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Bédard A, Bernard C, Meilleur D, Taddeo D, Pesant C, Di Meglio G, Gingras N, Thibault I, Agostino H, Bélanger R, Nadeau PO, Frappier JY, Stheneur C, Dufresne L, Bégin C. Recovery Trajectories in Adolescent Girls with Anorexia Nervosa. J Clin Med 2024; 13:778. [PMID: 38337472 PMCID: PMC10856320 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030778] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to document recovery trajectories among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) based on three markers of remission, namely changes in body weight, food restriction, and excessive exercise, and to identify predictors of these trajectories. Methods: One hundred twenty-six adolescent girls (14.7 ± 1.3 years) were recruited during initial assessment visits at specialized eating disorder (ED) programs in five University Health Centers across the province of Quebec, Canada. z-BMI and AN symptom severity (food restriction and excessive exercise) were assessed at initial assessment visits and subsequently reassessed at each quarterly follow-up over a 12-month period to identify recovery trajectories. Results: Considering the three markers of remission, three distinct trajectories emerged: Group 1, rapid responders; Group 2, gradual responders; and Group 3, unstable responders. At initial visits, a difference between groups was found regarding the type of treatment (p = 0.01) and weight suppression (p = 0.02). Group 1 had a higher number of youths hospitalized than Group 2 and Group 3, and a greater weight suppression than Group 3. Furthermore, individuals with atypical AN were more likely to belong to Group 2 than to Group 1 and Group 3 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of the heterogeneity of recovery trajectories in adolescent girls with AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bédard
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Catherine Bernard
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (C.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Dominique Meilleur
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
| | - Danielle Taddeo
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (D.T.); (P.-O.N.); (J.-Y.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Caroline Pesant
- Hôpital Fleurimont, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5H3, Canada;
| | - Giuseppina Di Meglio
- Hôpital de Montréal pour Enfants/Montreal Children’s Hospital, Centre Universitaire de Santé McGill, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (G.D.M.); (H.A.)
| | - Nathalie Gingras
- Centre de Pédopsychiatrie, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Québec, QC G1N 2W1, Canada;
- Département de Psychiatrie et de Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Isabelle Thibault
- Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada;
| | - Holly Agostino
- Hôpital de Montréal pour Enfants/Montreal Children’s Hospital, Centre Universitaire de Santé McGill, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (G.D.M.); (H.A.)
| | - Richard Bélanger
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Pierre-Olivier Nadeau
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (D.T.); (P.-O.N.); (J.-Y.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Jean-Yves Frappier
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (D.T.); (P.-O.N.); (J.-Y.F.); (C.S.)
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Chantal Stheneur
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada; (D.T.); (P.-O.N.); (J.-Y.F.); (C.S.)
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Laurie Dufresne
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (C.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Catherine Bégin
- Centre Nutrition, Santé et Société (NUTRISS), Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (C.B.); (L.D.)
