The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on administrative eating disorder prevalence in the outpatient sector and on severity of anorexia nervosa.

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have had a considerable impact on the mental health of children and adolescents, particularly regarding eating disorders. However, it remains unclear whether the pandemic affected only the frequency or also the severity of eating disorders. We examined potential pandemic-related changes in the administrative prevalence of eating disorders in the outpatient sector compared with other mental disorders using German statutory health insurance data for the age group 10 to 16 years. We also examined disorder severity of anorexia nervosa using data from the multicenter German Registry of Children and Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa in the same age group. Our results showed a marked increase in the administrative prevalence of eating disorders (based on documented diagnoses) in the outpatient sector among girls but not among boys. A similar pattern was found for internalizing disorders, whereas the administrative prevalences of externalizing disorders decreased. Regarding the severity of anorexia nervosa among inpatients, we found no pandemic-related changes in body mass index standard deviation score at admission, body weight loss before admission, psychiatric comorbidities and psychopharmacological medication. Given the administrative prevalence increase in the outpatient sector, the lack of impact of the pandemic on the inpatient sector may also be partly due to a shift in healthcare utilization towards outpatient services during the pandemic. Thus, the higher number of children and adolescents requiring specialized and timely outpatient care may be a major concern under pandemic conditions.

Premorbid body weight predicts weight loss in both anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa: Further support for a single underlying disorder.

OBJECTIVE: For adolescents, DSM-5 differentiates anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN with the 5th BMI-centile-for-age. We hypothesized that the diagnostic weight cut-off yields (i) lower weight loss in atypical AN and (ii) discrepant premorbid BMI distributions between the two disorders. Prior studies demonstrate that premorbid BMI predicts admission BMI and weight loss in patients with AN. We explore these relationships in atypical AN. METHOD: Based on admission BMI-centile < or ≥5th, participants included 411 female adolescent inpatients with AN and 49 with atypical AN from our registry study. Regression analysis and t-tests statistically addressed our hypotheses and exploratory correlation analyses compared interrelationships between weight loss, admission BMI, and premorbid BMI in both disorders. RESULTS: Weight loss in atypical AN was 5.6 kg lower than in AN upon adjustment for admission age, admission height, premorbid weight and duration of illness. Premorbid BMI-standard deviation scores differed by almost one between both disorders. Premorbid BMI and weight loss were strongly correlated in both AN and atypical AN. DISCUSSION: Whereas the weight cut-off induces discrepancies in premorbid weight and adjusted weight loss, AN and atypical AN overall share strong weight-specific interrelationships that merit etiological consideration. Epidemiological and genetic associations between AN and low body weight may reflect a skewed premorbid BMI distribution. In combination with prior findings for similar psychological and medical characteristics in AN and atypical AN, our findings support a homogenous illness conceptualization. We propose that diagnostic subcategorization based on premorbid BMI, rather than admission BMI, may improve clinical validity. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Because body weights of patients with AN must drop below the 5th BMI-centile per DSM-5, they will inherently require greater weight loss than their counterparts with atypical AN of the same sex, age, height and premorbid weight. Indeed, patients with atypical AN had a 5.6 kg lower weight loss after controlling for these variables. In comparison to the reference population, we found a lower and higher mean premorbid weight in patients with AN and atypical AN, respectively. Considering previous psychological and medical comparisons showing little differences between AN and atypical AN, we view a single disorder as the most parsimonious explanation. Etiological models need to particularly account for the strong relationship between weight loss and premorbid body weight.

Magnitude and Correlates of Symptomatic, Global Illness, and Social Functioning Response; Out-of-Home Placement; and Length of Stay in 1,189 Consecutively Hospitalized Children and Adolescents With Mental Disorders.

