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Çiçekoğlu Öztürk P, Taştekin Ouyaba A. Prevalence and related factors of eating disorders in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:397-411. [PMID: 37162562 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07051-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To reveal the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) and related factors in pregnancy. METHODS The search was performed in PubMed, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Ovid databases search up to April 3, 2022, using the keywords combination of "(eating disorders OR anorexia nervosa OR bulimia nervosa OR binge eating disorder) AND (pregnancy OR pregnant)". Two researchers independently extracted data from the articles using a standard form. We evaluated the quality of the studies according to the Joanna Briggs Institute assessment tools. RESULTS The prevalence of EDs in pregnant women in the 11 studies involving 2,369,520 pregnant women was ranging between 0.5 and 10.6%. The prevalence of EDs in pregnant women was 4.3% (95% confidence interval 2%-9%; I2 = 99.5%). The prevalence of anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder during pregnancy shows a statistically significant increase compared to pre-pregnancy, and the prevalence of bulimia nervosa during pregnancy decreases. The prevalence of EDs is higher in pregnant women under 30 years of age, secondary school graduates, married, and with normal BMI. Half of the pregnant women with EDs had anxiety and about one-third of pregnant women had depression. Excessive exercise is observed in 0.7% of pregnant women, fasting in 0.3%, laxative or diuretic use in 0.1%, and self-induced vomiting in 0.6%. CONCLUSIONS This study is important as it is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to reveal the global prevalence of EDs in pregnant women and related factors. Continuing routine screening tests to detect EDs during pregnancy may contribute to taking special preventive measures for risk groups and protecting mother-child health. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number (CRD42022324721), date of registration: 10/05/2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pınar Çiçekoğlu Öztürk
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Fethiye Faculty of Health Sciences, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey.
| | - Ayşe Taştekin Ouyaba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyon, Turkey
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2
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Sommerfeldt B, Skårderud F, Kvalem IL, Gulliksen KS, Holte A. Bodies out of control: Relapse and worsening of eating disorders in pregnancy. Front Psychol 2022; 13:986217. [PMID: 36248571 PMCID: PMC9554489 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.986217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundBeing pregnant is a vulnerable period for women with a history of eating disorders. A central issue in eating disorders is searching control of one’s body and food preferences. Pregnancy implies being increasingly out of control of this. Treatment and targeted prevention start with the patient’s experience. Little is known about how women with a history of eating disorder experience being pregnant.MethodWe interviewed 24 women with a history of eating disorder at the time of pregnancy, recruited from five public pregnancy controls at local family health centers in Norway. Interviews were analyzed by means of ideal type analysis, with a particular focus on how the participants experienced pregnancy and perceived triggers in possible experiences of relapse or worsening during pregnancy. All participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and were diagnosed (DSM-5) by using the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE).ResultsOn becoming pregnant, 23 of the 24 participants experienced worsening or relapse of their disorder. This occurred both at first time and after several pregnancies, and either interviewed early or late in pregnancy. Ideal type analyses indicated seven different personal features associated with worsening or relapse: the “chaotic” “rigid” “perfect” “worried” “shameful” “motherhood fearing” and “the mother with lost identity” Perceived triggers of worsening or relapse were: “loss of control” “unpredictability” “competition” “change of appearance” “shame and nausea” and “loss of identity.”ConclusionPregnancy is a vulnerable period for women with a history of eating disorders. A great variation in personal psychological dynamics seems to interact with perceived triggers in worsening or relapse of eating disorder. Our findings have important implications in understanding mechanisms of relapse in pregnancy, preventing relapse and help tailoring adequate intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Sommerfeldt
- Institute of Eating Disorders, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Bente Sommerfeldt,
| | - Finn Skårderud
- Institute of Eating Disorders, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Ingela Lundin Kvalem
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti S. Gulliksen
- Institute of Eating Disorders, Oslo, Norway
- The Norwegian Psychological Association, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arne Holte
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
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Sollid C, Clausen L, Maimburg RD. The first 20 weeks of pregnancy is a high-risk period for eating disorder relapse. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:2132-2142. [PMID: 34581449 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders (ED) are associated with adverse pregnancy outcome and pregnancy is associated with both relapse and remission of ED. Knowledge is lacking on the risk of ED relapse during pregnancy and the postpartum period for women in stable remission. This study examined the occurrence of perinatal ED relapse as well as obstetric and postpartum outcome in women with at least a 6-month ED remission before pregnancy. METHOD A total of 122 women in stable remission before pregnancy were included in a prospective longitudinal study. Changes in ED symptoms based on the Eating Disorder Examination were systematically evaluated at each antenatal visit and in the postpartum period. RESULTS A total of 30 (25%) women relapsed. Twenty women relapsed within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and eight in the early weeks postpartum. Severe postpartum depression symptoms (33%) were frequent in women with ED relapse; hyperemesis gravidarum (30%) was frequently present independent of the woman's relapse status. DISCUSSION To prevent relapse of ED and possible consequences, attention to relapse in women in stable remission is especially important in early pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Sollid
