real-time, b) investigate associations across fear-based processes and behavioral urges, and c) test if real-time associations among symptoms differed across commonly feared stimuli (e.g., food, social situations). On average, participants endorsed moderate fear and avoidance, with weight-gain fears rated higher than other feared stimuli. Momentary fear, avoidance, approach, and distress were all positively associated with AN behavior urges at one time-point and prospectively. Central symptoms and symptom connections differed across models with different feared stimuli. These findings provide empirical support for the theorized fear-avoidance-urge cycle in AN, which may contribute to the persistence of eating pathology during partial remission. Fear approach may be associated with temporary increases in urges, which should be considered during treatment. Future research should explore these associations in large, heterogeneous samples, and test the effectiveness of exposure-based interventions during partial remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Christian
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Rachel M Butler
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Emily K Burr
- University of Central Florida, Department of Psychology, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Cheri Levinson
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Louisville, KY, USA
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Cooper M, Mears C, Heckert K, Orloff N, Peebles R, Timko CA. The buffet challenge: a behavioral assessment of eating behavior in adolescents with an eating disorder. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:8. [PMID: 38238787 PMCID: PMC10797715 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00968-3] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders are characterized by disturbances in nutritional intake and abnormal mealtime behaviors. Laboratory eating paradigms offer a unique opportunity to accurately measure dietary intake and eating behaviors, however, these studies have predominantly occurred in adults. This paper describes the development and preliminary psychometric examination of the Buffet Challenge, a laboratory-based meal task for youths with an eating disorder. METHOD We recruited and assessed 56 participants as part of a randomized controlled trial of Family-Based Treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Adolescents completed the Buffet Challenge at baseline, midway through treatment (~ week 16 of a 6 months course), and end of treatment. Participants and their parents also reported eating disorder symptomatology and treatment related variables of interest were recorded. RESULTS All adolescents were willing to complete the Buffet Challenge at all time points, although one refused to give up their cellphone, and there were no significant adverse events recorded. Preliminary results are presented. CONCLUSIONS Our initial pilot of this task in adolescents with anorexia nervosa demonstrates its acceptability, although investigation of our hypotheses was hindered by significant missing data due to COVID-related research shutdowns. Future studies should replicate procedures in a larger sample to ensure analyses are adequately powered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Cooper
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Connor Mears
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, USA
| | - Kerri Heckert
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Natalia Orloff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Equip Health, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Rebecka Peebles
- The Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Monte Nido & Affiliates, Philadelphia, USA
| | - C Alix Timko
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, 2716 South Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19146, USA.
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Spix M, Schutzeichel F, Jansen A. Can you learn to starve yourself? Inducing food avoidance in the laboratory. Behav Res Ther 2023; 166:104340. [PMID: 37267783 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The restriction of energy intake is a central and persistent symptom of anorexia nervosa. Recent models of the disorder suggest that food restrictions are learned avoidance behaviours, which are acquired and maintained by classical and operant conditioning. The present study aims to test this learning model of food restriction. It investigates whether introducing negative consequences for the intake of tasty high-calorie food and introducing positive consequences for its avoidance can create food avoidance, increase fear of food, and decrease eating desires in healthy individuals. 104 women were randomly assigned to an experimental or control condition and completed an appetitive conditioning and avoidance learning task. While the experimental condition received money after avoiding the tasty high-calorie food item and heard an aversive sound after not avoiding food intake, the control condition never received these consequences. In the extinction phase, reward and punishment discontinued for both conditions. We measured avoidance frequency, mouse movements, fear, eating desires and stimulus liking. Participants in the experimental condition avoided the food more often than controls and showed increased fear, reduced eating desires and less liking for cues associated with food intake. These results support the notion that food avoidance behaviours, reduced eating desires and fear of food can be learned via classical and operant conditioning. Conditioning paradigms might be a useful tool to study the development and maintenance of food restriction in anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Spix
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Franziska Schutzeichel
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Anita Jansen
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
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Clemente-Suárez VJ, Ramírez-Goerke MI, Redondo-Flórez L, Beltrán-Velasco AI, Martín-Rodríguez A, Ramos-Campo DJ, Navarro-Jiménez E, Yáñez-Sepúlveda R, Tornero-Aguilera JF. The Impact of Anorexia Nervosa and the Basis for Non-Pharmacological Interventions. Nutrients 2023; 15:2594. [PMID: 37299557 PMCID: PMC10255390 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder with an unknown etiology that is characterized by an individual's preoccupation with their weight and body structure while denying the severity of their low body weight. Due to the fact that anorexia nervosa is multifaceted and may indicate the coexistence of genetic, social, hormonal, and psychiatric disorders, a description of non-pharmacological interventions can be used to ameliorate or reduce the symptoms of this condition. Consequently, the purpose of the present narrative review is to describe the profile's context in the anorexic person as well as the support they would require from their family and environment. In addition, it is aimed at examining preventative and non-pharmacological interventions, such as nutritional interventions, physical activity interventions, psychological interventions, psychosocial interventions, and physical therapy interventions. To reach the narrative review aims, a critical review was conducted utilizing both primary sources, such as scientific publications, and secondary sources, such as bibliographic indexes, web pages, and databases. Nutritional interventions include nutritional education and an individualized treatment for each patient, physical activity interventions include allowing patients to perform controlled physical activity, psychological interventions include family therapy and evaluation of the existence of other psychological disorders, psychosocial interventions include management of the relationship between the patient and social media and physical therapy interventions include relaxation massages and exercises to relieve pain. All these non-pharmacological interventions need to be individualized based on each patient's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (M.I.R.-G.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - Maria Isabel Ramírez-Goerke
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (M.I.R.-G.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - Laura Redondo-Flórez
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco
- Psychology Department, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida y la Naturaleza, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, 28240 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (M.I.R.-G.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - Domingo Jesús Ramos-Campo
- LFE Research Group, Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Science-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda
- Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar 2520000, Chile;
| | - José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (M.I.R.-G.); (J.F.T.-A.)