Objective: To identify outcome predictors in hospitalized youth with mental disorders.Methods: This retrospective analysis of systematically recorded clinical parameters in youth hospitalized for psychiatric treatment in 2004-2015 assessed magnitude and correlates of symptom response (SR), global illness response (GIR), social functioning (SF), out-of-home placement (OOHP), and length of stay (LOS). Backward elimination regression analyses were performed to identify independent baseline correlates of each of the 5 outcomes, with R2 representing the variance explained by the independent correlates retained in the final model.Results: Across 1,189 youth (median age = 14.4 years; interquartile range = 11.6,16.1 years; range, 5-19 years; females = 61.5%), frequencies of coprimary outcomes were as follows: SR = 57.5% (statistically significant correlates = 13, R2 = 0.154), GIR = 30.0% (correlates = 5, R2 = 0.078), SF = 19.0% (correlates = 8, R2 = 0.207), OOHP recommendation = 35.2% (correlates = 13, R2 = 0.275), and mean ± SD LOS = 65.0 ± 37.5 days (correlates = 11, R2 = 0.219). In multivariable analyses, 11 factors were statistically significantly (P < .05) associated with > 1 poor outcome: 4 with 4 outcomes (disturbed social interaction, substance abuse/dependence symptoms; sole exception for both = LOS; disturbed drive/attention/impulse control, sole exception = OOHP; higher admission BMI percentile [but shorter LOS], sole exception = GIR), 3 with 3 outcomes (higher admission age [but good SF and shorter LOS], more abnormal psychosocial circumstances, more mental health diagnoses), and 4 with 2 outcomes (intelligence level [IQ] < 85, obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, disturbed social behavior, somatic findings). Additionally, 17 correlates were statistically significantly (P < .05) associated with 1 outcome, ie, SR = 6, OOHP = 5, LOS = 5, SF = 1.Conclusions: Higher admission BMI percentile, disturbed social interaction, disturbed drive/attention/impulse control, and substance abuse/dependence symptoms were independently associated with multiple poor outcomes in mentally ill youth requiring inpatient care. Knowledge of global and specific correlates of poor inpatient treatment outcomes may help inform treatment decisions.

The mediating role of attachment and anger: exploring the impact of maternal early-life maltreatment on child abuse potential.

Background: Maternal early-life maltreatment (ELM) increases the risk of subsequent child maltreatment, but the underlying mechanisms of these intergenerational effects remain largely unknown. Identifying these mechanisms is crucial for developing preventive interventions that can break the cycle of abuse. Notably, previous research has shown that ELM often results in attachment insecurity and altered anger characteristics. Therefore, this study determines whether these characteristics mediate the relationship between maternal history of ELM and child abuse potential. Methods: The study sample included 254 mothers, of whom 149 had experienced ELM to at least a moderate degree. Maternal ELM was assessed using the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse (CECA) interview. Attachment insecurity, trait anger and anger expression, and maternal abuse potential were assessed using the Vulnerable Attachment Questionnaire (VASQ), State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), and Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI), respectively. Results: The severity of maternal ELM predicted higher child abuse potential, with attachment insecurity and anger suppression mediating this effect. Specifically, higher levels of maternal ELM were associated with greater attachment insecurity and increased anger suppression, resulting in a higher child abuse potential. Although higher levels of trait anger were directly associated with higher child abuse potential, this parameter did not mediate the relationship with ELM. In addition, no significant associations were observed between outwardly expressed anger and ELM or child abuse potential. All analyses were adjusted for maternal mental disorders, years of education, and relationship status. Discussion: Attachment insecurity and anger suppression may serve as pathways linking the maternal history of ELM to the risk of child abuse, even when considering maternal psychopathology. Overall, our findings indicate that interventions aimed at strengthening attachment and improving anger suppression may be beneficial for all mothers with ELM history and high child abuse potential, not just those who suffer from mental illness.

