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Olofsson ME, Vrabel KR, Kopland MC, Eielsen HP, Oddli HW, Brewerton TD. Alliance processes in eating disorders with childhood maltreatment sequelae: Preliminary implications. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2024. [PMID: 39378158 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3137] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective eating disorder (ED) treatments are drastically needed for patients with experiences of sustained and prolonged emotional, physical and sexual childhood maltreatment (CM) that often results in post-traumatic sequelae such as severe, complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). EDs with comorbid cPTSD (cPTSD-ED) have protracted treatment courses and poorer prognoses. AIM To summarise the knowledge base on cPTSD-ED with specific emphasis on disturbances in self-organisation (DSO) in relation to therapeutic alliance (TA) processes. METHOD Expert opinions based on current relevant literature are critically examined. RESULTS Preliminary insights on change and alliance processes suggest that neglecting to address emotional-relational processes in the conceptualisation and treatment of cPTSD-ED impedes treatment progress. CONCLUSION We hypothesise that the DSO construct inherent in cPTSD-ED calls for a focus on TA processes in addition to traditional ED treatment elements such as nutritional rehabilitation and behaviour change, and regardless of ED treatment provided. More process research on a larger scale is urgently called for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin E Olofsson
- Department of Psychiatry, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - KariAnne R Vrabel
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute, Vikersund, Norway
| | | | | | - Hanne W Oddli
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Timothy D Brewerton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Hoeboer CM, Kullberg MLJ, Oprel DA, Schoorl M, van Minnen A, Antypa N, Mouthaan J, de Kleine RA, van der Does W. Impact of three variants of prolonged exposure therapy on comorbid diagnoses in patients with childhood abuse-related PTSD. Cogn Behav Ther 2024; 53:377-393. [PMID: 38411129 PMCID: PMC11090154 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2318729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies indicated that Prolonged Exposure (PE) is safe and effective for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is unclear whether PE also leads to a reduction in comorbid diagnoses. Data from a large randomized controlled trial (N = 149) on the effects of three variants of PE for PTSD were used. We examined the treatment effects on co-morbid diagnoses of depressive, anxiety, obsessive compulsive, substance abuse, psychotic, eating and personality disorders in a sample of patients with PTSD related to childhood abuse. Outcomes were assessed with clinical interviews at baseline, post-treatment and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. All variants of PE led to a decrease from baseline to post-treatment in diagnoses of depressive, anxiety, substance use and personality disorders. Improvements were sustained during follow-up. We found an additional decrease in the number of patients that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of a depressive disorder between 6- and 12-month follow-up. No significant changes were observed for the presence of OCD, psychotic and eating disorders. Findings suggest that it is effective to treat PTSD related to childhood abuse with trauma-focused treatments since our 14-to-16 weeks PE for PTSD resulted in reductions in comorbid diagnoses of depressive, anxiety, substance use and personality disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris M. Hoeboer
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Danielle A.C. Oprel
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- PsyQ, Parnassia Groep, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje Schoorl
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van Minnen
- PSYTREC, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Niki Antypa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Mouthaan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne A. de Kleine
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- PsyQ, Parnassia Groep, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Willem van der Does
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- PsyQ, Parnassia Groep, The Hague, The Netherlands
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3
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Waller G, Beard J. Recent Advances in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-ED). Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:351-358. [PMID: 38717658 PMCID: PMC11211111 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01509-0] [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] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Eating disorders require more effective therapies than are currently available. While cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders (CBT-ED) has the most evidence to support its effectiveness, it requires substantial improvement in order to enhance its reach and outcomes, and to reduce relapse rates. Recent years have seen a number of noteworthy developments in CBT-ED, which are summarised in this paper. RECENT FINDINGS The key advances identified here include: improvements in the efficiency and availability of CBT-ED; expansion of applicability to younger cases across durations of eating disorder; and new methodologies. There have been important recent advances in the field of CBT-ED. However, it is important to stress that there remain gaps in our evidence base and clinical skills, and suggestions are made for future research and clinical directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Waller
- Clinical and Applied Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, 1 Vicar Lane, Sheffield, S1 2LT, UK.
