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Guidotti S, Fiduccia A, Murgolo M, Pruneti C. Comparison between Physical Activity and Stress-Related Lifestyle between Orthorexic and Non-Orthorexic University Students: A Case-Control Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:1340. [PMID: 38732586 PMCID: PMC11085458 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091340] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The literature regarding orthorexia nervosa (ON) has well documented the association with other mental disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive and eating disorders. However, the research has not taken into account stress-related behavior and the conduction of physical activity (PA), both structured and unstructured. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 165 students of the University of Parma (92 females and 74 males) aged between 18 and 49 years old (mean = 24.62 ± 4.81) were consecutively recruited. The ORTO-15 questionnaire was used to divide the total sample into a group without orthorexia (score > 40) and a group with orthorexia (score < 40). All subjects completed the P Stress Questionnaire, and specific items were extrapolated from the Eating Habits Structured Interview (EHSI) to investigate lifestyle, including structured and unstructured PA. (3) Results: Subjects with orthorexia represented 83% of the total sample and reported higher levels of stress-related risk behaviors (i.e., sense of responsibility (t = -1.99, p = 0.02), precision (t = -1.99, p = 0.03), stress disorders (t = -1.38, p = 0.05), reduced spare time (t = -1.97, p = 0.03), and hyperactivity (t = -1.68, p = 0.04)) and a higher frequency of PA (i.e., hours spent training in structured PA, daily (t = -1.68, p = 0.05), weekly (t = -1.91, p = 0.03), and monthly (t = -1.91, p = 0.03), the tendency to carry out physical exercise even if tired (t = -1.97, p = 0.02), and to adhere to unstructured PA (i.e., moving on foot or by bike rather than using transport (t = 1.27, p = 0.04)). (4) Conclusions: The results confirmed the presence of hyperactivity at a motor and behavioral level in people with orthorexia. Further studies are necessary to highlight the causality between ON, stress, and physical activity but it may be possible to hypothesize that "obsessive" physical exercise may not generate the benefits generally known by the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Guidotti
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology and Clinical Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.F.); (M.M.); (C.P.)
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Barthels F, Fischer M, Keskini R, Schöl AM, Pietrowsky R. The various facets of orthorexic eating behavior: five case reports of individuals with supposed orthorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:31. [PMID: 38383470 PMCID: PMC10882829 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00988-z] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthorexia nervosa, defined as a fixation on eating healthy according to subjective criteria, is recently being discussed as another variant of disordered eating behavior. Further characteristics are rigid adherence to nutritional rules, anxieties and avoidance behavior in the context of eating as well as a focus on health, not on body shape or weight loss, which is supposed to differentiate orthorexic from other disordered eating behavior. Although diagnostic criteria have been suggested, they have rarely been used in case reports published to date. Hence, the aim of this study was to present five individuals with supposed orthorexia nervosa, using preliminary diagnostic criteria to assess their eating behavior. CASE PRESENTATION The five cases (three females, two males) reveal the great variety of disordered eating behavior. Fear of unhealthy overweight (case A), supposed orthorexic eating behavior as a coping strategy for anorexia nervosa (case B), the exclusive consumption of animal products with a total exclusion of fruits and vegetables (case C), the fixation on exercise and athletic goals (case D) as well as a focus on a vegan diet and unprocessed foods (case E) are facets of orthorexia nervosa with varying degrees of impairment. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that orthorexia nervosa manifests itself in very different ways and that more research is needed in order to determine whether it could be a useful additional category of disordered eating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Barthels
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Maren Fischer
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Raphaela Keskini
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Amelie Marie Schöl
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Reinhard Pietrowsky
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Yassıbaş E, Ayyıldız F. Turkish Version of the New Instrument for Orthorexia Nervosa-Test of Orthorexia Nervosa (TON-17): A Validity and Reliability Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:3178. [PMID: 37513596 PMCID: PMC10384101 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143178] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to adapt the Test of Orthorexia Nervosa- (TON-17) into Turkish and verify its validity and reliability. The study included 539 adults with a mean age of 30.2 ± 12.26 years. A reliability analysis was performed, along with a confirmatory factor analysis to test its construct validity. The time-invariance of the scale was examined by test-retest analysis, and its convergent validity was evaluated by a correlation analysis conducted to test the relationships between the scale and Eating Attitudes Test-26 and Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-9. Analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 28 and the AMOS-24 software. The Cronbach's α internal consistency coefficient of the total scale was found to be 0.82, suggesting a strong internal consistency. The Cronbach's α values of its factors were 0.68 for the "control of food quality", 0.64 for the "fixation on health and a healthy diet", and 0.73 for the "disorder symptoms". In addition, the test-retest reliability was found to be 0.87 for the total scale, suggesting excellent reliability. Most of the fit indices (CMIN/df, RMSEA, AGFI, NFI, and TLI) of the scale were acceptable, and the GFI indicated a good model fit. This study shows that the Turkish version of TON-17, which is a new tool with a three-factor structure to evaluate orthorexia, is a valid and reliable scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Yassıbaş