Antipsychotic effects on anthropometric outcomes in anorexia nervosa: a retrospective chart review of hospitalized children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Off-label antipsychotic use is not uncommon in youth with anorexia nervosa (AN), aiming to enhance suboptimal weight restoration, yet its efficacy remains debated, especially in youth. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of consecutively admitted inpatients (ages 8-18 years) with restricting/binge-purge AN, comparing youth with versus without antipsychotic treatment regarding baseline factors, treatment, and anthropometric outcome characteristics including all patients and matched subgroups. Matched subsamples were also compared regarding faster versus slower weight change (median split). Furthermore, within-subject analyses compared weight gain trajectories before versus after antipsychotic use in antipsychotic-treated youth. These results were then compared in a pre-/post design with the matched control group without antipsychotic treatment, using the mean duration until antipsychotic use in the antipsychotic-treated group as the dividing timeline, controlling for a potential order effect, in that later rather than earlier antipsychotic treatment for AN may be more successful. RESULTS: Of 294 youth with AN (median age = 15.2 (interquartile range = 14.0, 16.6) years, females = 96.6%, restricting subtype = 81.0%, hospitalization duration = 98.2 ± 43.2 days), 44 (15.0%) underwent 52 antipsychotic trials (olanzapine = 63.5%). In multivariable analyses, antipsychotic use was independently associated with younger age, childhood physical abuse history, comorbid borderline personality traits, and lower pre-antipsychotic weight gain (p < 0.0001). In unmatched groups, antipsychotic-treated versus non-treated youth had significantly lower discharge anthropometric parameters, longer inpatient treatment, and lower weight change/week (p < 0.001-p = 0.005), without significant differences between olanzapine and non-olanzapine antipsychotics (p = 0.27-0.44). Non-significant antipsychotic effects on weight outcomes were confirmed in (1) matched subgroups of antipsychotic-treated versus non-treated youth (n = 43 each), (2) youth with faster versus slower weight gain (n = 21 vs. n = 22), and (3) antipsychotic-treated youth when comparing weight change before versus after antipsychotic use (n = 31). Moreover, in antipsychotic-treated youth, weight change/week remained significantly lower versus matched non-antipsychotic-treated youth (n = 31) both before (p = 0.053) and after (p = 0.006) the median time (5 weeks) until antipsychotic use. CONCLUSIONS: In this naturalistic study, clinician's antipsychotic choice, given to a more severely ill subgroup of adolescents with AN, did not significantly improve overall worse weight change trajectories during inpatient treatment, even in matched subgroups. Randomized trials in individuals reflecting real-world samples are needed to evaluate the utility of antipsychotic treatment in youth with AN.

Anorexia nervosa is one of the psychiatric diseases with the highest risk of death in adolescence. People with anorexia nervosa are often severely underweight out of fear of being too "fat". Treatment is difficult. Clinicians not infrequently use off-label antipsychotic medications to improve weight gain in anorexia nervosa. Unfortunately, currently, there is little evidence of efficacy for antipsychotics, especially in children and adolescents. We examined the files of youth (8­18 years old) who were treated as inpatients between 1992 and 2015. Altogether, 44 (15%) of the 294 youth were prescribed antipsychotics, with antipsychotic use increasing over time (1992 = 0% to 2015 = 20%). Of all antipsychotic drugs, olanzapine was given most frequently (64%). Patients who received antipsychotic medications were younger and sicker than patients without antipsychotics. Also, patients prescribed antipsychotics gained less weight per week before starting antipsychotics. They also gained less weight than patients not receiving antipsychotics. Despite being treated longer as inpatients, antipsychotic-treated youth had lower discharge body weight values. We did not find differences between olanzapine and other antipsychotics regarding weight gain. In summary, we found that antipsychotics did not help with weight gain in youth with anorexia nervosa.

Frequency and correlates of lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among consecutively hospitalized youth with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: results from a retrospective chart review.