| | - Jessica Beard
- Clinical and Applied Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, 1 Vicar Lane, Sheffield, S1 2LT, UK
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Elwyn R, Adams M, Sharpe SL, Silverstein S, LaMarre A, Downs J, Burnette CB. Discordant conceptualisations of eating disorder recovery and their influence on the construct of terminality. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:70. [PMID: 38831456 PMCID: PMC11145809 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01016-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are complex, multifaceted conditions that significantly impact quality-of-life, often co-occur with multiple medical and psychiatric diagnoses, and are associated with a high risk of medical sequelae and mortality. Fortunately, many people recover even after decades of illness, although there are different conceptualisations of recovery and understandings of how recovery is experienced. Differences in these conceptualisations influence categorisations of ED experiences (e.g., longstanding vs. short-duration EDs), prognoses, recommended treatment pathways, and research into treatment outcomes. Within recent years, the proposal of a 'terminal' illness stage for a subset of individuals with anorexia nervosa and arguments for the prescription of end-of-life pathways for such individuals has ignited debate. Semantic choices are influential in ED care, and it is critical to consider how conceptualisations of illness and recovery and power dynamics influence outcomes and the ED 'staging' discourse. Conceptually, 'terminality' interrelates with understandings of recovery, efficacy of available treatments, iatrogenic harm, and complex co-occurring diagnoses, as well as the functions of an individual's eating disorder, and the personal and symbolic meanings an individual may hold regarding suffering, self-starvation, death, health and life. Our authorship represents a wide range of lived and living experiences of EDs, treatment, and recovery, ranging from longstanding and severe EDs that may meet descriptors of a 'terminal' ED to a variety of definitions of 'recovery'. Our experiences have given rise to a shared motivation to analyse how existing discourses of terminality and recovery, as found in existing research literature and policy, may shape the conceptualisations, beliefs, and actions of individuals with EDs and the healthcare systems that seek to serve them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosiel Elwyn
- Neuroscience and psychiatry, Thompson Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Sam L Sharpe
- Fighting Eating Disorders in Underrepresented Populations (FEDUP, Collective), West Palm Beach, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - C Blair Burnette
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA.
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Day S, Hay P, Tannous WK, Fatt SJ, Mitchison D. A Systematic Review of the Effect of PTSD and Trauma on Treatment Outcomes for Eating Disorders. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:947-964. [PMID: 37125723 PMCID: PMC10913314 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231167399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence of prior experiences of trauma and trauma-related symptoms among people with eating disorders; however, there is little understanding as to how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and exposure to traumatic events affect treatment outcomes. Without this knowledge, eating disorder clinicians are unable to tailor treatment to ensure good outcomes for the large percentage of this population that is affected by PTSD and trauma. This systematic review aimed to identify how PTSD and trauma exposure influence outcomes in eating disorder treatment. Systematic searches of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus databases identified 16 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated a negative effect on rates of eating disorder treatment completion and eating disorder psychopathology posttreatment. These findings were evident across studies that investigated the impact of a history of traumatic events as well as studies that investigated the impact of the presence of trauma-related symptoms seen in PTSD. Several methodological limitations were identified in the literature. These include: heterogeneous and unstandardized measures of PTSD and trauma, high attrition rates with follow-up, and insufficient data to enable comparisons by treatment setting, diagnostic presentation, and type of trauma exposure. The findings of this review have implications for future research and clinical care, including the importance of considering PTSD and trauma in assessment, treatment planning, and provision of both trauma-informed care and trauma-focused treatments for individuals with eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead Day
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillipa Hay
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- Mental Health Services Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals, South West Sydney Local Health District, NSW, Australia
| | - Wadad. Kathy Tannous
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Business, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Scott J. Fatt
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Deborah Mitchison
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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van den Berg E, Pellemans K, Planting C, Daansen P, van Beers E, de Jonge M, Christ C, Dekker J. Treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder; where do we stand? A systematic scoping review. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1365715. [PMID: 38469034 PMCID: PMC10925640 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1365715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with anorexia nervosa may negatively affect the course of anorexia nervosa treatment, which is already challenging. There are currently no guidelines or recommendations on concurrent treatment approaches for both anorexia nervosa and post-traumatic stress disorder. This systematic scoping review aims to explore the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of psychological trauma-focused treatment concurrently offered to underweight patients receiving anorexia nervosa treatment. Method A multi-step literature search, according to an a priori protocol was performed. Databases PubMed, Embase, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Central were searched up to September 19th 2022, and the search was rerun June 19th 2023. For quality assessment, Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies-of