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2
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Gorrell S, Hail L, Reilly EE. Predictors of Treatment Outcome in Eating Disorders: A Roadmap to Inform Future Research Efforts. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:213-222. [PMID: 36995577 PMCID: PMC10360436 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01416-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With the current review, we provide a brief summary of recent literature that tests clinically observable characteristics at baseline that may impact treatment response, across eating disorder diagnoses. We then provide a critical discussion regarding how researchers may shift their approach to this research to improve treatment implications and generalizability of these findings. RECENT FINDINGS Recent work has broadly replicated prior findings suggesting a negative impact of lower weight status, poor emotion regulation, and early-life trauma on eating disorder treatment outcomes. Findings are more mixed for the relative contributions of illness duration, psychiatric comorbidity, and baseline symptom severity. Recent studies have begun to explore more specific domains of previously tested predictors (e.g., specific comorbidities) as well as previously neglected identity-related and systemic factors. However, recent research continues to use similar sampling techniques and approaches to analysis used in prior work. We propose that resolving remaining questions and illuminating predictors of treatment outcome in eating disorders requires a new approach to research sampling and study design. Suggested changes that can be applied within a traditional clinical trial framework may yield new insights with relevance across transdiagnostic eating disorder presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Gorrell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 675 18Th St, CA, 94143, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Lisa Hail
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 675 18Th St, CA, 94143, San Francisco, USA
| | - Erin E Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, 675 18Th St, CA, 94143, San Francisco, USA
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3
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Mirabella M, Muzi L, Franco A, Urgese A, Rugo MA, Mazzeschi C, Speranza AM, McWilliams N, Lingiardi V. From symptoms to subjective and bodily experiences: the contribution of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2) to diagnosis and treatment monitoring in eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 2023; 28:35. [PMID: 36997702 PMCID: PMC10063489 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01562-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Atheoretical and descriptive conceptualizations of eating disorders (EDs) have faced substantial criticism due to their limited ability to assess patients' subjective characteristics and experiences, as needed to determine the most appropriate treatment options. The present article provides an overview of the clinical and empirical literature supporting the potential contribution of the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2) to both diagnostic assessment and treatment monitoring. METHODS Following a discussion of the most relevant shortcomings of current diagnostic models of EDs and a description of the rationale and structure of the PDM-2, evidence supporting the core PDM-2 dimensions of ED patients' subjective experiences (i.e., affective states, cognitive processes, relational patterns, somatic/bodily experiences and states) are examined, alongside their relevance to ED diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS Overall, the reviewed studies support the diagnostic importance of these patterns of subjective experiences in EDs, highlighting their potential role as either predisposing or maintaining factors to target in psychotherapy. A growing body of multidisciplinary evidence also shows that bodily and somatic experiences are central to the diagnosis and clinical management of ED patients. Moreover, there is evidence that a PDM-based assessment may enable closer monitoring of patient progress during treatment, with regard to both subjective experiences and symptom patterns. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests that current diagnostic frameworks for EDs would benefit from the addition of a person-centered perspective that considers not only symptoms, but also patients' full range of functioning-including their deep and surface-level emotional, cognitive, interpersonal, and social patterns-to improve patient-tailored interventions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, narrative review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mirabella
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Muzi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Anna Franco
- Eating Disorder Clinic "Residenza Gruber", Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Urgese
- Eating Disorder Clinic "Residenza Gruber", Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele A Rugo
- Eating Disorder Clinic "Residenza Gruber", Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Mazzeschi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nancy McWilliams
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University, Lambertville, NJ, USA
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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4