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, 06490 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Feride Ayyıldız
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, 06490 Ankara, Turkey
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A Systematic Review of Clinical Psychophysiology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: Does the Obsession with Diet Also Alter the Autonomic Imbalance of Orthorexic Patients? Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030755. [PMID: 36771463 PMCID: PMC9919612 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: A new mental illness is attracting the attention of researchers and mental health professionals. Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a possible new mental disorder, the main symptom of which is an obsessive and insecure focus on healthy foods and consequent compulsive behaviors. There is a common consensus among researchers that ON is considered partly overlapping with obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs). (2) Methods: MEDLINE and Scopus were searched for articles published in the last 10 years regarding the psychophysiological aspects of OCD and ON. Eight studies met the eligibility criteria. The inclusion criteria encompassed adults diagnosed with OCD and/or ON. However, only studies involving OCD patients were found. (3) Results: Some research groups have shown that OCD disorders can be considered among anxiety disorders because they are characterized by anxious hyper activation. Other research, however, has shown profiles characterized by low psychophysiological reactivity to stressful stimuli. Despite this, there seems to be a consensus on the poor inhibition abilities, even when activation is low, and the dissociation between cognitive and psychophysiological activation emerged. (4) Conclusions: However discordant, some points seem to bring the researchers to agreement. In fact, there is consensus on conducting a multidimensional assessment that can measure all of the aspects of suffering (cognition, emotion, and behavior) and highlight the poor body-mind integration. This clinical approach would make it possible to propose interventions aimed at treating some mental illnesses such as food obsession that can paradoxically impair the psychophysical balance. Nevertheless, the applied systematizing approach to existing studies on ON is very much needed for better understanding of the psychophysical nature of this new mental illness and its implications for prevention and treatment.
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Yakın E, Obeid S, Fekih-Romdhane F, Soufia M, Sawma T, Samaha S, Mhanna M, Azzi R, Mina A, Hallit S. "In-between orthorexia" profile: the co-occurrence of pathological and healthy orthorexia among male and female non-clinical adolescents. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:155. [PMID: 36329509 PMCID: PMC9633027 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00673-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The profile of adolescents with orthorexic eating behaviors remains to be explored. This study is the first to explore the typology of Lebanese adolescents from a large non-clinical sample based on orthorexia nervosa (ON) and healthy orthorexia (HO). METHOD A total of 555 adolescents (aged between 15 and 18 years) completed a set of questionnaires assessing orthorexic behaviors, self-esteem, stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms. Cluster analysis based on ON and HO scores was used to identify the typology of the sample. More precisely, this analysis was used to reveal and distinguish between naturally occurring subgroups of individuals with different orthorexic eating profiles, within the studied sample. Further, a series of one-way ANOVA was used to compare observed clusters based on their scores on used questionnaires. This analysis was used to capture the behavioral and psychological differences between previously yielded subgroups of individuals. RESULTS Cluster analysis based on ON and HO scores yielded 3 distinct groups: "Low orthorexia", "Moderate in-between orthorexia" and "High in-between orthorexia". While the first group represented individuals with no particular (healthy or pathological) interest in healthy eating, the two latter groups represented those with respectively moderate and high degrees of an interest in healthy eating that has both pathological and healthy aspects. Significant differences between clusters regarding their levels of stress, depression, anxiety and self-esteem was observed, yet they were found to be negligible due to poor effect sizes. CONCLUSION Findings from this study suggest that ON and HO can indeed co-occur among adolescents, that this co-occurrence can be experienced at different severity levels. Low effect sizes for ANOVA comparisons may suggest the possibility of the co-occurrence of ON and HO reducing the negative effects of ON behavior to some degree. The potential role of confusion around what constitutes "healthy eating" in the emergence of these "in-between orthorexia" profiles is put forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ecem Yakın
- Centre d'Études et de Recherches en Psychopathologie et Psychologie de la Santé, Université de Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, UT2J, 5 allées Antonio Machado, 31058, Toulouse, France
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Michel Soufia
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Toni Sawma
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Serena Samaha
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Mhanna
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Reine Azzi
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Anthony Mina