BACKGROUND: Youth with eating disorders (EDs) face an increased risk of a premature suicide death. Precursors of completed suicide are suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, which need to be well understood to prevent suicide. However, epidemiological data on the lifetime prevalence and clinical correlates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts (i.e., "suicidality") are lacking for the vulnerable group of inpatient ED youth. METHODS: This retrospective chart review was conducted at a psychiatric child and adolescent inpatient department, covering a 25-year period. Consecutively hospitalized youth with an ICD-10 diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (AN), restricting type (AN-R), binge-purging type (AN-BP), and bulimia nervosa (BN) were included. Data extraction and coding were standardized with trained raters extracting information from patient records according to a procedural manual and using a piloted data extraction template. The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was calculated for each ED subgroup, and clinical correlates of suicidality were analyzed via multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: In the sample of 382 inpatients aged 9-18 years (median age = 15.6, females = 97.1%; AN-R: n = 242, BN: n = 84, AN-BP: n = 56), 30.6% of patients had lifetime suicidal ideation (BN:52.4% ≈ AN-BP:44.6% > AN-R:19.8%, χ2(2,382) = 37.2, p < 0.001, Φ = 0.31), and 3.4% of patients reported a history of suicide attempts (AN-BP:8.9% ≈ BN:4.8% > AN-R:1.7%, χ2(2,382) = 7.9, p = 0.019, Φ = 0.14). Independent clinical correlates of suicidality were i) for AN-R a higher number of psychiatric comorbidities (OR = 3.02 [1.90, 4.81], p < 0.001), and body weight < 1st BMI percentile at hospital admission (OR = 1.25 [1.07,1.47], p = 0.005) (r2 = 0.20); ii) for AN-BP patients a higher number of psychiatric comorbidities (OR = 3.68 [1.50, 9.04], p = 0.004) and history of childhood abuse (OR = 0.16 [0.03, 0.96], p = 0.045) (r2 = 0.36), and iii) for BN patients a higher prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)(OR = 3.06 [1.37, 6.83], p = 0.006) (r2 = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: About half of youth inpatients with AN-BP and BN had lifetime suicidal ideation, and one-tenth of patients with AN-BP had attempted suicide. Treatment programs need to address specific clinical correlates of suicidality, namely, low body weight, psychiatric comorbidities, history of childhood abuse, and NSSI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was not a clinical trial but a retrospective chart review based on routinely assessed clinical parameters. The study includes data from human participants; however: (1) no intervention and no prospective assignment to interventions were performed, and (2) no evaluation of intervention in participants was accomplished.

[Social Networks of Children with Mental Disorders]. / Soziale Netzwerke von Kindern mit psychischen Störungen.

Social Networks of Children with Mental Disorders Abstract. The study compares the social networks of children with mental disorders with a matched control group (n = 75/75, male 69 %/69 %, age: 9.4/9.0 years). In addition, we examined the quantity and structure of social networks as well as the stresses and resources in the respective patient group in general and regarding specific disorders (hyperkinetic disorder, HKS, and childhood emotional disorder). We assessed their use of social networks with a revision of the Social Relationship Test for Children (SoBeKi-R) and their mental disorders via clinical diagnoses, CBCL, and SDQ. The patients reported significantly smaller networks overall and fewer social resources, particularly in the nonfamily domains. While children with emotional disorders were found to have fewer social strains than the comparison group, children with ADHD tended to have higher strain scores per network person, and externalizing symptoms were significantly associated with higher network strains. The results, which vary by disorder, suggest complex disorder-specific associations between the syndromes and the reported social network resources and strains.

Lifetime prevalence and clinical correlates of nonsuicidal self-injury in youth inpatients with eating disorders: a retrospective chart review.