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Melles H, Duijvis S, Jansen A. Inhibitory Learning during Exposure Treatment in Anorexia Nervosa: A Practical Guide. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13050370. [PMID: 37232607 DOI: 10.3390/bs13050370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure therapy is known to be an effective intervention in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders. In eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, anxiety and avoidance are identified as maintenance factors. Therefore, they may constitute an important treatment target, suitable for the use of exposure therapy. Remarkably, exposure techniques to target fears and avoidance behaviors are not commonly used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. We present a practical guide for the implementation of exposure therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. We outline how exposure therapy is supposed to work according to the inhibitory learning model and how the exposure intervention can be designed for individuals with anorexia nervosa. Practical examples are provided through the case presentation of a patient with anorexia nervosa who completed 31 exposure sessions that focused on her fears of food, eating, weight, weight gain, their feared social consequences and the associated safety behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Melles
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Duijvis
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anita Jansen
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Melles H, Jansen A. Transdiagnostic fears and avoidance behaviors in self-reported eating disorders. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:19. [PMID: 36782316 PMCID: PMC9926724 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00745-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fears and avoidance behaviors are common symptoms of eating disorders. It was investigated whether different eating disorder diagnoses are equally characterized by similar fears and avoidance behaviors. METHODS Individuals with self-reported eating disorders (n = 250) and healthy controls (n = 95) completed online questionnaires assessing general fears, eating related fears, and avoidance behaviors. RESULTS All self-reported eating disorder diagnoses showed more eating related fears, general fears, and avoidance behaviors than healthy controls. Individuals with binge eating disorder showed less specific and general fears on some but by no means all scales, yet they showed less food avoidance behaviors than all other eating disorders and less eating restraint than anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. CONCLUSIONS Eating related fears, general fears, and food avoidance behaviors were found to be transdiagnostic symptoms in self-reported eating disorders. Individuals with binge eating disorder also exhibit more fears and avoidance behaviors than healthy controls, but to a lesser extent than the other eating disorders. Specialized interventions targeting fears and avoidance may be promising add-on interventions not only in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, but in the treatment of all eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Melles
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anita Jansen
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Christian C, Levinson CA. An integrated review of fear and avoidance learning in anxiety disorders and application to eating disorders. NEW IDEAS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.newideapsych.2022.100964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Brown ML, Levinson CA. Core eating disorder fears: Prevalence and differences in eating disorder fears across eating disorder diagnoses. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:956-965. [PMID: 35567750 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fear and anxiety are key maintaining factors for eating disorder (ED) pathology. Maladaptive fears lead to ED behaviors and avoidance, which provide temporary relief, but ultimately reinforce the fear and contribute to a cycle that maintains the ED. To date, fears of food and weight gain are the most explored fears underlying ED pathology. However, recently other important ED fears have been identified, including fears of social consequences and personal consequences. METHOD The current study (N = 229 individuals with an ED) aimed to better characterize ED fears. Specifically, this study examined which ED fears were most endorsed across and within ED diagnoses, and if there were differences in ED fears by diagnosis and by weight status. RESULTS Overall, fear of gaining weight was the most frequently endorsed fear, followed by fear of food, and fear of judgment. Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) most frequently endorsed fear of food, individuals with atypical AN and bulimia nervosa: fear of gaining weight, and those with other specified feeding and eating disorder: fear of judgment. Limited differences were found between diagnoses. When examining by weight category, participants with underweight most frequently endorsed fear of food, participants with normal weight: fear of gaining weight, and participants with overweight and obesity: fear of judgment. DISCUSSION These findings suggest ED fears are heterogenous. Given such high heterogeneity, this work highlights the importance of assessing for specific ED fears at the beginning of treatment, which could be used to deliver personalized exposure treatment. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Eating disorders (EDs) are serious mental illnesses with high rates of medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Fear plays an important role in the development and maintenance of EDs. The present study found fear of food, weight gain, and judgment are the most frequently endorsed fears for individuals with EDs and found few differences in fears based on ED diagnosis. These findings highlight the importance of assessing individuals' specific ED fears for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie L Brown
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Cheri A Levinson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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Butler RM, Heimberg RG. Imaginal Exposure for Disordered Eating Related Fears: An Initial Randomized Controlled Trial. Behav Modif 2022; 47:46-70. [PMID: 35440229 DOI: 10.1177/01454455221091783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Exposure therapy has been investigated as a treatment for eating disorders, but prior research has largely neglected core fears underlying the disorder such as rejection, abandonment, disgust, and loss of control. We tested the feasibility and acceptability of using imaginal exposure to target disordered eating related fears by randomizing participants (N = 47) with disordered eating to: imaginal exposure (IE), imaginal exposure preceded by a brief food exposure (IE + Food), or an assessment control. Participants attended two in-person visits and completed pretreatment, posttreatment, and one-month follow-up questionnaires. IE was rated more acceptable than IE + Food. Retention was high across conditions. Habituation occurred for subjective distress and believability of feared outcomes, suggesting that imaginal exposure effectively activates core fears. Distress tolerance and confidence in ability to change improved. Disordered eating symptoms, fears, preoccupations, and rituals decreased in all conditions, indicating that IE was not specifically responsible for improvement.
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Levinson CA, Ralph-Nearman C, Brown ML, Gardner T, Cardi V, Treasure J, Purves K, Eley TC. A pilot randomized control trial of online exposure for eating disorders and mechanisms of change delivered after discharge from intensive eating disorder care: A registered report. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:2066-2074. [PMID: 34480773 PMCID: PMC9886130 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23603] [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: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
More than 50% of individuals with an eating disorder (ED) will readmit to treatment within 6 months of treatment discharge and often due to persistent cognitive ED pathology. Interventions addressing unremitted cognitive ED pathology following discharge from intensive treatment are crucial to prevent readmission. Imaginal exposure therapy facilitates the approach of feared stimuli not accessible in everyday life (e.g., rapidly gaining weight). In the current pilot randomized control trial (RCT), participants will be randomly assigned to a five-session online imaginal exposure condition (n = 65) or a control online writing and thinking intervention (n = 65) within a month of discharge from intensive treatment. Exposure participants write about and imagine an ED fear and control participants will write about their ED generally. We will examine the feasibility and acceptability of the treatment conditions and whether imaginal exposure is more effective in preventing readmission than the control condition. We will test the efficacy of the imaginal exposure treatment in reducing ED symptoms and fears of food and weight gain, and whether fear learning is a mechanism of change related to ED pathology. Ultimately, this research will lead to the development of an easily deployable readmission prevention treatment based on fear conditioning targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheri A. Levinson
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Kings College London, Psychological Medicine, Academic Psychiatry and Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, London, UK
| | - Christina Ralph-Nearman
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Kings College London, Psychological Medicine, Academic Psychiatry and Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, London, UK
| | - Mackenzie L. Brown
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Kings College London, Psychological Medicine, Academic Psychiatry and Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, London, UK
| | - Taylor Gardner
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Kings College London, Psychological Medicine, Academic Psychiatry and Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, London, UK
| | - Valentina Cardi
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Kings College London, Psychological Medicine, Academic Psychiatry and Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, London, UK
| | - Janet Treasure
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Kings College London, Psychological Medicine, Academic Psychiatry and Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, London, UK
| | - Kirstin Purves
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Kings College London, Psychological Medicine, Academic Psychiatry and Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, London, UK
| | - Thalia C. Eley
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Kings College London, Psychological Medicine, Academic Psychiatry and Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, London, UK
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15
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Psychometric properties of the fear of food measure in Japanese women. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:2135-2142. [PMID: 33140377 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-01061-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the fear of food measure (FOFM) in Japanese women. METHODS This study was a cross-sectional, observational, and multicenter study conducted at the University of Tokyo and Kyushu University. Participants were comprised of 169 healthy women and 149 patients with eating disorders. First, the present study explored the factor structure of FOFM in Japanese women using exploratory factor analyses. Then, the Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega were calculated to assess reliability. Concurrent validity was examined by calculating correlation coefficients with the Eating Attitudes Test, negative affect of Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Additionally, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare scores between the healthy control and patient group. RESULTS The final model had four subscales. The subscales, thus, had high reliability and showed significant positive correlations with the questionnaires. The scores of subscales in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group. CONCLUSIONS The FOFM had a four-factor structure in Japanese women. Its reliability and validity were verified and it could be used as a tool to assess fear of food. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, case-control analytic study.
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16
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Sierra I, Senín-Calderón C, Roncero M, Perpiñá C. The Role of Negative Affect in Emotional Processing of Food-Related Images in Eating Disorders and Obesity. Front Psychol 2021; 12:723732. [PMID: 34497567 PMCID: PMC8419244 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.723732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyze differences in the emotional processing (valence, arousal, and dominance) of food-related information in patients with eating disorders (ED), patients with obesity, and healthy women. Moreover, the mediator role of negative affect and the moderating role of the diagnostic group (ED vs. non-ED) were analyzed. METHOD The sample consisted of 94 women (39 with eating disorders, 19 with obesity, and 36 healthy participants). MEASURES International Affective Picture System (IAPS) food picture exposure task; Self-Assessment Manikin Analog-Visual Scale (SAM) appraising Arousal, Valence, and Dominance; Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26); Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). RESULTS Patients with purging symptomatology rated food images as more unpleasant than healthy women. Patients with purging and restrictive eating symptomatology showed higher levels of arousal and less dominance over the emotions experienced, compared to patients with obesity and healthy women. The mediation analysis showed that negative affect mediated the relationship between eating symptomatology (EAT-26) and the Valence of food images, as well as the control over the emotions experienced when viewing food images (Dominance). For the moderation analysis participants were regrouped into two groups (ED patients vs. non-ED patients). The direct relationship between eating symptomatology and food image valence was moderated by the diagnostic group. However, the group did not moderate the direct relationship between the EAT-26 and dominance over experienced emotions, or the indirect effect on eating symptomatology through negative affect. These results show the relevance of negative affect in the emotional processing of food-related information, and they support an eating disorder-disordered eating dimensional perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Sierra
- Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - María Roncero
- Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Conxa Perpiñá
- Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
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17
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Mental Pain in Eating Disorders: An Exploratory Controlled Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163584. [PMID: 34441880 PMCID: PMC8397208 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163584] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental pain (MP) is a transdiagnostic feature characterized by depression, suicidal ideation, emotion dysregulation, and associated with worse levels of distress. The study explores the presence and the discriminating role of MP in EDs in detecting patients with higher depressive and ED-related symptoms. Seventy-one ED patients and 90 matched controls completed a Clinical Assessment Scale for MP (CASMP) and the Mental Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). ED patients also completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Clinical Interview for Depression (CID-20), and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40). ED patients exhibited significantly greater severity and higher number of cases of MP than controls. Moreover, MP resulted the most important cluster predictor followed by BDI-II, CID-20, and EAT-40 in discriminating between patients with different ED and depression severity in a two-step cluster analysis encompassing 87.3% (n = 62) of the total ED sample. Significant positive associations have been found between MP and bulimic symptoms, cognitive and somatic-affective depressive symptoms, suicidal tendencies, and anxiety-related symptoms. In particular, those presenting MP reported significantly higher levels of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms than those without. MP represents a clinical aspect that can help to detect more severe cases of EDs and to better understand the complex interplay between ED and mood symptomatology.