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Rossi AA, Pietrabissa G, Tagliagambe A, Scuderi A, Montecchiani L, Castelnuovo G, Mannarini S, Dalla Ragione L. Many Facets of Eating Disorders: Profiling Key Psychological Features of Anorexia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:276. [PMID: 36975300 PMCID: PMC10045239 DOI: 10.3390/bs13030276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. The present study employs a profile analysis to identify and compare psychological features and core eating disorder (ED) symptoms in clinical samples of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and binge eating disorder (BED) and the general population (GP). Methods. A sample comprising 421 participants (142 patients with AN; 139 patients with BED; and 140 participants from the GP) was surveyed with the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3). Individuals with AN and BED were recruited and tested during their first week of a multidisciplinary inpatient program for weight loss and rehabilitation at the 'Rete DCA USL Umbria 1' (Eating Disorders Services), Italy. Results. The findings suggest distinct patterns of symptom presentation between the three samples across all the EDI-3 dimensions-with both the AN and BED groups scoring significantly higher than the GP. Patients with AN registered greater scores in all the psychological trait scales and the drive for thinness ED-specific dimension of the EDI-3 compared with their BED counterpart-which, instead, scored higher in the bulimia and body dissatisfaction subscales. These data support the transdiagnostic nature of the main risk factors for the onset and maintenance of EDs-which would vary in severity levels-and the existence of disease-specific pathways giving rise to AN and BED. Conclusion. This study for the first time compares patients with AN and BED with a non-clinical sample on main ED psychological features. This might inform classification approaches and could have important implications for the development of prevention and early intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Verbania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Verbania, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Dalla Ragione
- Eating Disorders Services-USL N1 “Palazzo Francisci”, 06059 Todi, Italy
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Unit, University Campus Biomedico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
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Muzi L, Nardelli N, Naticchioni G, Mazzeschi C, Baiocco R, Lingiardi V. Body Uneasiness and Dissatisfaction Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Persons. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37363347 PMCID: PMC10010970 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction While sexual minority people have been widely considered at risk for developing a range of body image concerns, evidence of body dissatisfaction and shame amongst LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) individuals is mixed. This study investigated differences in body uneasiness, body dissatisfaction, and self-blaming/attacking attitudes between LGB and heterosexual individuals, as well as within LGB groups, while also examining the predictive role of body mass index (BMI). Methods A sample of cisgender lesbian women (n = 163), gay men (n = 277), bisexual women (n = 135), bisexual men (n = 39), heterosexual women (n = 398), and heterosexual men (n = 219) completed an online survey assessing different aspects of body image between May and July 2020. Results Gay and bisexual men reported greater body image disturbance and self-blaming attitudes relative to heterosexual men. In contrast, lesbian women reported lower body uneasiness than their bisexual and heterosexual counterparts, but greater self-hate. Moreover, lesbian and bisexual women showed more body dissatisfaction than gay men, and bisexual individuals reported more body uneasiness than individuals in other sexual minority subgroups. Higher BMI emerged as a significant predictor of body image concerns and dissatisfaction. Conclusions Body image dimensions showed sexual identity-based differences. Determining the specific nuances of body image in LGB individuals can provide important information on potential risk factors that may impact mental health outcomes. Policy Implications In-depth knowledge of body dissatisfaction and uneasiness in individuals with LGB identities may have critical implications for the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muzi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza Ermini, 1, Perugia, 06123 Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Naticchioni
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Mazzeschi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza Ermini, 1, Perugia, 06123 Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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van Riel L, van den Berg E, Polak M, Geerts M, Peen J, Ingenhoven T, Dekker J. Exploring effectiveness of CBT in obese patients with binge eating disorder: personality functioning is associated with clinically significant change. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:136. [PMID: 36879204 PMCID: PMC9990274 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04626-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binge eating disorder (BED), as the most prevalent eating disorder, is strongly related to obesity and other somatic and psychiatric morbidity. Despite evidence-based treatments a considerable number of BED patients fail to recover. There is preliminary evidence for the association between psychodynamic personality functioning and personality traits on treatment outcome. However, research is limited and results are still contradictory. Identifying variables associated with treatment outcome could improve treatment programs. The aim of the study was to explore whether personality functioning or personality traits are associated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) outcome in obese female patients with BED or subthreshold BED. METHODS Eating disorder symptoms and clinical variables were assessed in 168 obese female patients with DSM-5 BED or subthreshold BED, referred to a 6-month outpatient CBT program in a pre-post measurement design. Personality functioning was assessed by the Developmental Profile Inventory (DPI), personality traits by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Treatment outcome was assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) global score and self-reported binge eating frequency. According to the criteria of clinical significance, 140 treatment completers were categorized in four outcome groups (recovered, improved, unchanged, deteriorated). RESULTS EDE-Q global scores, self-reported binge eating frequency and BMI significantly decreased during CBT, where 44.3% of patients showed clinically significant change in EDE-Q global score. Treatment outcome groups showed significant overall differences on the DPI Resistance and Dependence scales and the aggregated 'neurotic' scale. Significant overall differences were found between groups on TCI Harm avoidance, although post hoc t-tests were non-significant. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis, controlling for mild to moderate depressive disorder and TCI harm avoidance showed that 'neurotic' personality functioning was a significant negative predictor of clinically significant change. CONCLUSION Maladaptive ('neurotic') personality functioning is significantly associated with a less favorable outcome after CBT in patients with binge eating. Moreover, 'neurotic' personality functioning is a predictor of clinically significant change. Assessment of personality functioning and personality traits could support indication for more specified or augmented care, tailored towards the patients' individual strengths and vulnerabilities. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study protocol was retrospectively evaluated and approved on 16-06-2022 by the Medical Ethical Review Committee (METC) of the Amsterdam Medical Centre (AMC). Reference number W22_219#22.271.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura van Riel
- Centre for Eating Disorders and Obesity, Novarum, Arkin Institute of Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Centre for Personality Disorders, NPI, Arkin Institute of Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Elske van den Berg
- Centre for Eating Disorders and Obesity, Novarum, Arkin Institute of Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marike Polak
- Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies (DPECS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Geerts
- Centre for Eating Disorders and Obesity, Novarum, Arkin Institute of Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Peen
- Department of Research, Arkin Institute of Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Ingenhoven
- Centre for Personality Disorders, NPI, Arkin Institute of Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jack Dekker
- Department of Research, Arkin Institute of Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Conversano C, Di Giuseppe M, Lingiardi V. Case report: Changes in defense mechanisms, personality functioning, and body mass index during psychotherapy with patients with anorexia nervosa. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1081467. [PMID: 36895755 PMCID: PMC9989464 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1081467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are difficult to treat in psychotherapy due to their pervasive symptomatology and frequent and rapid relapses. Restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN) is the most challenging ED, often associated with severe physical and mental conditions. Perceived as an ego-syntonic syndrome that somehow protects the patient from a number of developmental tasks, treating AN requires extensive multidisciplinary long-term intervention. As with other emotion regulation strategies, defense mechanisms mediate an individual's reaction to internal or external stressors, including those related to ED conditions. Improving defensive functioning adaptiveness predicts psychotherapy outcomes and is an essential component of the therapeutic process. In this study, we qualitatively described changes in the use of defense mechanisms, personality functioning (PF), and body mass index (BMI) in two patients with severe AN in treatment with intense dynamic psychotherapy. Changes in personality functioning and defense mechanisms were periodically assessed every 6 months using clinician report measures such as the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure-200 (SWAP-200) and the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales Q-sort (DMRS-Q), respectively. BMI was also monitored throughout the treatment. A qualitative description of the patient's defensive profile and the quantitative score on all ranges of defense mechanisms were used for studying changes in patients' use of defenses during the treatment and relationships between defenses and outcome indexes. Personality and defensive functioning improved after 1 year of intense dynamic psychotherapy, independently from BMI improvement. All outcome indexes dramatically decreased before a scheduled interruption of the treatment, underling that an integrated therapeutic approach is essential for improving and eventually orienting toward complete ED symptoms remission. Long-term dynamic psychotherapy fosters self-awareness of psychological distress and enhances more mature ways of coping. Monitoring changes in personality and defense mechanisms helps in understanding patients' reactions to stressful life events and in developing specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Conversano
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, "Sapienza", University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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8