BACKGROUND: Youths with eating disorders (EDs) engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) are at higher suicide risk because EDs and NSSI are associated with suicidality. However, epidemiologic data on NSSI lacks in the vulnerable group of youth ED inpatients. METHODS: This retrospective chart review included patients up to 18 years of age with an ICD-10 diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, restricting type (AN-R), anorexia nervosa, binge-purge type (AN-BP), and bulimia nervosa (BN), treated at the child and adolescent inpatient department of the University Hospital in Berlin, Germany, between 1990 and 2015. Across and within ED subgroups, lifetime NSSI prevalence, methods of self-harm, and clinical correlates were evaluated. Independent correlations of demographic and clinical factors with NSSI were identified via multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Of 382 inpatients (median = 15.6 (range = 9-18) years, females = 97.1%), 21.5% reported lifetime NSSI, consisting of cutting = 86.6%, scratching = 12.2%, and hitting = 8.5%. NSSI was more frequent in BN (47.6%) and AN-BP (39.3%) than AN-R (8.3%) (Φ = 0.43). Across ED subgroups, NSSI was associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities (AN-R: Φ = 0.55; AN-BP: Φ = 0.69; BN: Φ = 0.78), suicidal ideation (AN-R: Φ = 0.30; AN-BP: Φ = 0.38; BN: Φ = 0.29), and psychiatric medication use (AN-R: Φ = 0.23; AN-BP: Φ = 0.64; BN: Φ = 0.60). In multivariable regression analyses, NSSI was independently associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities (AN-R: OR = 2.93 [1.42, 6.04]; AN-BP: OR = 2.67 [1.13, 6.31]; BN: OR = 3.75 [1.71, 8.23]). Additionally, independent correlates with NSSI in AN-R included a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (OR = 0.21 [0.72, 0.64]) and less weekly weight gain (OR = 0.03 [0.02, 0.43]), while in BN, NSSI was correlated with longer inpatient treatment duration (OR = 1.01 [1.00, 1.02]). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high lifetime prevalence of NSSI among youth with AN and BN requiring inpatient treatment, especially those with binge-purge behaviors. Treatment programs must be tailored to address psychiatric comorbidities and suicidality to improve patient care and suicide prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was not considered a clinical trial but a retrospective chart review based on routinely assessed clinical parameters. The study includes data from human participants, however: (1) no intervention and no prospective assignment to interventions were performed, and (2) no evaluation of an intervention on participants was accomplished.

[Outpatient Psychological Therapies in Children and Adolescents in Germany: Status Quo and Time Trends, 2009-2018]. / Ambulante psychotherapeutische Versorgung von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland: Status quo und Trends im Zeitraum 2009­2018.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of outpatient psychological therapies (PT) in youths with statutory health insurance in Germany. METHODS: Based on statutory health insurance funds data for 2009-2018, the prevalence of outpatient PT was assessed, stratified by sex, age, and federal state. Psychotherapeutic specialty, coded psychiatric diagnoses, and type of PT were also analysed. RESULTS: In 2018, 7.3 % received any form of PT (2009: 7.1 %). Of these, 18.4 % (2009: 12.8 %) received therapy according to the directives for psychotherapy (dPT), with CBT (since 2012) being most frequently used. PT prevalence was highest in 15- to 19-year olds, and only marginally differed by sex. Child psychiatrists delivered the majority of PTs. Main diagnoses were anxiety/emotional disorders, ADHD, and adjustment disorders. CONCLUSION: During the studied period, PT prevalence has not changed markedly. Yet, the share of dPT has increased, with CBT ranking top.

Reasons for admission and variance of body weight at referral in female inpatients with anorexia nervosa in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) at hospital admission in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) represents a prognostic marker for mortality, chronicity and future body weight. The current study focused on the associations between BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) at admission and reasons for seeking inpatient treatment. Further interest was given to the relationship between premorbid weight and weight at admission, as well as the effect of both weight at referral and reasons for admission on treatment outcome. METHODS: Data ascertained in the German Register of Children and Adolescents with AN were analysed to assess the parental and patient overlap for 23 predefined reasons for admission, using factor analyses and regressions models. RESULTS: Complete parent-patient data sets were available for 360 patients out of 769. The highest consensus rates between parents and patients were obtained for weight and eating behavior related reasons and hyperactivity. Based on factor analysis, four factors emerged. Premorbid BMI-SDS, age and 'low body weight' as stated by patients or parents explained almost 40% of the variance of the BMI-SDS at admission. CONCLUSIONS: Results underscore the relevance of age and premorbid BMI for BMI at admission. Only single reasons for admission explained further variance, with 'low body weight' having the largest effect. Approximately 40% of the variance of BMI-SDS was explained. For the first time, the effect of premorbid BMI for BMI at admission was robustly demonstrated in a multicenter study. Of the variance in BMI-SDS at discharge, our model could explain 37%, with reasons for admission having a small effect. Further investigation of the reasons for admission would be worthwhile to improve treatment and prognosis.