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18
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Change in normative eating self-efficacy is associated with six-month weight restoration following inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa. Eat Behav 2021; 42:101518. [PMID: 33989938 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2021.101518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disorder characterized by rigid and restrictive eating behaviors, resulting in significantly low body weight. While specialized behavioral intensive treatment programs can reliably support individuals with AN to normalize eating and weight control behaviors and achieve weight restoration, prognostic factors predicting relapse following treatment are unclear. We examined whether changes in (i) normative eating self-efficacy, (ii) body image self-efficacy, (iii) drive for thinness, and (iv) body dissatisfaction from inpatient admission to six-month follow-up were associated with weight restoration status at program discharge and at six-month follow-up. The sample comprised 146 participants with AN admitted to a meal-based inpatient-partial hospitalization program. Participants completed questionnaires at inpatient admission and six months following program discharge. Additionally, at follow-up, participants reported the frequency of engaging in normalized eating behaviors since discharge (e.g. eating with others and preparing a balanced meal). The majority (73.3%) of participants attained a BMI > 19 at discharge and 59.6% were weight restored at six-month follow-up. Change in normative eating self-efficacy was significantly associated with weight restoration at follow-up, whereas change in body image self-efficacy, drive for thinness, and body dissatisfaction were not. For each one unit increase in normative eating self-efficacy, patients were 4.65 times more likely to be weight restored at follow-up (p = .002). Additionally, individuals reporting a higher frequency of normalized eating behaviors at follow-up were more likely to be weight restored. Normative eating self-efficacy and normalized eating behaviors may represent vital treatment targets for relapse prevention interventions for this high-risk population.
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19
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Melles H, Spix M, Jansen A. Avoidance in Anorexia Nervosa: Towards a research agenda. Physiol Behav 2021; 238:113478. [PMID: 34058219 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia Nervosa is a severe and disabling mental disorder and a huge challenge to treat. Intense fears of e.g., food, eating, weight gain and social evaluation are core features of anorexia nervosa and obstacles during treatment. The perceived threats trigger avoidance and safety behaviors like highly restrictive eating, strict eating rules, vomiting and body checking, to minimize feared outcomes. The role of avoidance in anorexia nervosa is however hardly studied experimentally. In the present article, the focus is on a new transdiagnostic research agenda featuring both basic and clinical experimental research into avoidance as a most important mechanism maintaining the eating disorder. Avoidance learning and the generalization of learned avoidance behaviors are discussed, as well as safety behaviors and the need for inhibitory learning as a treatment target during exposure therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Melles
- Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Michelle Spix
- Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Anita Jansen
- Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
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20
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Palmer S, Gronemann J, Mattler U, Febry H, Wünsch-Leiteritz W, Leiteritz A, Brockmeyer T. No effect of very brief exposure to masked food pictures on fear of food in anorexia nervosa. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2021; 29:645-656. [PMID: 33951241 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Very brief exposure to masked images of spider stimuli can facilitate approach behaviour towards spiders in fearful subjects. We hypothesized that a similar effect might occur for fear of food in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), possibly offering a new treatment approach, with advantages over other methods of food exposure. METHODS Patients with AN (n = 60) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions and received a single session of exposure to either masked and very briefly presented food images, clearly visible food images, or masked non-food images (i.e. household items). Effects of the three exposure conditions on fear of food and food avoidance were examined. RESULTS Contrary to our expectations, very brief food cue exposure was not superior to the control conditions regarding fear of food and approach behaviour towards food immediately after the intervention and body mass index four weeks later. CONCLUSION This finding suggests important differences between fear of food in AN and specific phobias such as fear of spiders. The absence of an effect reveals limitations of the very brief exposure method, which might be better suited for evolutionarily relevant threat stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Palmer
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jana Gronemann
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Mattler
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Hagen Febry
- Klinik Lueneburger Heide, Bad Bevensen, Germany
| | | | | | - Timo Brockmeyer
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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21
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McMaster CM, Fong M, Franklin J, Hart S. Dietetic intervention for adult outpatients with an eating disorder: a systematic review and assessment of evidence quality. Nutr Rev 2021; 79:914-930. [PMID: 33544862 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Eating disorders (EDs) are complex mental illnesses that require medical, psychological, and dietetic intervention to assist patients achieve recovery. OBJECTIVE Available evidence was reviewed regarding dietetic intervention for adult outpatients with an ED and the quality of this evidence was assessed. DATA SOURCES Systematic literature searches were conducted using 5 databases (MEDLINE, PreMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO) for studies comparing adults with an ED receiving a dietetic intervention with those receiving a psychological intervention alone, those receiving a combined dietetic and psychological intervention, or a control group. DATA EXTRACTION Literature searches returned 3078 results, with 10 articles reporting on 9 randomized controlled trials meeting the inclusion criteria. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. DATA ANALYSIS GRADE assessments for studies involving individuals with anorexia nervosa indicated very low quality of evidence for outcomes including weight, ED psychopathology and ED behaviors , and no studies measured nutritional changes. For studies conducted with participants with bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder, only 1 study included a group receiving combined evidence-based psychological and dietetic intervention. A combined intervention produced moderate-quality evidence for lower attrition, greater abstinence from ED behaviors, and more meals eaten per week in comparison with a stand-alone psychological or dietetic intervention. CONCLUSIONS There is currently limited evidence to sufficiently assess the impact of incorporating dietetic interventions into outpatient treatment for adults with an ED; however, available evidence supports clinical practice guidelines that dietetic intervention should not be delivered as a stand-alone treatment. Additional methodologically sound studies in larger samples are required to fully inform dietetic treatment in EDs and incorporation of such interventions as part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M McMaster
- Boden Collaboration for Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mackenzie Fong
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales
| | - Janet Franklin
- Metabolism and Obesity Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Hart
- Boden Collaboration for Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Nutrition and Dietetics Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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22
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Anderson LM, Berg H, Brown TA, Menzel J, Reilly EE. The Role of Disgust in Eating Disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:4. [PMID: 33404776 PMCID: PMC7895454 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-020-01217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In current review, we evaluate the current literature examining the role of disgust in eating disorders (EDs), and provide a theoretical model designed to inform the study and treatment of disgust-based symptoms in EDs. RECENT FINDINGS Findings from this review suggest that aberrant disgust-conditioning processes represent promising but understudied mechanisms that may contribute to the risk and maintenance of core eating disorder (ED) psychopathology. In addition, preliminary evidence supports the use of interventions designed to target aversive disgust cues and disrupt maladaptive disgust-based conditioning that may maintain eating pathology. However, experimental studies designed to elucidate the role of disgust and aversive learning processes remain limited. Disgust is a promising risk and maintenance factor in EDs. Future systematic investigation is needed to examine disgust-based processes at a mechanistic level in order to better understand the links between disgust, avoidance behaviors, and EDs. Further investigation of the mechanistic role of disgust in EDs is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, 2450 Riverside Avenue South, F229, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
| | - Hannah Berg
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, N218 Elliott Hall, 75 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Tiffany A. Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California - San Diego, 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 315, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Jessie Menzel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California - San Diego, 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 315, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Erin E. Reilly
- Department of Psychology, Hofstra University, 210 Hauser Hall, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
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23
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[Nutritional education protocol in the treatment of eating disorders in the clinical and care settings]. NUTR HOSP 2021; 38:857-870. [PMID: 34126747 DOI: 10.20960/nh.03617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nutrition education (NE), as part of the treatment of eating disorders (EDs), plays a crucial role in helping patients to change their food attitudes and routines, lose fears, and recover a healthy eating pattern. All these changes may contribute to improving their nutritional status. However, there is a lack of consensus and standardization concerning the procedures to teach it. This work's objective was to elaborate a consensual protocol for NE implementation in the treatment of EDs to help in decision-making regarding which patients are appropriate candidates to receive NE, the agents (family, school community) and professionals involved, and the areas in the healthcare system that are best suited for implementation. Moreover, it would help in selecting the the topics to be imparted, and in following up treatment progression.