- Perinatal Epidemiological Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Loa Clausen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rikke Damkjaer Maimburg
- Perinatal Epidemiological Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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An application of psychosocial frameworks for eating disorder risk during the postpartum period: A review and future directions. Arch Womens Ment Health 2020; 23:625-633. [PMID: 32613296 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-020-01049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The postpartum period may be a particular window of vulnerability for eating disorder symptoms given changes to body shape and weight that women experience. However, no quantitative studies have identified risk factors for postpartum eating disorder symptoms, and current psychosocial frameworks of risk may be missing key elements unique to this period. This manuscript reviews existing quantitative and qualitative literature regarding the developmental trajectory of eating disorder symptoms during the perinatal period and proposes an application of three psychosocial models of eating disorder risk (objectification theory, the tripartite influence model of body image and eating disturbances, and social comparison theory) to the postpartum period. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative literature, this paper identifies novel postpartum-specific factors that should be included for consideration in psychosocial models (e.g., self-oriented body comparison and pressure to achieve a prepregnancy weight and shape). This review is the first to theorize potential postpartum-specific risk factors for postpartum eating disorder symptoms. Prior models of eating disorder risk omit key psychosocial factors that are unique to the postpartum period. Other limitations of prior research relate to measurement and methodology. This critical window of vulnerability has been largely ignored in the quantitative literature and necessitates further research.
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Sebastiani G, Andreu-Fernández V, Herranz Barbero A, Aldecoa-Bilbao V, Miracle X, Meler Barrabes E, Balada Ibañez A, Astals-Vizcaino M, Ferrero-Martínez S, Gómez-Roig MD, García-Algar O. Eating Disorders During Gestation: Implications for Mother's Health, Fetal Outcomes, and Epigenetic Changes. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:587. [PMID: 33042925 PMCID: PMC7527592 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) have increased globally in women of childbearing age, related to the concern for body shape promoted in industrialized countries. Pregnancy may exacerbate a previous ED or conversely may be a chance for improving eating patterns due to the mother's concern for the unborn baby. EDs may impact pregnancy evolution and increase the risk of adverse outcomes such as miscarriage, preterm delivery, poor fetal growth, or malformations, but the knowledge on this topic is limited. Methods: We performed a systematic review of studies on humans in order to clarify the mechanisms underpinning the adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with EDs. Results: Although unfavorable fetal development could be multifactorial, maternal malnutrition, altered hormonal pathways, low pre-pregnancy body mass index, and poor gestational weight gain, combined with maternal psychopathology and stress, may impair the evolution of pregnancy. Environmental factors such as malnutrition or substance of abuse may also induce epigenetic changes in the fetal epigenome, which mark lifelong health concerns in offspring. Conclusions: The precocious detection of dysfunctional eating behaviors in the pre-pregnancy period and an early multidisciplinary approach comprised of nutritional support, psychotherapeutic techniques, and the use of psychotropics if necessary, would prevent lifelong morbidity for both mother and fetus. Further prospective studies with large sample sizes are needed in order to design a structured intervention during every stage of pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sebastiani
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Andreu-Fernández
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Valencian International University (VIU), Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Herranz Barbero
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria Aldecoa-Bilbao
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Miracle
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Meler Barrabes
- Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, BCNatal-Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arantxa Balada Ibañez
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Astals-Vizcaino
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Ferrero-Martínez
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Dolores Gómez-Roig
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar García-Algar
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain.,Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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Charbonneau KD, Seabrook JA. Adverse Birth Outcomes Associated with Types of Eating Disorders: A Review. CAN J DIET PRACT RES 2019; 80:131-136. [DOI: 10.3148/cjdpr-2018-044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
At least 5% of women have an eating disorder (ED) during pregnancy. These EDs affect prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and weight gain during pregnancy, factors associated with birth complications and adverse neonatal outcomes. This review contributes to the literature by examining several adverse birth outcomes associated with EDs and differentiates between past and present EDs. Of the 18 articles reviewed, EDs were associated with preterm birth in 5/14 (36%) and small-for-gestational-age in 5/8 (63%) studies. Anorexia Nervosa increases the odds of a low birth weight baby, particularly when women enter pregnancy with a low BMI. Binge Eating Disorder is positively associated with having a large-for-gestational-age infant, and Bulimia Nervosa is associated with miscarriage when symptomatic during pregnancy. Having a current ED increases the risk for adverse birth outcomes more than a past ED. Since the aetiology of adverse birth outcomes is multi-factorial, drawing conclusions about causal relationships between EDs and birth outcomes is problematic given the small number of studies reporting these outcomes. Resources should target preconception interventions that put EDs into remission and help women achieve a healthier BMI prior to pregnancy, as these have been consistently shown to improve birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamie A. Seabrook