Interventions tool was used. Results The extensive search yielded 1769 reports, out of which only three observational pilot studies, both English and German, published between 2004 and 2022, could be included. The included studies reported on a total of 13 female participants between 16 and 58 years old, with anorexia nervosa or otherwise specified feeding or eating disorder, baseline BMI ranging between 14.6 and 16.5, who received concurrent anorexia and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment. In all participants, the emotional and cognitive functioning was sufficient to process the offered trauma-focused interventions, despite their significantly low body weight. Discussion The findings of this review identify a dearth of treatment research on knowledge of concurrent trauma-focused treatments for patients with anorexia nervosa. Refraining patients with anorexia nervosa from trauma-focused treatment may not be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elske van den Berg
- Novarum Center for Eating Disorders, Amstelveen, Netherlands
- Arkin Mental Health Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Caroline Planting
- GGZ Ingeest VU University Medical Center Mental Health Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter Daansen
- PsyQ Mental Health Institute, Beverwijk, Netherlands
| | - Ella van Beers
- Novarum Center for Eating Disorders, Amstelveen, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Margo de Jonge
- Novarum Center for Eating Disorders, Amstelveen, Netherlands
| | - Carolien Christ
- Arkin Mental Health Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- GGZ Ingeest VU University Medical Center Mental Health Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jack Dekker
- Arkin Mental Health Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Siegel SE, Ranney RM, Masheb RM, Huggins J, Maguen S. Associations between posttraumatic stress disorder and eating disorder symptoms among women veterans. Eat Behav 2024; 52:101851. [PMID: 38324959 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2024.101851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Recent research suggests high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorder (ED) comorbidity in women veterans. This study aims to expand the literature by examining associations between PTSD and ED diagnoses and symptoms in this population. We assessed probable PTSD diagnosis and symptom clusters (intrusion, avoidance, arousal and reactivity, and negative alterations in cognition and mood [NACM]), as well as probable Binge Eating Disorder (BED) diagnosis and ED subscales (dietary restraint, shape/weight overvaluation, and body dissatisfaction) in a sample of women veterans (N = 371). We investigated significance at the standard p < .05, and the Bonferroni-corrected p < .005 cut-off to adjust for experiment-wise error. Overall, we found that probable PTSD was associated with provisional BED (p < .001) using logistic regression at both cut-offs. Probable PTSD was associated with all ED subscales (all p's < 0.003) using linear regression models also at both cut-offs. Provisional BED was associated with NACM at p < .05 (p = .046), though it did not meet significance at our conservative cut-off. NACM was also associated with shape/weight overvaluation (p = .02) and a global ED score (p = .01) at p < .05, but not at our conservative cut-off; arousal was associated with shape/weight overvaluation (p = .04) and the global ED score (p = .02) at p < .05, but not at our conservative cut-off. Our findings may further guide how ED-related topics can be integrated in PTSD treatment for women veterans with comorbid PTSD and ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Siegel
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; University of California - San Francisco, 675 18(th) Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA.
| | - Rachel M Ranney
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; University of California - San Francisco, 675 18(th) Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA; Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| | - Robin M Masheb
- VA Connecticut Health System West Haven Campus, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joy Huggins
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; University of California - San Francisco, 675 18(th) Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
| | - Shira Maguen
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; University of California - San Francisco, 675 18(th) Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
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Gearhart MG, Brewerton TD. Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Associated with an Eating Disorder and PTSD Are Responsive to Cognitive Processing Therapy. Case Rep Psychiatry 2023; 2023:5539951. [PMID: 38033475 PMCID: PMC10684327 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5539951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Eating disorders (EDs) are often associated with prior histories of trauma, subsequent PTSD and related psychiatric comorbidities. There is a paucity of information about their relationship to somatic symptom disorders, specifically psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), a type of functional neurological symptom disorder or conversion disorder. Methods We report a case of a 39-year-old bisexual female with bulimia nervosa (BN), PTSD, recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD), cannabis use disorder, and PNES who responded to integrated trauma-focused treatment during residential ED treatment using cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Symptoms of ED, PTSD, major depression, and state-trait anxiety were measured using validated assessment instruments. Results During the course of CPT treatment, the patient's total scores on the PTSD Symptom Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) went from 59 to 26, which is below the diagnostic threshold for PTSD. In addition, she demonstrated improvements in the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Global Severity score, the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2) total score, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) total score, the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory scores, and the Eating Disorder Quality of Life (EDQOL) total score. Furthermore, her PNES also abated, and she remained seizure free for ∼1 year following discharge with the exception of one short seizure, per report of the patient. Conclusion The use of CPT as part of an integrated trauma-informed treatment approach during residential ED treatment was successful in a woman with PNES, BN, PTSD, MDD, and cannabis use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy D. Brewerton