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24
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Levinson CA, Williams BM. Eating disorder fear networks: Identification of central eating disorder fears. Int J Eat Disord 2020; 53:1960-1973. [PMID: 32918319 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating-related fear and anxiety are hallmark symptoms of eating disorders (EDs). However, it is still unclear which fears are most important (e.g., food, weight gain), which has practical implications, given treatments for eating-related fear necessitate modifications based on the specific fear driving ED pathology. For example, exposure treatments should be optimized based on specific fears that maintain pathology. The current study (N = 1,622 combined clinical ED and undergraduate sample) begins to answer questions on the precise nature of ED fears and how they operate with other ED symptoms. METHOD We used network analysis to create two models of ED fears and symptoms. The first model consisted of ED fears only (e.g., fears of food, fears of weight gain) to identify which fear is most central. The second model consisted of ED fears and ED symptoms to detect how ED fears operate with ED symptoms. RESULTS We found fear of disliking how one's body feels due to weight gain, disliking eating in social situations, feeling tense around food, fear of judgment due to weight gain, and food anxiety were the most central ED fears. We also identified several bridge symptoms between ED fears and symptoms. Finally, we found that the most central ED fears predicted excessive exercise at two-month follow-up. DISCUSSION These data support the idea that consequences (i.e., judgment) associated with fears of weight gain and interoceptive fears are the most central ED fears. These data have implications for the future development of precision interventions targeted to address ED-related fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheri A Levinson
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Brenna M Williams
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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25
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Burton Murray H, Jehangir A, Silvernale CJ, Kuo B, Parkman HP. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder symptoms are frequent in patients presenting for symptoms of gastroparesis. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13931. [PMID: 32677153 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with symptoms of gastroparesis/dyspepsia often avoid foods or restrict eating for symptom management. There is growing interest in understanding risk for feeding/eating disorders (FEDs) like avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Among patients presenting with gastroparesis/dyspepsia symptoms, we aimed to determine: (a) FED symptom frequency, and (b) relation of FED symptoms to gastrointestinal symptom severity and gastric retention abnormalities. METHODS Adult patients (N = 288; 78% female) referred for gastroparesis/dyspepsia symptoms at two academic medical centers from January 2018-February 2019 completed self-report surveys for gastrointestinal symptom severity and FED symptoms. Gastric retention data were available for 210 patients, using 4-hour EggBeater gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES). RESULTS Clinically significant FED symptoms were present in 158 patients (54.9%). Interestingly, 115 patients (39.9%) met conservative self-report cutoff for ARFID symptoms, with 67 (23.3%) patients having documented psychosocial/medical impairment. Of those with survey data for other FEDs (n = 239), only 28 patients (11.7%) had restrictive eating disorders (anorexia nervosa; unspecified FED). Likelihood of having FED symptoms was significantly associated with greater gastroparesis symptom severity (OR = 2.23, P < .001), but not GES. In addition, gastroparesis symptom severity was moderately and significantly associated with greater ARFID symptom severity (b = 0.45, P < .001), but neither GES nor other FED symptoms. DISCUSSION In patients presenting with gastroparesis/dyspepsia symptoms, FED symptoms were frequent (55%), particularly ARFID, and were associated with greater gastrointestinal symptom severity, but not gastric retention. Gastroparesis/dyspepsia symptoms may mimic FEDs, particularly ARFID. Clinicians should be cautious about diagnosing ARFID in gastroparesis/dyspepsia patients, and screening for ARFID could assist behavioral treatment referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Burton Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Neuroenteric Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Asad Jehangir
- Gastroenterology Division, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Casey J Silvernale
- Neuroenteric Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Braden Kuo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Neuroenteric Research Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Henry P Parkman
- Gastroenterology Division, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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26
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Chapa DAN, Kite BA, Forbush KT, Tregarthen JP, Argue S. Eating-disorder psychopathology and driven exercise change models: A latent change score analysis. Int J Eat Disord 2020; 53:2013-2025. [PMID: 33141971 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Approximately 50% of people with eating disorders (EDs) engage in driven exercise to influence their weight or shape and/or to compensate for loss-of-control eating. When present, driven exercise is associated with a lower quality-of-life, longer hospital stays, and faster rates-of-relapse. Despite the seriousness of driven exercise, most treatments for EDs do not target maladaptive exercise behaviors directly. Given the large proportion of patients with an ED who engage in driven exercise and its effect on treatment outcomes, it is critical to understand what predicts change in driven exercise. The purpose of this study was to test whether ED symptoms prospectively predicted change in driven exercise and vice versa. METHOD Participants were Recovery Record (RR) users (N = 4,568; 86.8% female) seeking treatment for an ED. Participants completed the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (EPSI) monthly for 3 months. RESULTS In the full sample, dynamic bivariate latent change score analyses indicated that high levels of dietary restraint and restricting prospectively predicted reductions in driven exercise. Among persons with anorexia nervosa (AN), high levels of binge eating predicted increased driven exercise. Among persons with bulimia nervosa (BN), high levels of body dissatisfaction predicted increased driven exercise. Among persons with binge-eating disorder (BED), high levels of binge eating, purging, and restricting predicted reductions in driven exercise. DISCUSSION Results highlight changes that may predict increased or decreased driven exercise relative to other ED symptoms for AN, BN, and BED groups. These preliminary findings could inform future research on ED treatment efforts to manage driven exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin A Kite
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Kelsie T Forbush
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Stuart Argue
- Recovery Record, Inc, Palo Alto, California, USA
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27
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Racine SE, Suissa-Rocheleau L, Martin SJ, Benning SD. Implicit and explicit motivational responses to high- and low-calorie food in women with disordered eating. Int J Psychophysiol 2020; 159:37-46. [PMID: 33245920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Eating disorders and their symptoms are thought to be associated with altered motivational responding to food. Binge eating may relate to increased reward reactivity, restrictive eating may be associated with increased threat and/or decreased reward reactivity, and the combination of these symptoms within an individual may be linked to motivational conflict to food. Using both implicit (i.e., physiological) and explicit (i.e., self-reported) measures, we tested these hypotheses in 88 women with binge eating only, restrictive eating only, both binge eating and restrictive eating, or no eating pathology. Participants viewed and rated high-calorie food, low-calorie food, and emotional images while startle eye blink and postauricular reflexes were measured. Arousal and craving, but not valence, ratings were significantly greater for high- than low-calorie food. Startle blink reflexes during all food images were significantly lower than during neutral images, whereas only high-calorie foods related to greater postauricular reactivity than neutral images. Eating pathology group did not predict implicit and explicit motivational reactions to food. Exploratory dimensional analyses revealed that rating low-calorie foods as lower on craving predicted endorsement of restrictive eating, while rating low-calorie foods as lower on valence and arousal, and experiencing lower postauricular reactivity to high-calorie foods minus neutral images, predicted greater frequency of restrictive eating episodes. Decreased implicit and explicit appetitive motivation to high- and low-calorie food may relate to the presence and frequency of restrictive eating. Future longitudinal research should investigate whether decreased appetitive responding to food is a risk factor for, versus consequence of, restrictive eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Racine
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 2001 Avenue McGill College, Montréal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada.
