1
|
Kilpela LS, Marshall VB, Keel PK, LaCroix AZ, Espinoza SE, Hooper SC, Musi N. The clinical significance of binge eating among older adult women: an investigation into health correlates, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:97. [PMID: 35799222 PMCID: PMC9264536 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00621-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One type of overnutrition, binge eating (BE; eating an unusually large amount of food with loss of control), is prevalent among older adult women. Yet, little is known about the clinical significance of this eating disorder pathology in older adults, especially in relation to health outcomes used in geriatrics, while controlling for associations with body mass index (BMI). METHOD Women (N = 227) aged 60-94 completed two measures of BE and health/wellness questionnaires online. We used multivariable analyses to compare women with Clinical-frequency BE (≥ weekly frequency), Subclinical-frequency BE (< weekly), and No BE on health/wellness outcomes controlling for BMI. We conducted partial correlations controlling for BMI to examine associations between BE severity and health indices. RESULTS Controlling for BMI, the Clinical-frequency BE group reported poorer health-related quality of life (physical function, role limitations due to both emotional and physical problems, vitality, emotional wellbeing, social function, and pain) and poorer psychological health (depression, body image) compared to both Subclinical-frequency BE and No BE. The Clinical-frequency BE group also reported poorer sleep, nutritious food consumption, general health, and positive affect compared to No BE. Associations between a separate measure of BE severity and health indices confirmed findings from group comparisons. CONCLUSION Weekly BE may offer a promising screening benchmark for identifying one type of overnutrition in older women that is associated with numerous indicators of poorer health, independent of the effects of BMI. More research is needed to understand risks for and consequences of BE unique to older adult women. Binge eating (BE; eating an unusually large amount of food with loss of control), is prevalent among older adult women and is associated with health problems in younger populations. Yet, little is known about how BE is related to other health problems in older adults. We compared health behaviors, physical health, health-related quality of life, and psychological health between older adult women who reported weekly or more frequent BE (i.e., Clinical BE), those with low frequency BE (i.e., Subclinical BE), and those with no BE, while accounting for BMI. Older women in the Clinical BE group reported poorer health-related quality of life, more depression symptoms, and worse body image compared to the Subclinical BE and No BE groups. Compared to the No BE group, the Clinical BE group also reported poorer sleep, less frequent consumption of nutritious foods, worse health, and less frequent positive emotions. Using a separate measure of BE severity, we found similar associations with these health outcomes. Engaging in weekly BE may represent one type of overnutrition behavior in older women that is associated with numerous indicators of poorer health. More research is needed to understand risks for and consequences of BE unique to older adult women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Smith Kilpela
- Barshop Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- ReACH Center, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- South Texas VA Health System, Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Victoria B Marshall
- Barshop Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- ReACH Center, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Pamela K Keel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Andrea Z LaCroix
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sara E Espinoza
- Barshop Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas VA Health System, Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Savannah C Hooper
- Barshop Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- ReACH Center, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Nicolas Musi
- Barshop Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas VA Health System, Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wilfred SA, Becker CB, Kanzler KE, Musi N, Espinoza SE, Kilpela LS. Binge eating among older women: prevalence rates and health correlates across three independent samples. J Eat Disord 2021; 9:132. [PMID: 34666821 PMCID: PMC8524882 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-021-00484-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging research indicates that binge eating (BE; consuming unusually large amounts of food in one siting while feeling a loss of control) is prevalent among older women. Yet, health correlates of BE in older adult populations are poorly understood. The original study aimed to investigate BE prevalence, frequency, and health correlates in a sample of older adult women. Based on results from this first study, we then sought to replicate findings in two additional samples of