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Golden NH, Kapphahn CJ, Cheng J, Kreiter A, Downey AE, Accurso EC, Machen VI, Adams SH, Buckelew SM, Moscicki AB, Le Grange D, Garber AK. Course and outcome in individuals with atypical anorexia nervosa: Findings from the Study of Refeeding to Optimize iNpatient Gains (StRONG). Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:799-808. [PMID: 37507351 PMCID: PMC10822019 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously reported that participants with atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) had higher historical and admission weights, greater eating disorder psychopathology, but similar rates of amenorrhea and weight suppression at baseline as compared to anorexia nervosa (AN); here, we compare 1-year outcomes. METHOD Weight, % median body mass index (%mBMI), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores, resumption of menses, and rehospitalizations were examined at 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge. Analyses (N = 111) compared changes in %mBMI, weight suppression, and EDE-Q scores over time between atypical AN and AN. RESULTS Among the participants (48 atypical AN, 63 AN), both groups gained weight but those with atypical AN had lower gains than those with AN in %mBMI (p = .02) and greater weight suppression (p = .002) over time. EDE-Q scores improved over time, independent of weight suppression, with no significant difference between atypical AN and AN. Groups did not differ by rates of resumption of menses (80% atypical AN, 76.9% AN) or rehospitalization (29.2% atypical AN, 37.9% AN). Greater weight suppression predicted longer time to restore menses and more days of rehospitalization. DISCUSSION Individuals with atypical AN regained a smaller proportion of body mass and were more weight suppressed over time. Change in eating disorder cognitions, resumption of menses, and rehospitalization rates at 1-year follow-up did not differ between groups. There was no significant difference in weight suppression between groups for those who were psychologically improved at 12 months. Findings highlight limitations in our understanding of weight recovery in atypical AN. New metrics for recovery are urgently needed. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Little is known about outcome in atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN). We examined recovery metrics in young people with atypical AN and anorexia nervosa (AN) 1 year after medical hospitalization. Individuals with atypical AN showed slower weight gain and remained further from their pre-illness weight. There were no differences in the rates of psychological recovery, resumption of menses, or rehospitalization. New metrics are needed to assess recovery in atypical AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville H Golden
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Cynthia J Kapphahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Preventive & Restorative Dental Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anna Kreiter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Amanda E Downey
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Erin C Accurso
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Vanessa I Machen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sally H Adams
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sara M Buckelew
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anna-Barbara Moscicki
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daniel Le Grange
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Andrea K Garber
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Meneguzzo P, Antoniades A, Garolla A, Tozzi F, Todisco P. Predictors of psychopathology response in atypical anorexia nervosa following inpatient treatment: A propensity score matching study of weight suppression and weight loss speed. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:1002-1007. [PMID: 38191854 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study examines weight suppression (WS) and weight loss speed (WLS) in atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) and its implications for treatment outcomes, compared to people with AN and bulimia nervosa (BN). METHOD A mixed cross-sectional and prospective design was employed, assessing WS and WLS in people with atypical AN, AN, and BN. Participants were matched for age, gender, age of onset, and disorder duration. Clinical measurements and eating disorders questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores were employed to evaluate the response to treatment. RESULTS Individuals with atypical individuals exhibited WS patterns similar to AN, distinct from BN. Rapid WLS predicted clinical responses in atypical AN and BN, underscoring its treatment relevance. Atypical AN showed higher eating psychopathology scores than AN or BN, emphasizing the need for a reframed diagnosis. DISCUSSION Understanding atypical AN's connection to restrictive behaviors and weight loss informs screening, assessment, and treatment practices. Recognition of atypical AN's severity and adoption of tailored approaches are essential for recovery. This study highlights the significance of WS and WLS in atypical AN treatment outcomes, offering insights into clinical practice and care. The proposal to reframe atypical AN as a restrictive eating disorder emphasizes its clinical relevance. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The phenomenon of weight suppression, involving the discrepancy between past highest weight and current weight, has garnered attention due to cultural pressures emphasizing fitness and appearance. This study focuses on its implications in atypical anorexia nervosa, aiming to uncover the relationship between WS, its speed, and treatment outcomes. The investigation contributes insights into tailored interventions for atypical anorexia nervosa and enriches the understanding of this complex disorder's dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meneguzzo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Alice Garolla
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Italy
| | - Federica Tozzi
- Research & Development, Stremble Ventures, Limassol, Cyprus
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Golden NH, Walsh BT. Time to revisit the definition of atypical anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:757-760. [PMID: 38390637 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24174] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In this special issue, international researchers investigate how atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) differs from anorexia nervosa (AN) and other eating disorders with respect to demographics, psychological and physiological morbidity, as well as treatment course and outcome. Manuscripts in this special issue report that atypical AN is associated with substantial medical and psychological morbidity, and the majority of studies find few differences between atypical AN and AN. While much remains to be learned about the long-term course and treatment response of individuals with atypical AN to psychological and pharmacological interventions, the evidence supports conceptualization of atypical AN as part of a spectrum-based restrictive eating disorder. These findings together with the potentially stigmatizing use of the term "atypical" suggest it may be time to revise the existing definition of atypical AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville H Golden
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - B Timothy Walsh