- Monte Nido and Affiliates, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Brewerton TD. History of abuse is not predictive of eating disorders with binge-eating episodes (but posttraumatic stress disorder is). J Psychiatry Neurosci 2023; 48:E367-E368. [PMID: 37751918 PMCID: PMC10521918 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.230064-l] [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: 09/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Brewerton
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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10
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Convertino AD, Mendoza RR. Posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic events, and longitudinal eating disorder treatment outcomes: A systematic review. Int J Eat Disord 2023; 56:1055-1074. [PMID: 36916450 PMCID: PMC10247514 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23933] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder (ED) have been exposed to traumatic events, and some of these individuals are diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although theorized by researchers and clinicians, it is unclear whether traumatic event exposure or PTSD interferes with outcomes from ED treatment. The objective of the current study was to systematically review the literature on traumatic events and/or PTSD as either predictors or moderators of psychological treatment outcomes in EDs. METHOD A PRISMA search was conducted to identify studies that assessed the longitudinal association between traumatic events or PTSD and ED outcomes. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria for review. RESULTS Results indicated that traumatic event exposure was associated with greater ED treatment dropout, but individuals with a traumatic event history benefited from treatment similarly to their unexposed peers. Findings also indicated that traumatic events may be associated with greater symptom relapse posttreatment. DISCUSSION Given the limited number of studies examining PTSD, results are considered very tentative; however, similar to studies comparing trauma-exposed and nontrauma-exposed participants, individuals with PTSD may have similar treatment gains compared to individuals without PTSD, but individuals with PTSD may experience greater symptom relapse posttreatment. Future researchers are encouraged to examine whether trauma-informed care or integrated treatment for EDs and PTSD mitigates dropout from treatment and improves symptom remission outcomes. Furthermore, researchers are encouraged to examine how the developmental timing of traumatic events, self-perceived impact of trauma, and cumulative trauma exposure may be associated with differential ED treatment outcomes. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Eating disorders (EDs), trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often co-occur. Individuals with traumatic event exposure and/or PTSD demonstrate greater ED symptoms; it is unclear whether these individuals benefit similarly in ED treatment to their peers. The current study found that individuals with traumatic event exposure are more likely to drop out of treatment but benefit from treatment with similar symptom remission. Traumatic history was associated with greater relapse posttreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D. Convertino
- San Diego State University/University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, 6363 Alvarado Court, Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Rebecca R. Mendoza
- Department of Psychology, College of Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
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Brewerton TD. The integrated treatment of eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychiatric comorbidity: a commentary on the evolution of principles and guidelines. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1149433. [PMID: 37252137 PMCID: PMC10213703 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1149433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric comorbidity is the norm in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders (EDs), and traumatic events and lifetime PTSD are often major drivers of these challenging complexities. Given that trauma, PTSD, and psychiatric comorbidity significantly influence ED outcomes, it is imperative that these problems be appropriately addressed in ED practice guidelines. The presence of associated psychiatric comorbidity is noted in some but not all sets of existing guidelines, but they mostly do little to address the problem other than referring to independent guidelines for other disorders. This disconnect perpetuates a "silo effect," in which each set of guidelines do not address the complexity of the other comorbidities. Although there are several published practice guidelines for the treatment of EDs, and likewise, there are several published practice guidelines for the treatment of PTSD, none of them specifically address ED + PTSD. The result is a lack of integration between ED and PTSD treatment providers, which often leads to fragmented, incomplete, uncoordinated and ineffective care of severely ill patients with ED + PTSD. This situation can inadvertently promote chronicity and multimorbidity and may be particularly relevant for patients treated in higher levels of care, where prevalence rates of concurrent PTSD reach as high as 50% with many more having subthreshold PTSD. Although there has been some progress in the recognition and treatment of ED + PTSD, recommendations for treating this common comorbidity remain undeveloped, particularly when there are other co-occurring psychiatric disorders, such as mood, anxiety, dissociative, substance use, impulse control, obsessive-compulsive, attention-deficit hyperactivity, and personality disorders, all of which may also be trauma-related. In this commentary, guidelines for assessing and treating patients with ED + PTSD and related comorbidity are critically reviewed. An integrated set of principles used in treatment planning of PTSD and trauma-related disorders is recommended in the context of intensive ED therapy. These principles and strategies are borrowed from several relevant evidence-based approaches. Evidence suggests that continuing with traditional single-disorder focused, sequential treatment models that do not prioritize integrated, trauma-focused treatment approaches are short-sighted and often inadvertently perpetuate this dangerous multimorbidity. Future ED practice guidelines would do well to address concurrent illness in more depth.