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon. .,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
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Hanras E, Dorard G, Boujut E. Une ou plusieurs orthorexies ? Conceptualisation, évaluation et enjeux sociétaux : une revue critique de la littérature. PSYCHOLOGIE FRANCAISE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psfr.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Costanzo G, Marchetti D, Manna G, Verrocchio MC, Falgares G. The role of eating disorders features, psychopathology, and defense mechanisms in the comprehension of orthorexic tendencies. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:2713-2724. [PMID: 35648315 PMCID: PMC9556392 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01417-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies pointed out the importance to distinguish orthorexia nervosa (ON) from non-problematic forms of interest with healthy eating. This distinction needs to be further explored since it may favor a better comprehension of the relationship between orthorexic behaviors and psychopathology and lead to an improved understanding of the psychological processes implicated in ON. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the associations between ON and the core features of eating disorders (EDs), psychopathological symptoms and defense mechanisms, by differentiating three groups of individuals: an ON symptoms group, a healthy-eating control group, and a normal-eating control group. METHODS College students (n = 270, Mage = 21.57, SD = 2.16) were recruited from Palermo's University, in the south of Italy, and were assigned to three groups: 52 in the ON symptoms group, 157 in the healthy-eating control group and 61 in the normal-eating control group. Participants completed four questionnaires assessing ON (EHQ-21), eating psychopathology (EDI-3), psychopathological symptoms (BSI) and defense mechanisms (DSQ-40). RESULTS Compared to the control groups, the ON symptoms group reported greater EDs' features, higher psychopathological symptoms and greater employment of different neurotic and immature defense mechanisms. No differences were found between groups with regard to obsessive-compulsive symptoms. CONCLUSION Our findings support the notion that ON behaviors should be carefully distinguished from non-problematic forms of interest with healthy eating. Indeed, results suggest that ON individuals are characterized by similar clinical features and defensive functioning as those observed in traditional EDs, indicating the importance of deepening our understanding of the relationship between these conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costanzo
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Marchetti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanna Manna
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Verrocchio
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Falgares
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Tuck CJ, Sultan N, Tonkovic M, Biesiekierski JR. Orthorexia nervosa is a concern in gastroenterology: A scoping review. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022; 34:e14427. [PMID: 35811419 PMCID: PMC9541631 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is concern that use of restrictive therapeutic diets, such as those used in disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI), may increase disordered eating. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Burton Murray et al. and Peters et al. both demonstrate a high prevalence of disordered eating in patients with gastrointestinal conditions, particularly those with DGBI. Given these findings, it is likely that orthorexia is common in this patient group, although this was not directly examined in these studies. Orthorexia nervosa is described as an obsessive and unsafe focus on eating foods perceived as healthy. This mini-review therefore focuses on orthorexia by conducting a scoping review, as per the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, aimed to assess the prevalence of orthorexia, and associations between orthorexia and restrictive eating practices. While a wide range of orthorexia prevalence has been reported (0%-97%) across the 57 studies included, no studies assessed prevalence specifically in gastrointestinal conditions. Four of eight studies describing diseases associated with specific dietary patterns suggested that participants who followed a diet for "digestive issues" or "food intolerances" were at higher orthorexia risk. These results suggest that dietary modifications may be a factor contributing to orthorexia. Additionally, we provide a commentary on the clinical implications of the findings for gastrointestinal conditions including a clinical flow chart. Clinicians should consider if a restrictive diet is appropriate for individuals with DGBI and include screening for disordered eating prior to implementation of dietary modifications. Future prospective studies should evaluate orthorexia within this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J. Tuck
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition SciencesLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Nessmah Sultan
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition SciencesLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Matilda Tonkovic
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition SciencesLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jessica R. Biesiekierski
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition SciencesLa Trobe UniversityBundooraVictoriaAustralia,Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and FoodMonash UniversityNotting HillVictoriaAustralia