| | - Léah Suissa-Rocheleau
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 2001 Avenue McGill College, Montréal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Shelby J Martin
- Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Porter Hall, Athens, OH 45701, United States
| | - Stephen D Benning
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154-5030, United States
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28
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Schaumberg K, Reilly EE, Gorrell S, Levinson CA, Farrell NR, Brown TA, Smith KM, Schaefer LM, Essayli JH, Haynos AF, Anderson LM. Conceptualizing eating disorder psychopathology using an anxiety disorders framework: Evidence and implications for exposure-based clinical research. Clin Psychol Rev 2020; 83:101952. [PMID: 33221621 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) and anxiety disorders (ADs) evidence shared risk and significant comorbidity. Recent advances in understanding of anxiety-based disorders may have direct application to research and treatment efforts for EDs. The current review presents an up-to-date, behavioral conceptualization of the overlap between anxiety-based disorders and EDs. We identify ways in which anxiety presents in EDs, consider differences between EDs and ADs relevant to treatment adaptions, discuss how exposure-based strategies may be adapted for use in ED treatment, and outline directions for future mechanistic, translational, and clinical ED research from this perspective. Important research directions include: simultaneous examination of the extent to which EDs are characterized by aberrant avoidance-, reward-, and/or habit-based neurobiological and behavioral processes; improvement in understanding of how nutritional status interacts with neurobiological characteristics of EDs; incorporation of a growing knowledge of biobehavioral signatures in ED treatment planning; development of more comprehensive exposure-based treatment approaches for EDs; testing whether certain exposure interventions for AD are appropriate for EDs; and improvement in clinician self-efficacy and ability to use exposure therapy for EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sasha Gorrell
- University of California, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Cheri A Levinson
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States of America
| | | | - Tiffany A Brown
- University of California, San Diego, United States of America
| | - Kathryn M Smith
- Sanford Health, United States of America; University of Southern California, United States of America
| | | | | | - Ann F Haynos
- University of Minnesota, United States of America
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Levinson CA, Christian C, Vanzhula IA. Manipulating the theoretical framing of exposure therapy for eating disorders impacts clinicians' treatment preferences. Eat Weight Disord 2020; 25:1205-1212. [PMID: 31317512 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00751-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure therapy is the most effective treatment for anxiety and related disorders and its efficacy in the eating disorders is rapidly gaining support. Despite the strong evidence behind exposure therapy, many anxiety disorder providers do not endorse the usage of exposure therapy. Limited research has explored the use of exposure therapy in eating disorder providers, as well as the impact of framing on likelihood to use exposure therapy. OBJECTIVE The current study (N = 125 eating disorder providers) manipulated the framing of exposure to feared foods (pizza). METHODS We framed the treatment as an exposure, behavioral experiment, or acceptance/mindfulness-based intervention. We also tested attitudes towards exposure therapy in eating disorder providers. RESULTS Participants were more likely to endorse willingness to use a treatment framed as a behavioral experiment over exposure and acceptance-based framing. This effect did not vary by degree type, type of provider, years in practice, experience, or training. We also found that providers with more training, specifically in eating disorder exposure, were more likely to use exposure over acceptance-based framed intervention (and vice versa). Finally, we found that eating disorder providers had a somewhat positive view of exposure therapy. CONCLUSION Framing of the intervention impacts likelihood that providers will endorse using specific interventions. Therefore, intervention development and dissemination efforts should consider the language around the description of evidence-based treatments. Furthermore, enhanced training and education specifically with eating disorder exposure therapy may enhance the likelihood of providers utilizing exposure therapy. Level I: experimental study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheri A Levinson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
| | - Caroline Christian
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Irina A Vanzhula
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
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Exposure therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2020; 78:101851. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Vanzhula IA, Sala M, Christian C, Hunt RA, Keshishian AC, Wong VZ, Ernst S, Spoor SP, Levinson CA. Avoidance coping during mealtimes predicts higher eating disorder symptoms. Int J Eat Disord 2020; 53:625-630. [PMID: 32112594 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by significant anxiety during mealtime that contributes to food avoidance and weight loss. Individuals with EDs commonly use avoidance coping (e.g., distraction) to tolerate meals and comply with meal plans. Although this strategy may be effective short term, a large body of anxiety literature suggests that avoidance can lead to worsening of psychological symptoms long term. METHOD The current study (N = 66 individuals diagnosed with ED) used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine the short-term and long-term associations of avoidance coping on ED symptoms. RESULTS Distraction during meals predicted a reduction in anxiety in the short term, and both distraction and avoidance of emotions predicted increases in excessive exercise in the short term. Distraction and avoidance of emotions predicted increases in bulimic symptoms 1 month after completion of EMA. DISCUSSION These results are consistent with prior literature on avoidance and suggest that avoidance coping during meals may contribute to the increase of ED behaviors in the long term. Coping strategies that encourage approach and tolerance of difficult thoughts and emotions (e.g., acceptance-based strategies) rather that avoidance coping may promote longer-term symptom reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Vanzhula
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Caroline Christian
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rowan A Hunt
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ani C Keshishian
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Valerie Z Wong
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sarah Ernst
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Samantha P Spoor
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Cheri A Levinson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assessment of mood in eating disorders (EDs) has important clinical implications, but the current standard psychiatric classification (DSM-5) has limitations. The aim of the current study is to broaden the evaluation of depressive symptomatology by providing a comprehensive and innovative assessment approach in EDs through instruments that capture clinical phenomena of demoralization, subclinical distress, and psychological well-being. METHODS Seventy-nine patients who met diagnostic criteria for EDs of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth edition (DSM-5) were evaluated for depressive symptoms through Paykel's Clinical Interview for Depression, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 for major depressive episode and persistent depressive disorder, and the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) interview for demoralization. Further, self-report inventories encompassing psychological well-being and distress were used. RESULTS Guilt, abnormal reactivity to social environment, and depressed mood were the most common depressive symptoms in the sample. DSM-defined depressive disorders were found in 55.7% of patients. The DCPR-demoralization criteria identified an additional 20.3% of the sample that would have been undetected with DSM criteria. Both DSM and DCPR diagnostic categories were associated with compromised psychological well-being and distress. Demoralization, unlike depression, was not associated with the severity of ED symptomatology. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that a standard psychiatric approach, DSM-5-based, captures only a narrow part of the spectrum of mood disturbances affecting patients with EDs. A broadened clinimetric assessment unravels the presence of demoralization and yields clinical distinctions that may entail prognostic and therapeutic differences among patients who would be otherwise simply labeled as depressed.
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Levinson CA, Vanzhula IA, Christian C. Development and validation of the eating disorder fear questionnaire and interview: Preliminary investigation of eating disorder fears. Eat Behav 2019; 35:101320. [PMID: 31445189 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2019.101320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety is highly characteristic of eating disorders (ED). Despite high levels of anxiety, little is known about ED specific fears. The current study developed and tested the psychometric properties of two measures of ED fears in two samples (N = 513 undergraduates; N = 129 clinical EDs): a self-report measure (Eating Disorder Fear Questionnaire; EFQ) and interview (Eating Disorder Fear Interview; EFI). We found strong support for a five-factor EFQ consisting of subscales assessing fear of weight gain, social consequences, personal consequences, physical sensations, and social eating. We found strong support for a six-factor EFI consisting of subscales assessing fear of food, weight gain, physical sensations, personal consequences, social consequences, and exercise-related fears. Both measures had adequate to strong internal consistency and convergent, divergent, incremental, and construct validity. These measures can be used to identify ED fears that can be targeted in personalized treatment. These data show that ED fears are multifaceted and heterogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheri A Levinson
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States of America.