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12
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Brewerton TD, Gavidia I, Suro G, Perlman MM. Eating disorder patients with and without PTSD treated in residential care: discharge and 6-month follow-up results. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:48. [PMID: 36973828 PMCID: PMC10044735 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00773-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We studied whether provisional posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) moderated discharge (DC) and 6-month follow-up (FU) outcomes of multi-modal, integrated eating disorder (ED) residential treatment (RT) based upon principles of cognitive processing therapy (CPT). METHODS ED patients [N = 609; 96% female; mean age (± SD) = 26.0 ± 8.8 years; 22% LGBTQ +] with and without PTSD completed validated assessments at admission (ADM), DC and 6-month FU to measure severity of ED, PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), state-trait anxiety (STA) symptoms, and eating disorder quality of life (EDQOL). We tested whether PTSD moderated the course of symptom change using mixed models analyses and if ED diagnosis, ADM BMI, age of ED onset and LGBTQ + orientation were significant covariates of change. Number of days between ADM and FU was used as a weighting measure. RESULTS Despite sustained improvements with RT in the total group, the PTSD group had significantly higher scores on all measures at all time points (p ≤ .001). Patients with (n = 261) and without PTSD (n = 348) showed similar symptom improvements from ADM to DC and outcomes remained statistically improved at 6-month FU compared to ADM. The only significant worsening observed between DC and FU was with MDD symptoms, yet all measures remained significantly lower than ADM at FU (p ≤ .001). There were no significant PTSD by time interactions for any of the measures. Age of ED onset was a significant covariate in the EDI-2, PHQ-9, STAI-T, and EDQOL models such that an earlier age of ED onset was associated with a worse outcome. ADM BMI was also a significant covariate in the EDE-Q, EDI-2, and EDQOL models, such that higher ADM BMI was associated with a worse ED and quality of life outcome. CONCLUSIONS Integrated treatment approaches that address PTSD comorbidity can be successfully delivered in RT and are associated with sustained improvements at FU. Improving strategies to prevent post-DC recurrence of MDD symptoms is an important and challenging area of future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Brewerton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Timothy D. Brewerton, MD, LLC, Mount Pleasant, SC, USA.
- Monte Nido and Affiliates, Miami, FL, USA.