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Chace S, Kluck AS. Validation of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale and relationship to health anxiety in a U.S. sample. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1437-1447. [PMID: 34379313 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01272-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scholarly investigation into orthorexia nervosa is relatively new, leading several scholars to develop new measures to adequately assess the concerns thought to underlie this condition. A promising new measure of orthorexia, the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS), was developed using a Spanish sample. PURPOSE This study was the first to investigate the psychometric properties of the English version of the TOS in a U.S. SAMPLE This study also examined the long-hypothesized relationship between orthorexia and health anxiety. METHODS We used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to evaluate the factor structure of the TOS. We also used correlational methods to test theorized relationships with related concerns. RESULTS ESEM supported a 16-item, 2-factor model. Correlations between the modified TOS (i.e., TOS-16) subscales and measures of obsessive-compulsive and eating disorder symptoms, perfectionism, emotional distress, and body image disturbance demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity of the TOS-16. There was a moderate positive correlation between orthorexia nervosa and health anxiety and, together, pursuit of healthy eating and preoccupation with healthy eating accounted for a significant amount of variance in health anxiety after controlling for eating disorder symptoms. CONCLUSION Overall, this research suggests that the TOS-16 demonstrates psychometric properties as good as or better than other measures commonly used to assess the construct in a U.S. SAMPLE In addition, findings support the consideration of health anxiety as a possible feature of orthorexia nervosa. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive research.
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Functional gastrointestinal symptoms and increased risk for orthorexia nervosa. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1113-1121. [PMID: 34170490 PMCID: PMC8964559 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01242-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent guidelines point out the possible risk for orthorexia nervosa in functional gastrointestinal disorders, however, to date, no study has investigated this association. The present study aimed to explore the potential relationship between irritable bowel syndrome-related functional gastrointestinal symptoms and certain maladaptive eating behaviours, such as symptoms of orthorexia nervosa and emotional eating. METHODS A sample of 644 Hungarian volunteers (Mage = 22.37; SDage = 3.95) completed a survey with the following questionnaires: the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire (R4DQ) for adults-Irritable bowel syndrome module for the measurement of functional gastrointestinal symptoms, the Hungarian version of the ORTO-15 questionnaire (ORTO-11-Hu) to assess symptoms of orthorexia nervosa, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) Emotional Eating subscale to measure symptoms of emotional eating and the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI) for the assessment of health anxiety. Spearman's rank correlation was used to explore the associations between the measured variables, and structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed mediation models. RESULTS Functional gastrointestinal symptoms were positively related to symptoms of orthorexia nervosa and emotional eating. The relationship between functional gastrointestinal symptoms and symptoms of orthorexia nervosa was partially mediated by health anxiety, while the association between functional gastrointestinal symptoms and symptoms of emotional eating was partially mediated by symptoms of orthorexia nervosa. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the possible risk for developing orthorexic symptoms in functional gastrointestinal symptoms, which could lead to other types of disordered eating patterns, such as emotional eating. The results also underscore the potential role of health anxiety in these relationships. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V (descriptive cross-sectional study).
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Guglielmetti M, Ferraro OE, Gorrasi ISR, Carraro E, Bo S, Abbate-Daga G, Tagliabue A, Ferraris C. Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors of Orthorexia Can Differ among the Students of Distinct University Courses. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14051111. [PMID: 35268086 PMCID: PMC8912801 DOI: 10.3390/nu14051111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is defined as the excessive attention on healthy eating, and studies especially focused on food quality ON prevalence in university students can be extremely variable. The objective of this study is to investigate whether there was a difference in ON risk between health-scientific, economic-humanistic, sport sciences and dietetics and nutrition students, and to evaluate if lifestyle-related ON risk factors (dieting, physical activity, drugs and supplements use) could have an impact in different ways in determining ON risk among students attending these four programs. Participants were recruited at the University of Pavia and received a two-section questionnaire including demographic and lifestyle information and the ORTO-15 questionnaire. A total of 671 students (54% F e 46% M) completed the questionnaire (median age 21.00 (IQR 20.00−23.00), median BMI 21.77 kg/m2 (IQR 20.06−23.66 kg/m2)). The 31.2% had ORTO-15 test scores < 35, and were considered at risk of having ON. No differences were found in ON risk among the students attending the four university courses. Dieting was confirmed as the major ON risk factor for health-scientific, economic-humanistic and sport sciences students. The type of sport practiced was an important determinant of ON risk only for the economic-humanistic course, while supplements use was statistically different between sport sciences students with or without ON. Our findings may suggest that lifestyle-related risk factors of orthorexia can differ among the students of distinct university courses, but these results need to be supported by further longitudinal and prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Guglielmetti
- Human Nutrition and Eating Disorder Research Center, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (C.F.)