| | - Irina A Vanzhula
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States of America
| | - Caroline Christian
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States of America
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Levinson CA, Sala M, Murray S, Ma J, Rodebaugh TL, Lenze EJ. Diagnostic, clinical, and personality correlates of food anxiety during a food exposure in patients diagnosed with an eating disorder. Eat Weight Disord 2019; 24:1079-1088. [PMID: 30847689 PMCID: PMC6732034 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00669-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders are characterized by high levels of anxiety, especially while eating. However, little is known about anxiety experienced during meals and specifically what other variables may impact such anxiety. OBJECTIVE We sought to further quantify and understand the relationship between food anxiety, eating disorders, and related correlates (e.g., comorbid diagnoses, personality). METHODS In the current study [N = 42 participants diagnosed with an eating disorder (n = 36 participants with anorexia nervosa)], we quantified anxiety before, during, and after a meal using data from a food exposure session in a partial hospital eating disorder center. We examined diagnostic, personality, and clinical factors as correlates of food anxiety. RESULTS Participants were more likely to experience higher food anxiety if they had a current diagnosis of major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Concern over mistakes was the strongest and most consistent correlate of food anxiety regardless of time during the meal that anxiety was assessed. Other significant correlates were fear of positive evaluation, social appearance anxiety, BMI, and trust. CONCLUSIONS These findings show how diagnoses, perfectionism (concern over mistakes), and other correlates relate to anxiety during meals. Food exposure interventions may benefit from personalizations that address these factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV Evidence from a randomized control trial, but from the first session before effects of the design would be present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheri A Levinson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
| | - Margarita Sala
- Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Stuart Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jackie Ma
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Thomas L Rodebaugh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eric J Lenze
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Intolerance of uncertainty and eating disorder behaviour: Piloting a consumption task in a non-clinical sample. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2019; 65:101492. [PMID: 31202086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2019.101492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a transdiagnostic process contributing to the maintenance of anxiety disorders, and is a potential target for treatment. Recent literature has investigated IU as a cognitive process underpinning pathological fear and anxiety in Anorexia Nervosa (AN). The current study was designed to examine trait and state IU, and their relationship to restrictive eating disorder symptoms, anxiety, worry, cognitive rigidity and eating behaviour. METHODS A sample of undergraduate women (N = 85) completed measures of eating disorder symptoms, IU, cognitive rigidity and worry. Participants were randomised to complete an eating task under one of two conditions: the "certain" condition received a high-calorie meal and nutritional information, while the "uncertain" condition received the meal alone. During the meal, state IU and state anxiety were examined at three time-points (baseline, pre-eating, post-eating). RESULTS Trait IU was correlated with cognitive rigidity, worry, global eating disorder symptoms, and, in particular, dietary restraint. No differences emerged between conditions with respect to eating-related anxiety, or amount of food eaten. Controlling for condition and eating disorder symptoms, state IU predicted pre-eating anxiety. Beyond the contribution of condition, BMI and eating disorder symptoms, state IU predicted consumption, specifically greater dietary restriction. LIMITATIONS The study employed a non-clinical sample. CONCLUSIONS IU may be implicated in a rigid cognitive style, the anxiety response to energy-dense food, and restrictive eating behaviour. Should these findings be replicated in a clinical sample, then IU might emerge as an adjunctive treatment target for AN.
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Farrell NR, Brosof LC, Vanzhula IA, Christian C, Bowie OR, Levinson CA. [Exploring Mechanisms of Action in Exposure-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders: The Role of Eating-Related Fears and Body-Related Safety Behaviors]. Behav Ther 2019; 50:1125-1135. [PMID: 31735247 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders includes a component of exposure therapy, which involves patients confronting feared eating and body-related stimuli while preventing safety behaviors. With recent research demonstrating that eating-related fears and safety behaviors are central to eating disorder pathology, there is increased emphasis on improving the efficacy of exposure therapy in eating disorders. Doing so will require a better understanding of important mechanisms of action in this treatment. The present study explored how changes during treatment in eating-related fears and avoidance as well as body-related safety behaviors influence overall treatment outcomes. Individuals with eating disorders (N = 71) receiving exposure-based treatment completed measures of global eating disorder severity at admission and discharge. Hypothesized mechanisms of action were also assessed at admission and discharge as well as at a 2-week time point after beginning treatment. Path modeling analyses showed that decreased eating-related cognitions (feared concerns about eating) and emotions (anxiety about eating) at the 2-week time point were prospectively predictive of lowered global eating disorder symptom severity at discharge. Additionally, reduced body checking and avoidance behaviors after 2 weeks of treatment were also associated with lower eating disorder severity at discharge. These findings highlight the importance of exposure-based therapy in eating disorders and the need to uniquely address eating-related fears and safety behaviors.
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Marzola E, Fassino S, Migliaretti G, Abbate-Daga G, Kaye WH. Development and validation of the Premorbid Childhood Traits Questionnaire (PCT-Q) in eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 2019; 24:815-823. [PMID: 31313252 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00748-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Some features of eating disorders (EDs) are often present in childhood before the onset of the ED. We developed a novel questionnaire to retrospectively capture such childhood traits. METHODS Focus groups were conducted at the University of California-San Diego, USA, and at the University of Turin, Italy. Three focus groups were conducted at each site, interviewing patients and parents to identify those traits that most commonly characterize childhood of patients with EDs. A preliminary version of the Premorbid Childhood Traits Questionnaire (PCT-Q) derived from these focus groups was then administered to 94 consecutive inpatients with an ED and to 286 healthy controls (HCs) at the Turin site. Also, 208 participants' parents were enrolled as well; in fact, the PCT-Q was developed with both a proband and an informant version. RESULTS A 37-item final version of the PCT-Q was generated. Reliability analyses suggested acceptability for harm avoidance (HA), social phobia, alexithymia, interoceptive awareness (IA), and food obsessions. Inter-rater reliability ranged from fair to moderate. ED sufferers scored significantly higher than HCs on HA, social phobia, alexithymia, IA, and food obsessions. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the possibility that premorbid traits contribute to a risk to develop an ED in some individuals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: case-control analytic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Marzola
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 11, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Secondo Fassino
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 11, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Migliaretti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 11, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Walter H Kaye
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Werthmann J, Simic M, Konstantellou A, Mansfield P, Mercado D, van Ens W, Schmidt U. Same, same but different: Attention bias for food cues in adults and adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2019; 52:681-690. [PMID: 30912189 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Attention processing for food may be biased in people with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). However, previous studies have had inconsistent results. This is likely to be due to indirect assessment of attention, which does not inform on the underlying attention processes, and/or the heterogeneity of participants across studies, testing either adults or adolescents with AN, that is, people at very different developmental and illness stages. METHOD Eye-tracking was employed as a direct assessment of attention during a visual probe task with food versus non-food pictures. Attention bias for food was measured in 39 adults and 34 adolescents with AN and in 53 adults and 31 adolescents without AN. RESULTS All participants had a direction bias for food, specifically for high-calorie food. However, adults with AN subsequently avoided maintaining attention on food versus non-food cues, compared to adults without AN. Adolescents with or without AN demonstrated increased attention maintenance on food versus non-food cues, and, contrary to our hypothesis, did not differ in their attention bias for food cues. Accordingly, adults with AN differed significantly from adolescents with AN in attention maintenance for food cues: while adolescents with AN showed significantly increased attention maintenance on food stimuli, adults avoided maintaining attention on food cues. DISCUSSION Adults with AN may apply attention strategies to facilitate restrictive eating. This strategy is absent in adolescents with AN. This difference in food-related attention bias between adolescents and adults with AN suggests that attention biases develop over time as the illness progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Werthmann
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Mima Simic
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, Michael Rutter Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Konstantellou
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, Michael Rutter Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Phoebe Mansfield
- Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, Michael Rutter Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Mercado
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Welmoed van Ens
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Adult Eating Disorder Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Anderson LM, Reilly EE, Thomas JJ, Eddy KT, Franko DL, Hormes JM, Anderson DA. Associations among fear, disgust, and eating pathology in undergraduate men and women. Appetite 2018; 125:445-453. [PMID: 29481914 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Fear and disgust are distinct emotions that have been independently linked with EDs and may motivate avoidance behaviors that may be relevant targets for ED interventions (e.g., food rejection). Despite similar motivational function, it is possible that one emotion is more strongly associated with ED symptoms, relative to the other. Given that emerging evidence suggests that disgust-based behavior may be more difficult to change than fear-based behaviors, research is needed to evaluate whether each emotion differentially relates to ED symptoms. Therefore, the current study tested the relative importance of fear and disgust in accounting for variance in ED symptoms. Participants included undergraduate men (n = 127) and women (n = 263) from a university in the northeast US. Participants completed self-report measures assessing demographics, disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, and visual analog scales assessing fear and disgust responses to high-calorie food images, low-calorie food images, and non-food fear and disgust images. Bivariate correlations revealed significant positive associations among fear, disgust, and EDE-Q global symptom scores. Relative weights analysis results yielded relative importance weights that suggested disgust responding to high calorie food images accounts for the greatest total variance in EDE-Q global symptom scores in men, and fear responding to high calorie food images accounts for the greatest total variance in EDE-Q scores in women. Findings provide initial evidence that investigative and clinical efforts should consider fear and disgust as unique facets of negative affect with different patterns of relative importance to ED symptoms in undergraduate men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Anderson
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, 2450 Riverside Avenue, F227, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA.