Evaluation of spontaneous regional brain activity in weight-recovered anorexia nervosa.

Whereas research using structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) reports sizable grey matter reductions in patients suffering from acute anorexia nervosa (AN) to be largely reversible already after short-term weight gain, many task-based and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) studies suggest persistent brain alterations even after long-term weight rehabilitation. First investigations into spontaneous regional brain activity using voxel-wise resting-state measures found widespread abnormalities in acute AN, but no studies have compared intrinsic brain activity properties in weight-recovered individuals with a history of AN (recAN) with healthy controls (HCs). SMRI and RSFC data were analysed from a sample of 130 female volunteers: 65 recAN and 65 pairwise age-matched HC. Cortical grey matter thickness was assessed using FreeSurfer software. Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFFs), mean-square successive difference (MSSD), regional homogeneity (ReHo), voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VHMC), and degree centrality (DC) were calculated. SMRI and RSFC data were analysed from a sample of 130 female volunteers: 65 recAN and 65 pairwise age-matched HCs. Cortical grey matter thickness was assessed using FreeSurfer software. Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), mean-square successive difference (MSSD), regional homogeneity (ReHo), voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VHMC), and degree centrality (DC) were calculated. Abnormal regional homogeneity found in acute AN seems to normalize in recAN, supporting assumptions of a state rather than a trait marker. Aberrant fALFF values in the cerebellum and the infertior temporal gyrus could possibly hint towards trait factors or a scar (the latter, e.g., from prolonged periods of undernutrition), warranting further longitudinal research.

Early life maltreatment and depression: Mediating effect of maternal hair cortisol concentration on child abuse potential.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal early life maltreatment (ELM) and history of depression can bear a risk for adverse development in the child. One neurobiological pathway for the transmission of both maternal ELM and remitted depression (MDD) might be altered maternal cortisol levels. In the present study, we examine (1) main and interacting effects of maternal ELM and remitted MDD on hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in mothers, whether (2) maternal HCC explains the association between maternal ELM or remitted MDD and maternal child abuse potential, and (3) whether maternal child abuse potential as well as maternal HCC are associated with maternal report of child well-being. METHODS: The current study involved 127 mother-child dyads. Maternal history of ELM and psychopathology were assessed via the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) and Childhood Experience and Care (CECA) interview. The Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI) was used to assess maternal child abuse and neglect potential. We applied the Kidscreen-27 parent report to study child well-being. To assess HCC, hair strands were taken from the mothers. To test the research questions, a two-factorial analysis of covariance, mediation analysis using ordinary least squares regressions with bootstrapping, and Pearson correlations were calculated. RESULTS: Mothers with ELM had significantly increased HCC. There was no effect of remitted MDD on HCC, nor an interaction effect of both factors. HCC was a significant mediator of the association between maternal ELM and maternal child abuse potential. Maternal child abuse potential as well as HCC were significantly associated with reduced child well-being. DISCUSSION: Our data suggest that adverse experiences in childhood are associated with altered HPA-axis functioning reflected in increased levels of HCC. HPA-axis activity is not altered in mothers with remitted MDD. From a clinical point of view, one might speculate that the partially mediating effect of maternal HCC could indicate a starting point in the prevention of the intergenerational cycle of abuse.