| | - Ottavia Eleonora Ferraro
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | | | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (I.S.R.G.); (E.C.)
| | - Simona Bo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, c.so AM Dogliotti 14, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Anna Tagliabue
- Human Nutrition and Eating Disorder Research Center, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Cinzia Ferraris
- Human Nutrition and Eating Disorder Research Center, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Laboratory of Food Education and Sport Nutrition, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (C.F.)
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Barthels F, Horn S, Pietrowsky R. Orthorexic eating behaviour, illness anxiety and dysfunctional cognitions characteristic of somatic symptom disorders in a non-clinical sample. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:2387-2391. [PMID: 33392953 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-01091-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyse the relation of illness anxiety, dysfunctional cognitions characteristic of somatic symptom disorders and orthorexic eating behaviour in a non-clinical sample. METHODS N = 445 participants (n = 363 females) completed an online survey with the following questionnaires: the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale to measure orthorexic eating behaviour, the Attitudes Towards Body and Health Questionnaire to assess dysfunctional cognitions concerning the perception and interpretation of bodily sensations and the Multidimensional Inventory of Hypochondriacal Traits to measure illness anxiety. RESULTS In the total sample, orthorexic eating behaviour was associated with the aforementioned variables to a very low extent. However, individuals with high levels of orthorexic eating behaviour (n = 19) displayed significantly higher levels of health habits and of perceptions of autonomic sensations, as well as higher levels of hypochondriacal worry and absorption than individuals with low levels of orthorexic eating behaviour (n = 19). CONCLUSIONS Orthorexic eating behaviour is associated to some characteristic features of illness anxiety and dysfunctional cognitions characteristic of somatic symptom disorders. Future studies should investigate whether illness anxiety serves as a risk factor for the development of orthorexic eating behaviour. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, case-control analytic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Barthels
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Horn
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Reinhard Pietrowsky
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Somatic Symptoms and Sleep Disorders: A Literature Review of Their Relationship, Comorbidities and Treatment. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9091128. [PMID: 34574901 PMCID: PMC8465276 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9091128] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and sleep disorders, following three research questions: (1) How are these disorders correlated? (2) What are the comorbidities reported in these patients? and (3) What are the most effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for both conditions? PubMed, Scopus, OVID, Medline, and ProQuest databases were searched for relevant articles published between 1957–2020. Search terms included “somatic symptoms disorder”, “sleep disorders”, “insomnia”, “somatoform”, “somatization”, “therapeutic”, “psychotherapy”, and alternative, formerly used terms for SSD. Forty papers were finally included in the study. Prevalence of insomnia in SSD patients ranged between 20.4–48%, with this being strongly correlated to somatic symptoms and psychosocial disability. The most relevant comorbidities were generalized anxiety disorder, depression, fatigue, negative mood, substance use, orthorexia, alexithymia, anorexia, weight loss, poor eating habits, and acute stress disorder. Patients receiving antidepressant therapy reported significant improvements in insomnia and somatic symptoms. In terms of non-pharmacological interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) showed improvements in sleep outcomes, while the Specialized Treatment for Severe Bodily Distress Syndromes (STreSS) may represent an additional promising option. Future research could include other medical and psychosocial variables to complete the picture of the relationship between sleep disorders and somatic symptoms.