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, ON
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Harrison ME, Obeid N, Haslett K, McLean N, Clarkin C. Embodied Motherhood: Exploring Body Image in Pregnant and Parenting Youth. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2019; 32:44-50. [PMID: 30193969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE There is a paucity of research on body image in pregnant and parenting youth (PPY). Study objectives were to examine: (1) profiles of PPY regarding body image, depression, and eating behaviors and any effects of age and pregnancy status on results; and (2) PPY perceptions of body image. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic data and scores from measures related to self-esteem, body esteem, eating behaviors, and depression were collected from 101 PPY from 2 urban centers. Two focus group sessions were held to further explore survey findings. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. RESULTS Participants (mean age, 19.8 years) reported a history of depression (79/101; 78.2%), anxiety (75/101; 74.3%), drug/alcohol abuse (45/101; 44.6%), and eating disorder (32/101; 31.7%). Parenting (nonpregnant; n = 64) participants had lower body esteem (P = .041) and more eating disorder behaviors (P = .026) compared with pregnant (n = 37) participants. A history of depression or eating disorder both independently increased risk for lower body esteem and self-esteem and higher depressive symptoms in pregnant youth. Four dominant themes emerged from qualitative data: (1) adapting to rapidly changing bodies; (2) inter-relationship between body image and mood; (3) added attention and perceptions of pressure to return to prepregnancy body size; and (4) reconciling change and striving to find a new normal. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of exploring past and current body image, mood, and eating disorder behavior in PPY for risk of current mental health issues. Future research exploring prepregnancy depression, eating disorder, body esteem, and depression in pregnant youth are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Harrison
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Regional Eating Disorders Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - N Obeid
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Regional Eating Disorders Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - K Haslett
- Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - N McLean
- Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre, Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Clarkin
- Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Adolescent pregnancy and eating disorders: a minireview and case report. Eat Weight Disord 2018; 23:389-393. [PMID: 28361214 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-017-0380-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the fact that eating disorders (EDs) during pregnancy and early child bearing can both individually increase risk to mother and child, there is a paucity of research exploring pregnancy in adolescence and concomitant EDs. CASE We report the case of a 16-year-old female with atypical anorexia nervosa, who experiences a remission of her ED behavior during pregnancy, followed by a severe relapse in the post-partum period. CONCLUSION In this case, pregnancy functioned as a motivator for remission in our patient with concomitant ED. Further research is needed to identify risks of EDs in adolescent pregnancy, to explore the trajectory of pre-existing EDs during pregnancy and to identify effective interventions for prolonging remission into the post-partum period.
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Fogarty S, Elmir R, Hay P, Schmied V. The experience of women with an eating disorder in the perinatal period: a meta-ethnographic study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:121. [PMID: 29720107 PMCID: PMC5932857 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-1762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy is a time of enormous body transformation. For those with an eating disorder during pregnancy this time of transformation can be distressing and damaging to both the mother and the child. In this meta-ethnographic study, we aimed to examine the experiences of women with an Eating Disorder in the perinatal period; that is during pregnancy and two years following birth. METHOD A meta-ethnographic framework was used in this review. After a systematic online search of the literature using the keywords such as pregnancy, eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, perinatal, postnatal and post-partum, 11 papers, involving 94 women, were included in the review. RESULTS A qualitative synthesis of the papers identified 2 key themes. The key theme that emerged during pregnancy was: navigating a 'new' eating disorder. The key that emerged in the perinatal period was return to the 'old' eating disorder. CONCLUSION Following a tumultuous pregnancy experience, many described returning to their pre-pregnancy eating behaviors and thoughts. These experiences highlight the emotional difficulty experienced having an eating disorder whilst pregnant but they also point to opportunities for intervention and a continued acceptance of body image changes. More research is needed on the experiences of targeted treatment interventions specific for pregnant and postpartum women with an eating disorder and the effectiveness of putative treatment interventions during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Fogarty
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Rakime Elmir
- Affiliate Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Centre for Applied Nursing Research (CANR), Liverpool, NSW 2170 Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Phillipa Hay
- School of Medicine and Centre for Health Research, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Virginia Schmied
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