| | - Erin E Reilly
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California - San Diego, 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 330, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Jennifer J Thomas
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 2 Longfellow Place, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, 2 West, Room 305, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kamryn T Eddy
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 2 Longfellow Place, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, 2 West, Room 305, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Debra L Franko
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, 2 Longfellow Place, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, 2 West, Room 305, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, 110 Churchill Hall, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Julia M Hormes
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
| | - Drew A Anderson
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
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Hart S, Marnane C, McMaster C, Thomas A. Development of the "Recovery from Eating Disorders for Life" Food Guide (REAL Food Guide) - a food pyramid for adults with an eating disorder. J Eat Disord 2018; 6:6. [PMID: 29619220 PMCID: PMC5878939 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-018-0192-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited evidence to inform nutrition and dietetic interventions for individuals with eating disorders even though it is recommended as an essential part of multidisciplinary management. There is minimal guidance, an absence of standardised nutrition educational material, and no research on how best to educate patients on healthy eating and how to achieve nutrition adequacy. Therefore the REAL Food Guide was developed. METHODS The REAL Food Guide is a pyramid with four layers and key nutrition messages beside each layer that was conceived to address gaps in nutrition education and intervention for individuals with eating disorders. Written and verbal consumer feedback was obtained from consumers receiving treatment regarding the acceptability and usefulness of the REAL Food Guide. A unique database was developed to reflect the types of foods and realistic portion sizes that patients are likely to select. This database was used for nutrition modelling to assess the nutrition adequacy of three meal patterns (meat containing, vegetarian and semi-vegan) for both weight maintenance and weight regain. Each meal pattern was compared to the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. RESULTS Nutritional analysis demonstrated nutritional adequacy of meal patterns for energy, macronutrients and most micronutrients when the recommended number of serves from the REAL Food Guide were assessed. All meal patterns were adequate in micronutrients except for the semi-vegan meal pattern that was inadequate in vitamin D. Feedback from individuals with eating disorders demonstrates the nutrition education tool was acceptable to them as they felt it was more helpful for their recovery than general nutrition guidelines. CONCLUSION The REAL Food Guide is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide that clinicians can use to educate patients about components of a balanced and healthy diet. The guide can educate all eating disorder clinicians, including those who are new to the field, about the basics of nutrition. Clinicians using the guide can be confident that, if followed, patient's energy and nutritional requirements will be met and important nutrition education messages are reinforced, that are tailored to the beliefs and concerns of individuals with eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Hart
- Nutrition Services, St Vincent's Health Network, Darlinghurst, 2010 Australia.,2The Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 Australia
| | - Claire Marnane
- Newtown Nutrition, Suite 1, 33 King St, Newtown, 2042 Australia.,4Nutrition and Dietetics Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 Australia
| | - Caitlin McMaster
- 2The Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 Australia.,5Weight Management Service, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, 2145 Australia
| | - Angela Thomas
- Central Coast Eating Disorders Outpatient Service, Toukley, 2263 Australia
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Biddiscombe RJ, Scanlan JN, Ross J, Horsfield S, Aradas J, Hart S. Exploring the perceived usefulness of practical food groups in day treatment for individuals with eating disorders. Aust Occup Ther J 2017; 65:98-106. [PMID: 29270987 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Recovery from eating disorders is a challenging process. Emerging literature suggests that occupational therapists may provide a useful contribution in delivering purposeful eating-related interventions as a potential treatment to support sustained cognitive and behavioural changes for individuals with eating disorders. This study aimed to evaluate participants' perceptions of the contribution of occupational therapy practical food groups (food based outings and cooking groups) in supporting their functional recovery. METHODS Individuals attended practical food groups as part of standard treatment at an outpatient eating disorders day program. Ninety-nine participants completed questionnaires at discharge and up to three follow-up points (6, 12 and 24 months). Questions related to practical food groups were analysed, exploring participants' experiences and perceived usefulness of groups using rating-scale and open-ended questions. Open-ended responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated for responses to rating-scale questions. RESULTS At discharge, participants rated the importance and usefulness of practical food groups as high (4.73 and 4.43 on 5-point scales, respectively), but tended to rate their enjoyment of the groups lower (3.50 on a 5-point scale). Some skill transfer was typically reported by participants at discharge (3.92 on a 5-point scale). One core theme, 'success through participation', emerged from qualitative comments. Six subthemes were also identified: helpful components of practical food groups; perceived benefit of exposure; impact of applying cognitive and behavioural skills; challenges affecting participation; facilitating adaptation; and influence of eating disorders on challenging feared foods. CONCLUSION This study highlights that participation in practical food groups was perceived as useful in assisting individuals to improve eating behaviours and, in some circumstances, transfer these skills into their lives outside of day program. Results suggest that occupational therapists may have an important contribution in delivering these interventions to support recovery and facilitate application of adaptive coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J Biddiscombe
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Justin Newton Scanlan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Mental Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Ross
- Peter Beumont Day Program, Mental Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Horsfield
- Peter Beumont Day Program, Mental Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica Aradas
- Peter Beumont Day Program, Mental Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Hart
- Peter Beumont Day Program, Mental Health Services, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Levinson CA, Brosof LC, Ma J, Fewell L, Lenze EJ. Fear of food prospectively predicts drive for thinness in an eating disorder sample recently discharged from intensive treatment. Eat Behav 2017; 27:45-51. [PMID: 29145095 PMCID: PMC5702940 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fears of food are common in individuals with eating disorders and contribute to the high relapse rates. However, it is unknown how fears of food contribute to eating disorder symptoms across time, potentially contributing to an increased likelihood of relapse. Participants diagnosed with an eating disorder (N=168) who had recently completed intensive treatment were assessed after discharge and one month later regarding fear of food, eating disorder symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, and negative affect. Cross lagged path analysis was utilized to determine if fear of food predicted subsequent eating disorder symptoms one month later. Fear of food-specifically, anxiety about eating and feared concerns about eating-predicted drive for thinness, a core symptom domain of eating disorders. These relationships held while accounting for anxiety sensitivity and negative affect. There is a specific, direct relationship between anxiety about eating and feared concerns about eating and drive for thinness. Future research should test if interventions designed to target fear of food can decrease drive for thinness and thereby prevent relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheri A Levinson
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States.