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Niedzielski A, Kaźmierczak-Wojtaś N. Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa and Its Diagnostic Tools-A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105488. [PMID: 34065506 PMCID: PMC8160773 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this article is to present the up-to-date diagnostic tools of orthorexia and markers of its prevalence on the basis of the available literature. The authors searched PubMedCentral (PMC) and Google Scholar with the search entry of “orthorexia”, “orthorexia nervosa”, and “orthorexicbehaviours”. We describe the tools of evaluation of orthorexicbehaviour (i.e., orthorexia self-test—BOT, the ORTO-15 questionnaire, Eating Habits Questionnaire—EHQ, Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale—DOS, Teruel Orthorexia Scale—TOS, Barcelona Orthorexia Scale—BOS, and Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory—ONI), and offer a review of the studies on orthorexia nervosa. We conclude that there are no reliable data regarding the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa. The available studies point to significant differences in the prevalence depending on the value of cut-off points and tools used. The prevalence varies across countries and across populations, ranging from 6.9% in the Italian population to 88.7% in the group of Brazilian students of dieting. Thus, it indicates that some groups seem to be susceptible to the risk of ON more than others. It is a challenge to determine the prevalence of orthorexia, and any obtained results should be treated with caution. Consequently, we claim that the use of the ORTO-15 questionnaire to diagnose orthorexia is questionable due to a high percentage of falsely positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Niedzielski
- Independent General Psychology Unit, Medical University in Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
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Stephen CD, Perez DL, Chibnik LB, Sharma N. Functional dystonia: A case-control study and risk prediction algorithm. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:732-748. [PMID: 33724724 PMCID: PMC8045924 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Functional dystonia (FD) is a disabling and diagnostically challenging functional movement disorder (FMD). We sought to identify historical predictors of FD vs. other primary dystonias (ODs) and develop a practical prediction algorithm to guide neurologists. METHODS 1475 consecutive new patient medical records were reviewed at an adult/pediatric tertiary-referral dystonia clinic from 2005 to 2017. Ninety-nine met criteria for clinically established FD (85 adults and 14 pediatric), paired with 99 age/dystonia distribution-matched OD. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of FD and disability. We formed a prediction algorithm, assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). RESULTS Multivariate logistic regression analysis investigating independent predictors of FD (P < 0.001) followed by development of a prediction algorithm showed that the most robust predictors included abrupt onset, spontaneous resolution/recurrence, pain, cognitive complaints, being on or pursuing disability, lifetime mood/anxiety disorder, comorbid functional somatic disorders, and having ≥3 medication allergies. The prediction algorithm had utility for both adult and pediatric FD, with excellent sensitivity/specificity (89%/92%) and an area under the curve (AUC) 0.95 (0.92-0.98). Greater disability (modified Rankin Scale) independently correlated with a number of functional examination features, unemployment/not attending school, number of medication allergies, and younger age of presentation. FD patients were high health-care utilizers and were more frequently prescribed opiates/opioids and benzodiazepines (P < 0.003). INTERPRETATION This case-control study provides an algorithm to guide clinicians in gauging their index of suspicion for a FD, with diagnostic confirmation subsequently informed by neurological examination. While this algorithm requires prospective validation, health-care utilization data underscore the importance and need for more research in FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Stephen
- Dystonia Center and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Functional Neurological Disorder Research Program, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David L Perez
- Functional Neurological Disorder Research Program, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Division, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lori B Chibnik
- Biostatistics Center, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nutan Sharma
- Dystonia Center and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Functional Neurological Disorder Research Program, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Vegetarian diet and orthorexia nervosa: a review of the literature. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:1-11. [PMID: 31784944 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00816-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of individuals following a vegetarian diet has increased in the last 50 years. Although the causal connection between orthorexic behaviors and vegetarianism remains widely assumed, evidence in support of this assumption has been largely inconsistent. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to conduct a review of the relationship between vegetarian diet and orthorexic eating behavior and to give future directions in this area. METHODS A search of the literature within PubMed/Medline was conducted. The search terms were "orthorexia", "orthorexic", "orthorexia and vegetarian", "orthorexia and vegan" and "orthorexia and vegetarianism". Out of 117 journal articles, 14 met the predefined inclusion criteria and were analyzed. RESULTS The results demonstrated that following a vegetarian diet was found to be related to orthorexic eating behaviors (in 11 out of 14 studies). CONCLUSION Further longitudinal research is needed to investigate whether following a vegetarian diet serves as a risk factor in the development of orthorexia nervosa. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, narrative review.
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