older adult women from separate studies. METHOD Using self-reported frequencies of BE from three separate samples of older women with very different demographics, we compared BE prevalence, frequency, and health correlates among older women. Study 1 (N = 185) includes data collected online (86% White; 59% overweight/obese status). Study 2 (N = 64) was conducted in person at a local food pantry (65% Hispanic; 47% household income < $10,000/year). Study 3 (N = 100) comprises data collected online (72% White; 50% Masters/Doctoral Degree). RESULTS Per DSM-5 frequency criterion of BE at least weekly, we found prevalence rates ranging from 19 to 26% across the three samples. Correlates of BE frequency included elevated negative mood, worry, BMI, and less nutritious food consumption. CONCLUSIONS Across three very different samples in terms of race/ethnicity, education, food security status, measurements, and sampling methodology, we found fairly consistent rates of self-reported BE at least weekly (19-26%). Results suggest that BE is related to negative health indices among older women and support the need for more research in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nicolas Musi
- Barshop Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas VA Health System, Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sara E Espinoza
- Barshop Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas VA Health System, Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lisa Smith Kilpela
- ReACH Center, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Barshop Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jenkins PE, Price T. Eating pathology in midlife women: Similar or different to younger counterparts? Int J Eat Disord 2018; 51:3-9. [PMID: 29205410 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined potential similarities and differences between women with eating disorders (EDs) in midlife and their younger counterparts. METHOD Seven hundred and three women assessed by a specialist eating disorder service were divided into three groups based on age (18-25, 25-40, and 40+) and compared on a number of clinical and demographic measures. Distribution of ED diagnoses was also examined between groups. RESULTS Midlife women were less likely to receive a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and more likely to receive a diagnosis of binge-eating disorder than their younger counterparts. Duration of illness was longer and age of ED onset later in the midlife group but no differences were seen on measures of global ED pathology, psychosocial impairment, or psychological distress. DISCUSSION This study adds to the developing literature concerning EDs in midlife women, although further work is needed to support the findings presented here and to examine profiles of males presenting to treatment centers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Jenkins
- Cotswold House Eating Disorders Service, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Price
- Cotswold House Eating Disorders Service, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bojorquez I, Bustos J, Valdez V, Unikel C. Life course, sociocultural factors and disordered eating in adult Mexican women. Appetite 2017; 121:207-214. [PMID: 29129729 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2017.11.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Disordered eating (DE) can appear in women of all ages and in diverse sociocultural contexts, however most research focuses on younger women in higher income countries. The purpose of this article was to explore the association of life course markers with DE, considering the effects of sociocultural factors, in a sample of adult women in Tijuana, Mexico. We employed data from a household survey (n = 2322) conducted in 2014, to evaluate the associations of DE with age, occupation, marital status and having children (life course markers), and indicators of social position and exposure to modernization (sociocultural factors). The prevalence of weight preoccupation was 69.2% (CI95% 67.3,71.1), the prevalence of dieting 24.8% (CI95% 22.4,27.3), and 2.0% (CI95% 1.4,3.0) had a probable eating disorder according to the questionnaire cutoff score. In the adjusted model, younger age, being employed, higher social position and indicators of exposure to modernization had positive associations with DE. There were interactions between marital status and body mass index, and between age and region of birth. The interaction terms showed that overweight was positively associated with DE among single and cohabiting participants, but not among the married ones; and that the negative association between DE and age was apparent from younger age groups in women born in less developed regions of Mexico. Our results replicate others in showing DE to be present in women through the life course, and point to at-risk groups in the confluences of life course, social position and modernization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ietza Bojorquez
- El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Mexico, Km. 18.5 Carretera Escénica Tijuana-Ensenada, San Antonio del Mar, Tijuana CP 22506, BC, Mexico.
