Association between gastrointestinal complaints and psychopathology in patients with anorexia nervosa

Two identical twin pairs discordant for longstanding anorexia nervosa and OSFED: lived experience accounts of eating disorder and recovery processes

Research into the risk of anorexia nervosa (AN) has examined twin pairs to further the understanding of the contributions of genetics, trait inheritance, and environmental factors to eating disorder (ED) development. Investigations of twin experiences of EDs have been biologically-based and have not considered the qualitative, phenomenological aspects of twin experiences. A gap in the literature exists regarding understanding of discordant twins with EDs. This research was developed in response, with the aim to deepen understanding of AN in discordant twins and to create novel ideas for further research and testing. The case studies presented in this article provide lived experience insights of two identical discordant twin pairs: one twin pair discordant for longstanding AN and one twin pair discordant for 'atypical' AN (the twin with AN has recovered). The perspectives and experiences of each co-twin (one with AN and one without) explore a number of factors that may have contributed to twin discordance in these cases, and how each twin has responded to the impact of AN in their lives. Through use of first-person accounts in case study presentation, this article centres social justice values of lived experience leadership and involvement in research. This article aims to extend current knowledge and understanding of EDs in discordant twins, particularly regarding risk for ED development, ED duration, diagnosis and treatment, and recovery processes.

Somatic anxiety in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and anxiety in patients with LPR.

Design

Prospective, case-control study.

Setting

This study was conducted at a tertiary care center.

Participants

Sixty-four patients with LPR and 60 healthy controls.

Methods

Patients with LPR and healthy individuals (N = 64 and N = 60) were enrolled in this study. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and reflux symptom index (RSI) were used to evaluate anxiety and reflux-related symptoms, respectively. The BAI can be classified into somatic and subjective symptom scales. The prevalence of anxiety was compared between patients with LPR and healthy individuals. This study evaluated the relationship between BAI and RSI scores.

Results

No statistical difference was found in the prevalence of anxiety between patients with LPR and healthy individuals (42.2% vs. 33.3%). However, the somatic anxiety symptom score was statistically higher in patients with LPR than in healthy individuals (p = .047). We observed a correlation between RSI and somatic anxiety scores of BAI in patients with LPR (rho = 0.286, p = .021).

Conclusion

Patients with LPR had more severe somatic anxiety symptoms, and somatic anxiety was associated with their LPR-related symptoms.

Gastrointestinal symptoms, gut microbiome, probiotics and prebiotics in anorexia nervosa: A review of mechanistic rationale and clinical evidence

Recent research has revealed the pivotal role that the gut microbiota might play in psychiatric disorders. In anorexia nervosa (AN), the gut microbiota may be involved in pathophysiology as well as in the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms commonly experienced. This review collates evidence for the potential role of gut microbiota in AN, including modulation of the immune system, the gut-brain axis and GI function. We examined studies comparing gut microbiota in AN with healthy controls as well as those looking at modifications in gut microbiota with nutritional treatment. Changes in energy intake and nutritional composition influence gut microbiota and may play a role in the evolution of the gut microbial picture in AN. Additionally, some evidence indicates that pre-morbid gut microbiota may influence risk of developing AN. There appear to be similarities in gut microbial composition, mechanisms of interaction and GI symptoms experienced in AN and other GI disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and functional GI disorders. Probiotics and prebiotics have been studied in these disorders showing therapeutic effects of probiotics in some cases. Additionally, some evidence exists for the therapeutic benefits of probiotics in depression and anxiety, commonly seen as co-morbidities in AN. Moreover, preliminary evidence for the use of probiotics in AN has shown positive effects on immune modulation. Based on these findings, we discuss the potential therapeutic role for probiotics in ameliorating symptoms in AN.

Influence of eating disorder psychopathology and general psychopathology on the risk of involuntary treatment in anorexia nervosa

PURPOSE

We explored associations between clinical factors, including eating disorder psychopathology and more general psychopathology, and involuntary treatment in patients with anorexia nervosa. Our intention was to inform identification of patients at risk of involuntary treatment.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study combining clinical data from a specialized eating disorder hospital unit in Denmark with nationwide Danish register-based data. A sequential methodology yielding two samples (212 and 278 patients, respectively) was adopted. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to explore associations between involuntary treatment and clinical factors including previous involuntary treatment, patient cooperation, and symptom-level psychopathology (Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2) and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R)).