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Herb Neff KM, Buta E, Fenn LM, Ramsey CN, Snow JL, Haskell SG, Masheb RM. Distinguishing probable atypical anorexia nervosa from weight loss alone in a national sample of U.S. Military Veterans: Disentangling the roles of weight suppression and cognitive concerns. Int J Eat Disord 2024; 57:827-838. [PMID: 38129986 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Veterans are at high risk for eating disorders (EDs), and specifically for atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN). The current study aimed to better understand this under-studied disorder and how it differs from weight loss without ED cognitive features. METHOD Secondary analyses were conducted with data from a national study of Veterans (N = 882, 49.4% women). Participants were categorized into four mutually exclusive groups using the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale 5: probable atypical AN, a cognitive concerns group (Cog Only), a weight suppressed group (WS Only), and a no ED control group. Adjusted regression models were used to compare groups on measures of eating pathology and mental health. Three weight suppression thresholds (5%, 10%, and 15%) for probable atypical AN were also tested. RESULTS The sample was comprised of 12% probable atypical AN, 23.6% Cog Only, 16.3% WS Only, and 48.1% Control. The probable atypical AN group was most like the Cog Only group except for higher levels of dietary restraint. Atypical AN fared worse and was least like the Control group followed by the WS Only group. All weight suppression thresholds significantly predicted dietary restraint, with 5% being the best predictor. DISCUSSION Results found that probable atypical AN is a distinct clinical entity and that the exact weight suppression threshold associated with atypical AN is less important than having any weight suppression. Findings highlight the clinical significance of atypical AN and the importance of gaining a better understanding of how to address this clinical entity. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Atypical anorexia nervosa is a relatively underexamined but highly prevalent eating disorder in the Veteran population. Results show that ED cognitive features are more closely linked to clinically significant eating pathology and poor mental health than weight suppression alone suggesting that negative thinking about weight gain and appearance, regardless of the presence or severity of weight loss, may signal the need for specialized intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eugenia Buta
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lindsay M Fenn
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Christine N Ramsey
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer L Snow
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sally G Haskell
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robin M Masheb
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Davis HA, Kells M, Patarinski AGG, Wildes JE. Preliminary associations of body weight, weight bias, and dietary restriction with eating disorder diagnosis in women experiencing food insecurity. Eat Disord 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38402578 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2024.2322322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the co-occurrence of food insecurity and eating disorders is a pressing concern. Several factors have been hypothesized to increase risk for eating disorders in women with food insecurity including dietary restriction, body weight, and weight-related bias, but few studies have tested these factors simultaneously to determine which are associated most strongly with eating disorder status. We tested cross-sectional associations of dietary restriction, current body mass index (BMI), weight suppression (i.e. the difference between current weight and highest weight), and weight bias with eating disorder diagnosis in a sample of 99 self-identified women with current food insecurity (54% White; mean [SD] age = 40.26 [14.33] years). Participants completed two virtual study visits consisting of electronic questionnaires and interviews. A binary logistic regression model was conducted to test relations between the hypothesized correlates and eating disorder diagnostic status in the past 12 months, controlling for age, food insecurity severity, and body dissatisfaction. Higher levels of weight suppression and weight bias, but not current BMI, were significantly associated with the presence of an eating disorder. Contrary to our hypothesis, greater dietary restriction was associated with lower likelihood of eating disorder diagnosis. Results suggest high levels of weight bias and weight suppression characterize women with food insecurity who meet criteria for an eating disorder. Women who experience food insecurity and have lost a relatively great deal of weight and/or hold biases about high weight should be screened for eating pathology in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Davis
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Meredith Kells
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | | | - Jennifer E Wildes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Birgegård A, Mantilla EF, Breithaupt LE, Borg S, Sanzari CM, Padalecki S, Hedlund E, Bulik CM. Proposal for increasing diagnostic clarity in research and clinical practice by renaming and reframing atypical anorexia nervosa as "Restrictive Eating Disorder" (RED). Eat Behav 2023; 50:101750. [PMID: 37263139 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), is characterized by meeting all criteria for anorexia nervosa (AN) except for weight being within or above the "normal" range despite significant weight loss. The current definition is plagued by several problems, resulting in widely heterogeneous operationalizations in research and clinical practice. As such, the poorly defined diagnosis of AAN negatively impacts affected individuals and frustrates research attempts to better understand the syndrome. We consider conceptual flaws in the AAN description and contend that the undefined weight range and nature of weight loss renders these two factors functionally inapplicable in research and practice. They also represent a departure from the originally intended use of the AAN category, i.e., arresting a negative weight trajectory likely to result in AN, making the target population, and the application of the label, unclear. We propose revised criteria and a new name, restrictive eating disorder (RED), intended to reduce stigma and encompass a wide but better-defined range of presentations. The RED criteria focus on clinically significant restrictive behavior that disrupts normal living (i.e., impairment), and cognitive symptoms of overevaluation, disturbed experience, and lack of recognition of illness seriousness. We believe that RED may enable more appropriate clinical application, but also inspire coordinated research toward a more valid psychiatric nosology in the eating disorders field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Birgegård
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Emma Forsén Mantilla
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lauren E Breithaupt
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stina Borg
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina M Sanzari
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sophie Padalecki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Public Health, College of Arts and Sciences, Elon University, NC, USA
| | - Elin Hedlund
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cynthia M Bulik
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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