Subjective evaluation of outpatient treatment for adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND: The current study investigates determinants of treatment evaluation by adolescent outpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and the accordance with their parents' and psychotherapists' evaluation. SAMPLING AND METHODS: The sample included 50 female adolescent outpatients (mean age: 16.9 ± 1.8) with AN (DSM-IV). They were randomly assigned to either cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) or dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT). Before (T1) and after treatment (T2) diagnostic interviews as well as self-report questionnaires were administered measuring eating disorder-specific and general psychopathology. The subjective evaluation of the therapy was assessed by a self-report questionnaire. Data on the evaluation of treatment of 42 parents were considered as well as treatment evaluations of the therapists for 48 patients. RESULTS: Our results revealed significant correlations of treatment satisfaction between parents and therapists, whereas patients and therapists as well as patients and parents did not agree in their treatment evaluation. The change in body mass index (BMI) was a significant predictor of the patients' treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Adolescent patients displaying high severity of AN at the beginning of treatment put little emphasis on the importance of body weight even after treatment. Satisfaction ratings of this special group of patients could be heavily distorted and have to be interpreted carefully. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Alterations of empathy in mothers with a history of early life maltreatment, depression, and borderline personality disorder and their effects on child psychopathology.

BACKGROUND: Early life maltreatment (ELM), borderline personality disorder (BPD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) have been associated with empathy deficits in different domains. Lack of maternal empathy has also been related to child behavioral problems. As ELM, BPD, and MDD often co-occur, we aimed to identify dissociable effects on empathy due to these three factors. In addition, we aimed to investigate their indirect effects via empathy on child psychopathology. METHODS: We included 251 mothers with and without MDD (in remission), BPD and ELM and their children, aged 5-12. We used the Interpersonal Reactivity Index as a measure of empathy on four different dimensions (personal distress, empathic concern, perspective taking, and fantasy) and the Child Behavior Checklist as a measure of child psychopathology. RESULTS: Having included all three factors (ELM, MDD, BPD) in one analysis, we found elevated personal distress in MDD and BPD, and lower levels of perspective-taking in BPD, but no effects from ELM on any empathy subscales. Furthermore, we found indirect effects from maternal BPD and MDD on child psychopathology, via maternal personal distress. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated the dissociable effects of maternal ELM, MDD, and BPD on empathy. Elevated personal distress in mothers with BPD and MDD may lead to higher levels of child psychopathology.

A naturalistic investigation of cognitive-affective dysfunction in anorexia nervosa: The role of inefficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Research has shown that rumination and negative affect are elevated in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), but the underlying origins remain unclear. Drawing from the theoretical framework of the Goal Progress Theory of rumination, we propose that heightened feelings of "inefficiency" (i.e., low self-efficacy) in AN might play an important role in these dysfunctional cognitive-affective processes. METHOD: Thirty-two weight-recovered participants with a history of AN and 32 healthy control participants filled out questionnaires regarding rumination and affect six times a day over a period of 2 weeks via ecological momentary assessment in real-life. RESULTS: Analyses via hierarchical as well as conceptual process modeling suggest that while inefficiency is generally associated with more rumination and negative affect, additional amplifying mechanisms between these variables exist specifically in recovered participants with a history of AN. DISCUSSION: Inefficiency as a core aspect of AN appears to trigger dysfunctional cognitive-affective processes which may contribute to vulnerability for AN.