RESULTS

Somatization (SCL-90-R) (OR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.16-5.81) and phobic anxiety (SCL-90-R) (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.19-0.97) were positively and negatively, respectively, associated with the likelihood of involuntary treatment. Furthermore, somatization (HR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.05-2.99), previous involuntary treatment (HR = 5.0, 95% CI 2.68-9.32), and neutral (HR = 2.92, 95% CI 1.20-7.13) or poor (HR = 3.97, 95% CI 1.49-10.59) patient cooperation were associated with decreased time to involuntary treatment. Eating disorder psychopathology measured by the EDI-2 was not significantly associated with involuntary treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical questionnaires of psychopathology appear to capture specific domains relevant to involuntary treatment. Poor patient cooperation and previous involuntary treatment being associated with shorter time to involuntary treatment raise important clinical issues requiring attention. Novel approaches to acute anorexia nervosa care along with unbiased evaluation upon readmission could mitigate the cycle of repeat admissions with involuntary treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, cohort study.

Intestinal barrier integrity in anorexia nervosa (a pilot study)

OBJECTIVE

There is no conclusive evidence for involvement of intestinal barrier alteration in the etiology of anorexia nervosa (AN). The aims of this pilot study were to identify serum markers of intestinal barrier integrity in patients with AN and to determine the relationships between those markers and body mass index (BMI), eating disorder symptoms, gastrointestinal complaints, and liver synthesis function (international normalized ratio [INR]).

METHOD

Twenty-five outpatients with AN prior to starting treatment and 28 healthy controls (HC) were assessed. BMI and serum markers of intestinal barrier integrity were measured, including zonulin family peptides (ZFP), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), and intestinal fatty-acid-binding protein (i-FABP). Eating disorder symptoms and gastrointestinal complaints were evaluated via questionnaires.

RESULTS

The serum ZFP concentration was significantly lower in patients with AN than in HC (44.2 [7.4] vs. 49.2 [5.6] ng/ml, mean [standard deviation], p = .008). LBP and i-FABP did not differ between the two groups. In patients with AN, serum ZFP was significantly predicted by BMI (β = 0.479, p = .009), age (β = 0.411, p = .020), and INR (β = -0.388, p = .028). No such associations were found for either gastrointestinal complaints or eating disorder symptoms.

DISCUSSION

Abnormal levels of serum ZFP were observed in patients with AN. Further studies with other assessment methods are warranted to examine intestinal barrier function in AN.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02745067.

Anorexia nervosa: Outpatient treatment and medical management

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disabling, costly and potentially deadly illness. Treatment failure and relapse are common after completing treatment, and a substantial proportion of patients develop severe and enduring AN. The time from AN debut to the treatment initiation is normally unreasonably long. Over the past 20 years there has been empirical support for the efficacy of several treatments for AN. Moreover, outpatient treatment with family-based therapy or individual psychotherapy is associated with good outcomes for a substantial proportion of patients. Early intervention improves outcomes and should be a priority for all patients. Outpatient treatment is usually the best format for early intervention, and it has been demonstrated that even patients with severe or extreme AN can be treated as outpatients if they are medically stable. Inpatient care is more disruptive, more costly, and usually has a longer waiting list than does outpatient care. The decision as to whether to proceed with outpatient treatment or to transfer the patient for inpatient therapy may be difficult. The core aim of this opinion review is to provide the knowledge base needed for performing safe outpatient treatment of AN. The scientific essentials for outpatient treatment are described, including how to assess and manage the medical risks of AN and how to decide when transition to inpatient care is indicated. The following aspects are discussed: early intervention, outpatient treatment of AN, including outpatient psychotherapy for severe and extreme AN, how to determine when outpatient treatment is safe, and when transfer to inpatient healthcare is indicated. Emerging treatments, ethical issues and outstanding research questions are also addressed.