| | | | | | - Molly M Perlman
- Monte Nido and Affiliates, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Florida International University College of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Claudat K, Reilly EE, Convertino AD, Trim J, Cusack A, Kaye WH. Integrating evidence-based PTSD treatment into intensive eating disorders treatment: a preliminary investigation. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:3599-3607. [PMID: 36401788 PMCID: PMC9803734 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01500-9] [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: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Given data suggesting common co-occurrence and worse outcomes for individuals with eating disorders (EDs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is critical to identify integrated treatment approaches for this group of patients. Past work has explored the feasibility and initial efficacy of intervention approaches that draw on evidence-based treatments for both EDs and PTSD; however, this work remains limited in scope. In the current study, we explored the feasibility and naturalistic outcomes of PTSD treatment delivered within the context of intensive ED treatment. METHOD Participants were 57 adult men and women with DSM-5 EDs and comorbid PTSD who completed a course of either Prolonged Exposure (PE; n = 22) or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT; n = 35) (Msessions = 10.40; SD = 5.13) and weekly validated measurements of clinical symptoms while enrolled in ED programming. RESULTS Multi-level models for PTSD symptoms indicated a significant linear effect of time, such that participants demonstrated significant decreases over time in PTSD symptoms, regardless of treatment modality. CONCLUSION Our preliminary investigation provides support for the feasibility and efficacy of an integrated approach to treating EDs and PTSD. It is critical for future work to undertake randomized tests of this integrated approach using large, heterogeneous samples. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, multiple time series with intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Claudat
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 315, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Erin E Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Alexandra D Convertino
- San Diego State University, University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, USA
| | - Julie Trim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 315, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Anne Cusack
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 315, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Walter H Kaye
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 315, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
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Brewerton TD. Mechanisms by which adverse childhood experiences, other traumas and PTSD influence the health and well-being of individuals with eating disorders throughout the life span. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:162. [PMID: 36372878 PMCID: PMC9661783 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00696-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple published sources from around the world have confirmed an association between an array of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and other traumatic events with eating disorders (EDs) and related adverse outcomes, including higher morbidity and mortality. METHODS In keeping with this Special Issue's goals, this narrative review focuses on the ACEs pyramid and its purported mechanisms through which child maltreatment and other forms of violence toward human beings influence the health and well-being of individuals who develop EDs throughout the life span. Relevant literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highlighted when applicable. RESULTS At every level of the pyramid, it is shown that EDs interact with each of these proclaimed escalating mechanisms in a bidirectional manner that contributes to the predisposition, precipitation and perpetuation of EDs and related medical and psychiatric comorbidities, which then predispose to early death. The levels and their interactions that are discussed include the contribution of generational embodiment (genetics) and historical trauma (epigenetics), social conditions and local context, the ACEs and other traumas themselves, the resultant disrupted neurodevelopment, subsequent social, emotional and cognitive impairment, the adoption of health risk behaviors, and the development of disease, disability and social problems, all resulting in premature mortality by means of fatal complications and/or suicide. CONCLUSIONS The implications of these cascading, evolving, and intertwined perspectives have important implications for the assessment and treatment of EDs using trauma-informed care and trauma-focused integrated treatment approaches. This overview offers multiple opportunities at every level for the palliation and prevention of EDs and other associated trauma-related conditions, including PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Brewerton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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15
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Schaefer LM, Hazzard VM, Wonderlich SA. Treating eating disorders in the wake of trauma. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2022; 6:286-288. [PMID: 35305701 PMCID: PMC9750802 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(22)00072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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16
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Zhou CH, Xue F, Shi QQ, Xue SS, Zhang T, Ma XX, Yu LS, Liu C, Wang HN, Peng ZW. The Impact of Electroacupuncture Early Intervention on the Brain Lipidome in a Mouse Model of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:812479. [PMID: 35221914 PMCID: PMC8866946 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.812479] [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: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuroprotective effect of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been well studied; growing evidence suggests that changes in lipid composition may be involved in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may be a target for treatment. However, the influence of early EA intervention on brain lipid composition in patients with PTSD has never been investigated. Using a modified single prolonged stress (mSPS) model in mice, we assessed the anti-PTSD-like effects of early intervention using EA and evaluated changes in lipid composition in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) using a mass spectrometry-based lipidomic approach. mSPS induced changes in lipid composition in the hippocampus, notably in the content of sphingolipids, glycerolipids, and fatty acyls. These lipid changes were more robust than those observed in the PFC. Early intervention with EA after mSPS ameliorated PTSD-like behaviors and partly normalized mSPS-induced lipid changes, notably in the hippocampus. Cumulatively, our data suggest that EA may reverse mSPS-induced PTSD-like behaviors due to region-specific regulation of the brain lipidome, providing new insights into the therapeutic mechanism of EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Hong Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Toxicology, Shaanxi Key Lab of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, The Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fen Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Toxicology, Shaanxi Key Lab of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, The Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qing-Qing Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shan-Shan Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xin-Xu Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Li-Sheng Yu
- Department of General Medicine, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Chuang Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hua-Ning Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Toxicology, Shaanxi Key Lab of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, The Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Hua-Ning Wang,
| | - Zheng-Wu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Zheng-Wu Peng,
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Trottier K, Monson CM, Wonderlich SA, Crosby RD. Results of the First Randomized Controlled Trial of Integrated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - CORRIGENDUM. Psychol Med 2022; 52:600. [PMID: 35067235 PMCID: PMC8883822 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721005365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Trottier
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Stephen A Wonderlich
- Sanford Health, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
- Sanford Research, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Ross D Crosby
- Sanford Research, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
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