| | - Leigh C Brosof
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States
| | - Jackie Ma
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States
| | - Laura Fewell
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, United States
| | - Eric J Lenze
- Washington University in St. Louis, Department of Psychiatry, United States
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Racine SE, Hebert KR, Benning SD. Emotional Reactivity and Appraisal of Food in Relation to Eating Disorder Cognitions and Behaviours: Evidence to Support the Motivational Conflict Hypothesis. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2017; 26:3-10. [DOI: 10.1002/erv.2567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Racine
- Department of Psychology; Ohio University; OH USA
- Department of Psychology; McGill University; QC Canada
| | - Karen R. Hebert
- Department of Occupational Therapy; Seton Hall University; NJ USA
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Forbush KT, Hagan KE, Kite BA, Chapa DAN, Bohrer BK, Gould SR. Understanding eating disorders within internalizing psychopathology: A novel transdiagnostic, hierarchical-dimensional model. Compr Psychiatry 2017; 79:40-52. [PMID: 28755757 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several problems with the classification and diagnosis of eating disorders (EDs) have been identified, including proliferation of 'other specified' diagnoses, within-disorder heterogeneity, and frequent diagnostic migration over time. Beyond problems within EDs, past research suggested that EDs fit better in a spectrum of internalizing psychopathology (characterized by mood and anxiety disorders) than in a separate diagnostic class. PURPOSE To develop a transdiagnostic, hierarchical-dimensional model relevant to ED psychopathology that: 1) reduces diagnostic heterogeneity, 2) includes important dimensions of internalizing psychopathology that are often excluded from ED diagnostic models, and 3) predicts clinical impairment. PROCEDURES Goldberg's (2006) method and exploratory structural equation modeling were used to identify a hierarchical model of internalizing in community-recruited adults with EDs (N=207). FINDINGS The lowest level of the hierarchy was characterized by 15 factors that defined specific aspects of eating, mood, and anxiety disorders. At the two-factor level, Internalizing bifurcated into Distress (low well-being, body dissatisfaction, suicidality, dysphoria, ill temper, traumatic intrusions) and Fear-Avoidance (claustrophobia, social avoidance, panic symptoms, dietary restricting, excessive exercise, and compulsions). Results showed that the lowest level of the hierarchy predicted 67.7% of the variance in clinical impairment. In contrast, DSM eating, mood, and anxiety disorders combined predicted 10.6% of the variance in impairment secondary to an ED. CONCLUSIONS The current classification model represents an improvement over traditional nosologies for predicting clinically relevant outcomes for EDs.
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Kesby A, Maguire S, Brownlow R, Grisham JR. Intolerance of Uncertainty in eating disorders: An update on the field. Clin Psychol Rev 2017; 56:94-105. [PMID: 28710918 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pathological fear and anxiety regarding food, eating, weight and body shape are at the core of eating disorder (ED) psychopathology. To manage anxiety, patients develop complicated repertoires of ritualistic and repetitive behaviours, which can lead to total functional impairment. Yet the cognitive processes underlying anxiety, fear, and anxiety-driven behaviours in EDs remain poorly understood. Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is defined as a tendency to react negatively on an emotional, cognitive, and behavioural level to uncertain situations and events. There is substantial evidence that IU is a transdiagnostic process that contributes to the maintenance of anxiety disorders; however, IU may also be relevant to the understanding and treatment of EDs. The current review summarises the growing literature examining IU in relation to ED symptoms, including restriction, bingeing, purging, ritualised behaviours, reassurance-seeking and body checking. Extending from the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorder literature, we propose that IU provides a novel theoretical and clinical framework from which to understand the anxiety, fixation with rules and rituals, and the cognitively rigid profile that is characteristic of ED presentations. We conclude with suggestions for future research, and discuss IU as a potential treatment target for core features of EDs and comorbid symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Kesby
- School of Psychology, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sarah Maguire
- Boden Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachel Brownlow
- Boden Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Glasofer DR, Albano AM, Simpson HB, Steinglass JE. Overcoming fear of eating: A case study of a novel use of exposure and response prevention. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 53:223-31. [PMID: 27267508 DOI: 10.1037/pst0000048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Even after successful weight restoration, many patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) continue to exhibit maladaptive eating including repetitive behaviors (i.e., food rituals) used to decrease anxiety about food, and to describe fears related to food content, including its effect on shape and weight. Although there are important differences between eating disorders and anxiety disorders, the shared clinical phenomena suggest potentially useful overlap in treatment strategies. This case study will describe treatment of a woman with AN using Exposure and Response Prevention for Anorexia Nervosa (AN-EXRP) as an adjunct to concurrent inpatient treatment. This is a novel use of a treatment approach with established efficacy in the treatment of anxiety disorders. AN-EXRP specifically targets eating-related anxiety with the intent to improve the restrictive eating patterns that persist after acute weight restoration. The case study described includes descriptions of (a) the treatment rationale and its phases of implementation, (b) illustrative sample dialogue between the patient and therapist, (c) pre- and posttreatment data on outcome measures of interest (e.g., food intake at a laboratory meal, self-report anxiety ratings, self-report eating-related rituals, and preoccupations), and (d) therapist considerations (e.g., maintaining alliance, adhering to treatment frame). (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Marie Albano
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University
| | - H Blair Simpson
- Division of Clinical Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute
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Murray SB, Treanor M, Liao B, Loeb KL, Griffiths S, Le Grange D. Extinction theory & anorexia nervosa: Deepening therapeutic mechanisms. Behav Res Ther 2016; 87:1-10. [PMID: 27580026 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
By virtue of adopting the core symptomatic fear (i.e., a fear of weight gain) as a primary treatment target, the treatment of AN centrally involves exposure-driven processes. However, exposure trials targeting the fear of weight gain in AN have been sparse, yielding mixed results to date. In translating extinction theory to the treatment of AN, it is likely that the absence of a clear distinction between what constitutes the core feared cue and the core feared outcome has stymied the application of exposure treatments in AN. This review considers several configurations of the core fear association in AN, noting distinct therapeutic strategies which may allow for more precise efforts in violating fear-based expectancies. Specific guidance is offered in the clinical decision making process as to which strategies might best promote inhibitory learning, and a clinical case is discussed, in which treatment was adjusted to specifically violate the core underlying fear association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart B Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Treanor
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Betty Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Katharine L Loeb
- School of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ, USA
| | - Scott Griffiths
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Le Grange
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Knatz S, Wierenga CE, Murray SB, Hill L, Kaye WH. Neurobiologically informed treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa: a novel approach to a chronic disorder. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2016. [PMID: 26246796 PMCID: PMC4518705 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2015.17.2/sknatz] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe and debilitating disorder with significant medical and psychological sequelae. To date, there are no effective treatments for adults, resulting in high rates of chronicity, morbidity, and mortality. Recent advances in brain imaging research have led to an improved understanding of etiology and specific neurobiological mechanisms underlying symptoms. Despite this, there are no treatments focused on targeting symptoms using this empirically supported mechanistic understanding of the illness. Updated treatment approaches focused on targeting neurobiological mechanisms underlying core AN symptomatology are necessary to improve treatment out-comes for this population. Neurobiologically Enhanced With Family Eating Disorder Trait Response Treatment (NEW FED TR) is a neurobiologically informed treatment targeting key temperament constructs associated with the illness through the delivery of psychoeducation and skills training to patients and nominated carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Knatz
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Christina E Wierenga
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Stuart B Murray
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Laura Hill
- Ohio State University, Department of Psychiatry, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Walter H Kaye
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, California, USA
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Body Mass Index and Caloric Value of Rewards as Parameters That Modulate Delay-Discounting Rates. PSYCHOLOGICAL RECORD 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40732-016-0178-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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50
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Adaptive decision making to eat is crucial for survival, but in anorexia nervosa, the brain persistently supports reduced food intake despite a growing need for energy. How the brain persists in reducing food intake, sometimes even to the point of death and despite the evolution of multiple mechanisms to ensure survival by governing adaptive eating behaviors, remains mysterious. Neural substrates belong to the reward-habit system, which could differ among the eating disorders. The present review provides an overview of neural circuitry of restrictive food choice, binge eating, and the contribution of specific serotonin receptors. One possibility is that restrictive food intake critically engages goal-directed (decision making) systems and "habit," supporting the view that persistent caloric restriction mimics some aspects of addiction to drugs of abuse. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT An improved understanding of the neural basis of eating disorders is a timely challenge because these disorders can be deadly. Up to 70 million of people in the world suffer from eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa affects 1-4% of women in United States and is the first cause of death among adolescents in Europe. Studies relying on animal models suggest that decision making to eat (or not) can prevail over actual energy requirements due to emotional disturbances resulting in abnormal habitual behavior, mimicking dependence. These recent studies provide a foundation for developing more specific and effective interventions for these disorders.
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