Gastrointestinal Interoception in Eating Disorders: Charting a New Path

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Abnormal interoception has been consistently observed across eating disorders despite limited inclusion in diagnostic conceptualization. Using the alimentary tract as well as recent developments in interoceptive neuroscience and predictive processing as a guide, the current review summarizes evidence of gastrointestinal interoceptive dysfunction in eating disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Eating is a complex process that begins well before and ends well after food consumption. Abnormal prediction and prediction-error signals may occur at any stage, resulting in aberrant gastrointestinal interoception and dysregulated gut sensations in eating disorders. Several interoceptive technologies have recently become available that can be paired with computational modeling and clinical interventions to yield new insights into eating disorder pathophysiology. Illuminating the neurobiology of gastrointestinal interoception in eating disorders requires a new generation of studies combining experimental probes of gut physiology with computational modeling. The application of such techniques within clinical trials frameworks may yield new tools and treatments with transdiagnostic relevance.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Eating Disorders: A Burgeoning Concern in Gastrointestinal Clinics

Irritable bowel syndrome affects 10% to 15% of the population, and up to 90% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome exclude certain foods to improve their gastrointestinal symptoms. Although focused dietary restrictions are a normal, adaptive response, restrictions can spiral out of control and result in maladaptive restriction. Dietary therapies are rapidly becoming first-line treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroenterologists need to be aware of red flag symptoms of maladaptive eating patterns and the negative effects of prescribing restrictive diets. There is also growing awareness of the association between eating disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms, including irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

A Comprehensive Review of Complications and New Findings Associated with Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex and deadly psychiatric disorder. It is characterized by a significant degree of both co-occurring psychiatric diseases and widespread physiological changes which affect nearly every organ system. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the varied consequences of this disorder. Given the high rate of mortality due to AN, there is a need for early recognition so that patients can be referred for appropriate medical and psychiatric care early in the course of the disorder. In this study, we present a comprehensive review of the recent literature describing medical findings commonly encountered in patients with AN. The varied and overlapping complications of AN affect pregnancy, psychological well-being, as well as bone, endocrine, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems.

Irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia in patients with eating disorders - a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The prevalence of eating disorders is rising worldwide. The low body weight in anorexia nervosa as well as the increase in body mass index due to binge eating disorder are contributing to a strikingly high morbidity and mortality. In a similar pattern, the prevalence and burden of the disease of functional gastrointestinal disorders such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome is increasing. As gastrointestinal complaints are commonly reported by patients with eating disorders, the question arose whether there is a relationship between eating disorders and functional gastrointestinal disorders.

METHODS

To address the need to better understand the interplay between eating disorders and functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as factors that might influence this connection, the data bases Medline, Web of Science and Embase were systematically searched.

RESULTS

After removal of duplicates the search yielded 388 studies which were screened manually. As a result, 36 publications were selected for inclusion in this systematic review.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of functional gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia in patients with eating disorders is considerably high and often associated with psychological, hormonal and functional alterations. In the future, further research addressing the underlying mechanisms accounting for this relationship is required.

Evaluating disorders of gut-brain interaction in eating disorders

OBJECTIVE

Eating disorders commonly co-occur with gastrointestinal problems. This case-control study aimed to (a) document the prevalence of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) in eating disorders, (b) examine the specific impact of disordered eating behaviors on the risk of DGBI, and (c) explore the impact of current eating disorder psychopathology on DGBI.

METHOD

We included 765 cases with eating disorders and 1,240 controls. DGBI were assessed via the ROME III questionnaire. Prevalences of DGBI were calculated across eating disorder diagnoses (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and multiple eating disorders) and in controls. The association between disordered eating behaviors and DGBI was examined using logistic regression models. Lastly, we compared the total number of DGBI in individuals with high versus low current eating disorder symptoms.