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Simpson S, Azam F, Brown S, Hronis A, Brockman R. The impact of personality disorders and personality traits on psychotherapy treatment outcome of eating disorders: A systematic review. Personal Ment Health 2022; 16:217-234. [PMID: 34866357 DOI: 10.1002/pmh.1533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of those with eating disorders (EDs) do not respond to first-line treatments. This systematic review was conducted to identify whether personality disorders (PDs)/traits predict or moderate ED treatment outcomes and whether these outcomes were differentially influenced by ED or PD diagnostic subtypes, or treatment approach. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. A total of seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) plus four follow-up studies were reviewed investigating the impact of PD and PD traits on treatment outcomes for EDs. The majority indicated that PD had some impact on treatment outcomes. Outcome measures and time-point measurements varied across studies. Included studies suggested that bulimia nervosa treatment outcomes were not hindered by co-morbidity of borderline PD; however, psychiatric impairment remained high at post-treatment and follow-up. Cluster C PDs were found to negatively impact treatment outcomes for binge ED and attrition rates for anorexia nervosa. Included studies suggested that interventions that addressed aspects of personality pathology showed greater main effects for ED treatment outcomes. There is an urgent need for future RCTs on ED treatments to include routine measures of core personality features to allow their impacts to be more thoroughly examined and for psychotherapies to be tailored accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Simpson
- Regional Eating Disorders Unit, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Justice and Society, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Fatima Azam
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - SiennaMarisa Brown
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anastasia Hronis
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Brockman
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Pellegrini RA, Finzi S, Veglia F, Di Fini G. Narrative and Bodily Identity in Eating Disorders: Toward an Integrated Theoretical-Clinical Approach. Front Psychol 2021; 12:785004. [PMID: 34975677 PMCID: PMC8714898 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.785004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) can be viewed as “embodied acts” that help to cope with internal and external demands that are perceived as overwhelming. The maintenance of EDs affects the entire identity of the person; the lack of a defined; or valid sense of self is expressed in terms of both physical body and personal identity. According to attachment theory, primary relationships characterized by insecurity, traumatic experiences, poor mirroring, and emotional attunement lead to the development of dysfunctional regulatory strategies. Although the literature shows an association between attachment style or states of mind, trauma, behavioral strategies, and various EDs, the debate is still ongoing and the results are still conflicting. Therefore, we believe it is important to examine and treat EDs by understanding which narrative trajectory intercepts distress in relation to narrative and embodied self-concept. Drawing on clinical observation and a narrative review of the literature, we focus on the construction and organization of bodily and narrative identity. Because bodily representations are the primary tools for generating meaning, organizing experience, and shaping social identity from the earliest stages of life, we focus on the role that bodily interactions and sensorimotor and proprioceptive patterns have played in the development of EDs. We consider the role that lack of attunement, insecure attachment, and relational trauma play in mentalizing, affecting self-representation and emotion regulation strategies. The paper also considers a semantic mode of trauma in EDs that involves a top-down pathway through beliefs and narratives about oneself based on lack of amiability, on devaluation, and on humiliation memories. Finally, we would like to highlight the proposal of an integrated model with multiple access model to psychotherapy that takes into account the complexity of ED patients in whom aspects related to dysregulation, body image disintegration, and post-traumatic symptoms are associated with a suffering sense of self and a retraumatizing narrative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Finzi
- Centro Clinico Crocetta, Scuola di Specializzazione in Psicoterapia Cognitiva, Turin, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sarah Finzi,
| | - Fabio Veglia
- Centro Clinico Crocetta, Scuola di Specializzazione in Psicoterapia Cognitiva, Turin, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Fini
- Centro Clinico Crocetta, Scuola di Specializzazione in Psicoterapia Cognitiva, Turin, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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10
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Giovanardi G, Mirabella M, Di Giuseppe M, Lombardo F, Speranza AM, Lingiardi V. Defensive Functioning of Individuals Diagnosed With Gender Dysphoria at the Beginning of Their Hormonal Treatment. Front Psychol 2021; 12:665547. [PMID: 34484028 PMCID: PMC8415164 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.665547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Defense mechanisms are relevant indicators of psychological functioning and vulnerability to psychopathology. Their evaluation can unveil individuals' unconscious strategies for mediating reactions to emotional conflict and external stressors. At the beginning of their journey toward gender reassignment, individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) may experience conflict and stressful experiences that trigger a wide range of defense mechanisms. Mature defenses may strengthen these individuals as they travel along this important path, while neurotic and immature defenses may exacerbate their body dissatisfaction (BD) and hinder their processing of change. Only a few studies have investigated self-reported defensive functioning in transgender people, finding a higher frequency of maladaptive defense mechanisms relative to controls. The present study was the first to apply an in-depth clinician-rated tool to assess the entire hierarchy of defense mechanisms within a sample of transgender people. Defensive functioning and personality organization were assessed in 36 individuals diagnosed with GD (14 trans women, 22 