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10
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Quality of life as a vulnerability and recovery factor in eating disorders: a community-based study. BMC Psychiatry 2016; 16:328. [PMID: 27724943 PMCID: PMC5057465 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-1033-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that changes in quality of life (QoL) predicts later changes in eating disorder (ED) symptoms. The objective of this study was to explore individual sufferers' perspectives on the influence of QoL on the onset, maintenance, and/or remission of ED symptoms. METHOD 19 women from the community with a history of eating disorders (n = 13 currently symptomatic; n = 6 recovered) were interviewed about their observations on the relationship between QoL and ED symptoms over time in their own lives. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed, and then thematically analysed. RESULTS Thematic analysis uncovered two major themes: 1. QoL as a Vulnerability Factor, and 2. QoL as a Recovery Factor. In relation to the first theme, onset of ED symptoms was discussed by women in this study as having been triggered by impairment in QoL, including a general sense of lacking control in life, stress, abusive intimate relationships, poor role modelling from family, physical impairment related to obesity, peer pressure, and weight-related teasing. On the other hand, and in relation to the second theme, subsequent improvement in QoL was nominated as central to symptom improvement and recovery. QoL improvement was described by participants differently, but included increased general satisfaction in life, emotional maturation, prioritising and improving physical health, the development of a supportive intimate relationship and social relationships, and having children. CONCLUSIONS Impairment in QoL may act as a trigger for the onset and maintenance of ED symptoms, whereas improvement in QoL may be central to eating disorder improvement and eventual recovery. Treatment should involve consideration of a core focus on QoL improvement as a potential 'backdoor' approach to improving ED symptoms.
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11
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Coker E, Abraham S. Body weight dissatisfaction before, during and after pregnancy: a comparison of women with and without eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 2015; 20:71-9. [PMID: 24906550 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-014-0133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined prospectively changes in current BMI and body weight dissatisfaction in women with and without eating disorders (EDs) during and after pregnancy compared to prepregnancy. METHODS We assessed pregnant women with (ED group, N = 18) and without an ED (Control group, N = 129) using current BMI and the discrepancy between current and desired BMI (body weight dissatisfaction). This is a measure representative of overall body dissatisfaction. Women were assessed retrospectively for prepregnancy, and prospectively at weeks 12-14 (first trimester), weeks 24-26 (second trimester) and weeks 34-36 (third trimester) during pregnancy and 3, 6 and 12 months after. RESULTS Compared with prepregnancy, current BMI for the ED group increased at trimester two and three and returned to prepregnancy levels postpartum, while current BMI for the Control group increased at trimester one, two, three, and remained above their prepregnancy BMI at 3, 6 and 12 months postpartum. Compared with prepregnancy levels, body weight dissatisfaction for the ED group improved at 6 and 12 months postpartum, while body weight dissatisfaction for the Control group increased at trimester two and three, and remained greater at 3 and 6 months postpartum before returning to prepregnancy levels at 12 months postpartum. Maximum dissatisfaction occurs in trimester three for both the ED (mean 2.98, SD 2.74) and Control groups (mean 2.93, SD 3.22). CONCLUSIONS Body dissatisfaction does not improve during pregnancy in women with or without EDs. Body weight dissatisfaction remained unchanged for women with EDs during pregnancy, before a decrease at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Body weight dissatisfaction increased for women without EDs, and remained elevated until 6 months postpartum. Despite this, women with and without EDs gained significant weight during pregnancy This suggests all women require information and support regarding body image during the pregnancy and in the 12 months postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Coker
- Department of Women's Health, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2065, Australia,
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12
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Easter A, Solmi F, Bye A, Taborelli E, Corfield F, Schmidt U, Treasure J, Micali N. Antenatal and postnatal psychopathology among women with current and past eating disorders: longitudinal patterns. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2014; 23:19-27. [PMID: 25345371 PMCID: PMC4309475 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate longitudinal patterns of psychopathology during the antenatal and postnatal periods among women with current (C-ED) and past (P-ED) eating disorders. Women were recruited to a prospective longitudinal study: C-ED (n = 31), P-ED (n = 29) and healthy control (HC; n = 57). Anxiety, depression and ED symptoms were measured at four time points: first/second trimester, third trimester, 8 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Linear mixed effects models were used to test for group differences. Women with C-ED and P-ED, in all diagnostic categories, had significantly higher levels of psychopathology at all time points. ED symptoms decreased in the C-ED group, compared with an overall increase in the other two groups but subsequently increased after pregnancy. Overall, depression and state and trait anxiety scores decreased in the C-ED group compared with the HC group throughout the antenatal and postnatal periods. High levels of psychopathology are common throughout the antenatal and postnatal periods among women with current and past ED, and despite some overall reductions, symptoms remain clinically significant. © 2014 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Easter
- Behavioural and Brain Sciences Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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