RESULTS

A large majority (88.2-95.5%) of individuals with eating disorders reported at least one DGBI and 34.8-48.7% reported three or more DGBI. Of the DGBI categories, functional bowel disorders were the most commonly endorsed category, and of the individual DGBI, irritable bowel syndrome was the most frequently reported (43.9-58.8%). All investigated disordered eating behaviors showed a positive association with most DGBI categories. Finally, individuals reporting high current eating disorder symptoms reported higher mean number of DGBI (3.03-3.34) than those with low current symptoms (1.60-1.84).

DISCUSSION

The directionality and mechanisms underlying the nature of the relationship between gastrointestinal and eating disorder symptoms is worthy of further study and clinicians should adopt an integrated approach by attending to both gastrointestinal and eating disorder symptoms in their patients.

The intersect of gastrointestinal symptoms and malnutrition associated with anorexia nervosa and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: Functional or pathophysiologic?-A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Although multiple pathophysiologic changes develop within the gastrointestinal (GI) system in the setting of malnutrition, the etiology of the reported multitude of symptoms in those with anorexia nervosa and avoidant restrictive intake disorder, as well as their contribution toward disordered eating, remain poorly understood. This systematic review seeks to better understand how these physiologic changes of malnutrition of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and pancreas contribute toward the reported GI symptoms, as well as better understand how celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor dysfunction, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome contribute toward disordered eating.

METHODS

Studies of any design exploring the pathogenesis of complications and treatment strategies were included. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used to structure and complete the review.

RESULTS

A total of 146 articles were used for the review. The majority of studies were observational or case reports/case series.

DISCUSSION

Pathophysiologic changes of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines develop with malnutrition, although these changes do not consistently correlate with expressed GI symptoms in patients with restrictive eating disorders. Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease also contribute to disordered eating through the associated somatic GI complaints, while pelvic floor dysfunction and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome contribute through both somatic symptoms and functional symptoms. Indeed, functional GI symptoms remain problematic during the course of treatment, and further research is required to better understand the extent to which these symptoms are functional in nature and remit or remain as treatment ensues.

Gastrointestinal symptoms following treatment for anorexia nervosa: A systematic literature review

OBJECTIVE

Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances are a frequent and burdensome experience for patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). How GI symptoms respond to current interventions is not well characterized, yet is critical to facilitate treatment success, and to inform the development of new treatments for AN. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to identify which treatments are effective in improving GI symptoms in patients with AN.

METHOD

A systematic search for studies of AN treatments measuring GI symptoms pre- and post-treatment was conducted in May 2020 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020181328). After removal of duplicates, title and abstracts of 3,370 studies were screened. Methodological quality was assessed using National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool.

RESULTS

Following full-text screening, 13 studies (12 observational studies and 1 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial) with 401 participants met eligibility criteria and were included. All observational studies included a component of nutritional rehabilitation, with half (n = 6) involving concurrent psychological treatment. The randomized controlled trial reported a drug therapy. Eleven studies reported an improvement in all (n = 6) or at least one (n = 5) patient-reported GI symptom following treatment. Two studies reported no change. Methodological quality was fair or poor across all studies.

DISCUSSION

This is the first systematic review to synthesize available evidence on the trajectory of patient-reported GI symptoms from commencement to end of treatment for AN. The results suggest that most studies showed improvement in one or more GI symptom in response to current treatments. Future therapeutic approaches should consider GI symptoms within their design for optimal treatment adherence and outcomes.

Role of microbiota-gut-brain axis dysfunctions induced by infections in the onset of anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by low food intake, severe body weight loss, intense fear of gaining weight, and dysmorphophobia. This chronic disease is associated with both psychiatric and somatic comorbidities. Over the years, clinical studies have accumulated evidence that viral or bacterial infections may promote the onset of eating disorders such as AN. This review aims to describe how infections and the subsequent immune responses affect food intake regulation in the short term and also how these processes may lead to long-term intestinal disorders, including gut barrier disruption and gut microbiota dysbiosis, even after the clearance of the pathogens. We discuss in particular how infection-mediated intestinal dysbiosis may promote the onset of several AN symptoms and comorbidities, including appetite dysregulation, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and mood disorders.