Incontinence and constipation in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa-Results of a multicenter study from a German web-based registry for children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: Nocturnal enuresis (NE), daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), and fecal incontinence (FI) are common disorders in childhood and are frequently accompanied by comorbid psychiatric disorders. Despite a high association between urinary and fecal incontinence with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, research on comorbidity between incontinence and anorexia nervosa (AN) remains scarce. Yet, it is well known that somatic consequences of AN include metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders. The study sought to assess the prevalence of incontinence and constipation in children and adolescents with AN and to examine associations of these two symptoms with body weight at admission and with BMI changes during inpatient treatment. METHODS: Data collected between 2015 and 2017 by a multicenter German web-based registry for AN were analyzed. Three hundred and forty-eight patients with AN (96.3% female, mean age = 15.1 ± 1.8 years) were assessed regarding AN subtype, psychiatric comorbidity, body weight, incontinence, and constipation. RESULTS: Overall, 27.6% of patients had constipation, 1.8% had NE and 1.8% DUI. Prevalence of constipation did not significantly differ between AN subtypes. Constipation did not lead to any significant differences in weight/BMI changes during inpatient treatment. DISCUSSION: This is the largest study of incontinence and constipation in patients with AN, so far. Our results indicate that constipation is highly prevalent in adolescent patients with AN and reflects a clinically relevant condition. Despite, patients with AN do not have an increased prevalence of incontinence compared with the general population. Future studies should include medical examinations like ultrasound and physical examination of the lower abdomen to evaluate the severity of constipation.

Does helping mothers in multigenerational ADHD also help children in the long run? 2-year follow-up from baseline of the AIMAC randomized controlled multicentre trial.

ADHD often affects multiple generations in a family. Previous studies suggested that children with ADHD benefit less from therapy if parents are also affected, since ADHD symptoms interfere with treatment implementation. This two-group randomised controlled trial examined whether targeting maternal ADHD boosts the efficacy of parent-child training (PCT) for the child's ADHD. Here, we report follow-up results 2 years from baseline. Mothers of 144 mother-child dyads (ADHD according to DSM-IV) were examined for eligibility (T1) and randomised to 12 weeks of intensive multimodal treatment comprising pharmacotherapy and DBT-based cognitive behavioural group psychotherapy (TG, n = 77) or clinical management comprising non-specific counselling (CG, n = 67) for Step 1 (concluded by T2). Subsequently, all dyads participated in 12 weekly PCT sessions for Step 2 (concluded by T3). In Step 3, participants received maintenance treatments for 6 months (concluded by T4). At 24 months after baseline (T5), we performed follow-up assessments. The primary endpoint was child ADHD/ODD score (observer blind rating). Outcomes at T5 were evaluated using ANCOVA. Assessments from 101 children and 95 mothers were available at T5. Adjusted means (m) of ADHD/ODD symptoms (range 0-26) in children did not differ between TG and CG (mean difference = 1.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.1). The maternal advantage of TG over CG on the CAARS-O:L ADHD index (range 0-36) disappeared at T5 (mean difference = 0.2; 95% CI - 2.3 to 2.6). Sensitivity analyses controlling for medication and significant predictors of follow-up participation showed unchanged outcomes. Within-group outcomes remained improved from baseline. At the 24-month follow-up, TG and CG converged. The superiority of intensive treatment regarding maternal symptoms disappeared. In general, cross-generational treatment seems to be effective in the long term. (BMBF grant 01GV0605; registration ISRCTN73911400).

Clinical Characteristics of Inpatients with Childhood vs. Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa.

We aimed to compare the clinical data at first presentation to inpatient treatment of children (<14 years) vs. adolescents (≥14 years) with anorexia nervosa (AN), focusing on duration of illness before hospital admission and body mass index (BMI) at admission and discharge, proven predictors of the outcomes of adolescent AN. Clinical data at first admission and at discharge in 289 inpatients with AN (children: n = 72; adolescents: n = 217) from a German multicenter, web-based registry for consecutively enrolled patients with childhood and adolescent AN were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were a maximum age of 18 years, first inpatient treatment due to AN, and a BMI <10th BMI percentile at admission. Compared to adolescents, children with AN had a shorter duration of illness before admission (median: 6.0 months vs. 8.0 months, p = 0.004) and higher BMI percentiles at admission (median: 0.7 vs. 0.2, p = 0.004) as well as at discharge (median: 19.3 vs. 15.1, p = 0.011). Thus, in our study, children with AN exhibited clinical characteristics that have been associated with better outcomes, including higher admission and discharge BMI percentile. Future studies should examine whether these factors are actually associated with positive long-term outcomes in children.