trans men, mean age 23.47 years), using the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scales (Perry, 1990) and the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure-200 (Shedler et al., 2014). Body uneasiness was assessed using the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT; Cuzzolaro et al., 2006). The findings showed that defensive functioning correlated positively with healthy personality functioning and negatively with BD. Compared to cisgender controls, participants with GD who presented greater defensive functioning were found to be more immature and to demonstrate significant differences in many levels of functioning. The clinical implications of the results suggest that psychological interventions aimed at improving defensive functioning in individuals with GD will be important in helping them manage the challenges posed by their gender transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Giovanardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Mirabella
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Di Giuseppe
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology, Critical and Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Muzi L, Tieghi L, Franco A, Rugo M, Lingiardi V. The Mediator Effect of Personality on the Relationship Between Symptomatic Impairment and Treatment Outcome in Eating Disorders. Front Psychol 2021; 12:688924. [PMID: 34276515 PMCID: PMC8282821 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.688924] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Features of personality disorders (PDs) have been found to explain meaningful variance in the onset, maintenance, and symptomatic presentation of eating disorders (EDs), and a co-occurent personality pathology is commonly associated with poorer response to ED treatment. The "pathoplasty model" of the relationship between personality and EDs implies that, once both conditions are established, they are likely to interact in ways that modify therapy outcome; however, to date, no studies have explored overall personality functioning, and especially PD clusters, as a mediator of treatment outcome. The present study aimed at conjointly exploring the associations between personality functioning and PDs, respectively, with pre-treatment ED symptomatic impairment and therapy outcome; and the mediating role of personality variables. At treatment onset, a sample of 107 women with ED problems were evaluated using both the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5-CV) and the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure-200 (SWAP-200)-a clinician-rated procedure to dimensionally assess personality. Participants were also asked to complete self-report questionnaires on overall ED symptomatology, symptoms of binge eating and purging behaviors, and therapy outcome. The findings showed that, over and above the categorical ED diagnosis, the SWAP-200 healthy personality functioning score mediated the relationship between baseline ED symptom severity and therapy outcome, as well as the association between baseline bulimic symptoms and treatment outcome; furthermore, SWAP-200 Cluster B PD scores mediated the link between baseline binge eating and purging symptoms and therapy outcome, whereas scores in Clusters A and C showed no significant effects. The findings suggest that personality-based outcome research may improve treatment effectiveness in this difficult-to-treat population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Tieghi
- Eating Disorder Clinic "Residenza Gruber," Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Franco
- Eating Disorder Clinic "Residenza Gruber," Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Rugo
- Eating Disorder Clinic "Residenza Gruber," Bologna, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Marchitelli S, Mazza C, Lenzi A, Ricci E, Gnessi L, Roma P. Weight Gain in a Sample of Patients Affected by Overweight/Obesity with and without a Psychiatric Diagnosis during the Covid-19 Lockdown. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3525. [PMID: 33207742 PMCID: PMC7697678 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed at identifying psychological and psychosocial variables that might predict weight gain during the COVID-19 lockdown in patients affected by overweight/obesity with and without a psychiatric diagnosis. An online survey was administered between 25 April and 10 May 2020, to investigate participants' changes in dietary habits during the lockdown period. 110 participants were recruited and allocated to two groups, 63 patients had no psychiatric diagnosis; there were 47 patients with psychiatric diagnosis. ANOVA analyses compared the groups with respect to psychological distress levels, risk perception, social support, emotion regulation, and eating behaviors. For each group, a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted, including the factors that were found to significantly differ between groups. Weight gain during lockdown was reported by 31 of the participants affected by overweight/obesity without a psychiatric diagnosis and by 31 patients with a psychiatric diagnosis. Weight gain predictors were stress and low depression for patients without a psychiatric diagnosis and binge eating behaviors for patients with a psychiatric diagnosis. Of patients without a psychiatric diagnosis, 60% reported much more frequent night eating episodes. The risk of night eating syndrome in persons affected by overweight/obesity with no psychiatric diagnosis should be further investigated to inform the development of tailored medical, psychological, and psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Marchitelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.L.); (L.G.)
| | - Cristina Mazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.L.); (L.G.)
| | - Eleonora Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Lucio Gnessi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (A.L.); (L.G.)
| | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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