| | - Joyce Bustos
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico, Calz México-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Verónica Valdez
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico, Avenida Universidad 3004, Coyoacán, Copilco Universidad, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Claudia Unikel
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico, Calz México-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schaumberg K, Welch E, Breithaupt L, Hübel C, Baker JH, Munn-Chernoff MA, Yilmaz Z, Ehrlich S, Mustelin L, Ghaderi A, Hardaway AJ, Bulik-Sullivan EC, Hedman AM, Jangmo A, Nilsson IAK, Wiklund C, Yao S, Seidel M, Bulik CM. The Science Behind the Academy for Eating Disorders' Nine Truths About Eating Disorders. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2017; 25:432-450. [PMID: 28967161 PMCID: PMC5711426 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2015, the Academy for Eating Disorders collaborated with international patient, advocacy, and parent organizations to craft the 'Nine Truths About Eating Disorders'. This document has been translated into over 30 languages and has been distributed globally to replace outdated and erroneous stereotypes about eating disorders with factual information. In this paper, we review the state of the science supporting the 'Nine Truths'. METHODS The literature supporting each of the 'Nine Truths' was reviewed, summarized and richly annotated. RESULTS Most of the 'Nine Truths' arise from well-established foundations in the scientific literature. Additional evidence is required to further substantiate some of the assertions in the document. Future investigations are needed in all areas to deepen our understanding of eating disorders, their causes and their treatments. CONCLUSIONS The 'Nine Truths About Eating Disorders' is a guiding document to accelerate global dissemination of accurate and evidence-informed information about eating disorders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Schaumberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elisabeth Welch
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lauren Breithaupt
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Christopher Hübel
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jessica H Baker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Zeynep Yilmaz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Linda Mustelin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Public Health and Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ata Ghaderi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew J Hardaway
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily C Bulik-Sullivan
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna M Hedman
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Jangmo
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ida A K Nilsson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Camilla Wiklund
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shuyang Yao
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Seidel
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cynthia M Bulik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Arthur-Cameselle J, Sossin K, Quatromoni P. A qualitative analysis of factors related to eating disorder onset in female collegiate athletes and non-athletes. Eat Disord 2017; 25:199-215. [PMID: 27897463 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2016.1258940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Female athletes are at risk for clinical eating disorders, yet their onset experiences have rarely been studied with qualitative methods. This study, which included interviews with 12 collegiate female athletes and 17 non-athletes, identified factors that contributed to eating disorder onset for both subgroups. Inductive content analysis revealed that low self-worth, peer issues, and comorbid psychological disorders were common in both groups. However, athletes reported sport-specific factors including performance pressure, team weigh-ins, and injuries, whereas family dysfunction, bullying, and puberty were more commonly reported triggers for non-athletes. Findings support prevention and treatment programs customized for unique vulnerabilities for each subgroup.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessyca Arthur-Cameselle
- a Department of Health and Human Development , Western Washington University , Bellingham , Washington , USA
| | - Kayla Sossin
- b Department of International Affairs , University of St. Andrews , Fife , Scotland , UK
| | - Paula Quatromoni
- c Department of Health Sciences, College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences , Boston University , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kristeller JL. The Struggle Continues: Addressing Concerns About Eating and Weight for Older Women’s Well-Being. WOMEN & THERAPY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/02703149.2016.1116855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
8
|
Ackard DM, Richter S, Egan A, Cronemeyer C. Poor outcome and death among youth, young adults, and midlife adults with eating disorders: an investigation of risk factors by age at assessment. Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:825-35. [PMID: 25111891 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders (EDs) present across a broad age range, yet little is known about the characteristics and outcome of midlife patients compared to younger patients. Among patients seeking ED treatment who were stratified by age at initial assessment (IA), this study aimed to (1) discern sociodemographic and clinical differences, (2) determine outcome rates, and (3) identify predictors of poor outcome including death. METHOD Participants [219 females (12 years or older, 94.1% Caucasian) who completed outcome assessment and 31 known decedents] were stratified by age at IA (<18 as youth, 18-39 as young adult, and ≥40 years as midlife adult). Analyses of variance and chi-square tests identified group differences; ordered logistic regression with stepwise selection identified factors predicting outcome. RESULTS Midlife adults were more significantly compromised at follow-up compared to youths and young adults, including psychological and physical quality of life, ineffectiveness, interpersonal concerns, and general psychological maladjustment. Midlife adults had the highest rates of poor outcome or death; good outcome was achieved by only 5.9% of midlife adult compared to 14.0% of young adult and 27.5% of youth patients. Older age at IA, alcohol and/or drug misuse, endocrine concerns, and absence of family ED history predicted poor outcome or death. DISCUSSION Midlife adults seeking ED treatment have more complex medical and psychological concerns and poorer outcomes than youths and young adults; further exploration is needed to improve treatment outcome. Specialized treatment focusing on quality of life, comorbid medical concerns, interpersonal connection, and emotion regulation is encouraged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diann M Ackard
- Park Nicollet Melrose Center, St. Louis Park, Minnesota; Offices of Diann M Ackard, PhD, LP, LLC, Golden Valley, Minnesota
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Eating disorder treatment among women forty and older: increases in prevalence over time and comparisons to young adult patients. J Psychosom Res 2013; 74:175-8. [PMID: 23332534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2012.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is limited information on the prevalence of middle-aged women seeking specialized treatment for an eating disorder and whether middle-aged patients are significantly different from young-adult patients. This two-part study sought to identify changes in the past two decades in the prevalence of middle-aged (MA; 40+ years) and young-adult (YA; 18-39 years) women seeking treatment for an eating disorder (ED) and to identify differences and similarities between both groups. METHODS For study 1, all unique female inpatient admissions from 1989 to 2006 were reviewed (n=1,040). For study 2, women admitted to any treatment level from January-May 2007 were compared, based on age at intake admission, on psychological questionnaires and factors relevant to an eating disorder. RESULTS In study 1, the overall percent of MA women who presented for inpatient ED treatment increased significantly from an average of 4.7% (1989-2001) to an average of 11.6% (2002-2006). In study 2, at intake, MA women were more likely than YA to be married, be older at ED onset and report a longer duration of illness. Self-esteem, depression, anxiety, ED psychopathology, and BMI were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate an increase in the prevalence of inpatient admissions among middle-aged women, but few differences between middle-aged and younger-aged women at treatment admission. However, the longer duration of illness among MA warrants in-depth investigation of factors related to resistance to seeking treatment and to existing treatments failing patients, and consideration of tailoring treatment to course of illness.
Collapse
|
10
|
Gagne DA, Von Holle A, Brownley KA, Runfola CD, Hofmeier S, Branch KE, Bulik CM. Eating disorder symptoms and weight and shape concerns in a large web-based convenience sample of women ages 50 and above: results of the Gender and Body Image (GABI) study. Int J Eat Disord 2012; 45:832-44. [PMID: 22729743 PMCID: PMC3459309 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Limited research exists on eating disorder symptoms and attitudes and weight and shape concerns in women in midlife to older adulthood. We conducted an online survey to characterize these behaviors and concerns in women ages 50 and above. METHOD Participants (n = 1,849) were recruited via the Internet and convenience sampling. RESULTS Eating disorder symptoms, dieting and body checking behaviors, and weight and shape concerns were widely endorsed. Younger age and higher body mass index (BMI) were associated with greater endorsement of eating disorder symptoms, behaviors, and concerns. DISCUSSION Weight and shape concerns and disordered eating behaviors occur in women over 50 and vary by age and BMI. Focused research on disordered eating patterns in this age group is necessary to develop age-appropriate interventions and to meet the developmental needs of an important, growing, and underserved population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A. Gagne
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ann Von Holle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Sara Hofmeier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Cynthia M. Bulik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cumella EJ, Kally Z. Comparison of middle-age and young women inpatients with eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 2008; 13:183-90. [PMID: 19169074 DOI: 10.1007/bf03327505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare clinical presentations of eating disorders (ED) in midlife vs. younger inpatients. The sample consisted of 604 inpatients, 302 admitted to treatment at the age of 40 or older, and 302 admitted between ages 18-25, a more common ED age. Results suggested several unique features of midlife vs. younger ED inpatients: significantly more diagnoses of anorexia nervosa, both subtypes, and fewer diagnoses of bulimia nervosa; greater ED severity but fewer body image issues and less body image distortion; greater emotional and behavioral overcontrol and symptom denial; more bipolar and major depressive disorders, suicidality, and sexual abuse histories; a trend toward greater misuse of calming/sedating substances; and fewer maturation issues. The corresponding needs among midlife ED patients for specialized assessment and treatment interventions are considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E J Cumella
- Department of Research and Education, Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating Disorders, Wickenburg, Arizona 85390, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|