Restrictive eating disorders in children and adolescents: a comparison between clinical and psychopathological profiles.

PURPOSE: DSM-5 describe three forms of restrictive and selective eating: Anorexia Nervosa-Restrictive (AN-R), Anorexia Nervosa-Atypical (AN-A), and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). While AN is widely studied, the psychopathological differences among these three diseases are not clear. The aim of this study was to (i) compare the clinical features of AN-R, AN-A, and ARFID, in a clinical sample recruited from a specialized EDs program within a tertiary care children's Hospital; (ii) identifying three specific symptom profiles, to better understand if restrictive ED share a common psychopathological basis. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively. Psychometric assessment included: the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC), the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3). RESULTS: A final sample of 346 children and adolescent patients were analyzed: AN-R was the most frequent subtype (55.8%), followed by ARFID (27.2%) and AN-A (17%). Patients with ARFID presented different features from AN-R and AN-A, characterized by lower weight and medical impairment, younger age at onset, and a frequent association with separation anxiety and ADHD symptoms. EDI-3 profiles showed specific different impairment for both AN groups compared to ARFID. However, no differences was detected for items: 'Interpersonal Insecurity', "Interoceptive Deficits", "Emotional Dysregulation", and "Maturity Fears". CONCLUSIONS: Different ED profiles was found for the three groups, but they share the same general psychopathological vulnerability, which could be at the core of EDs in adolescence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III. Evidence obtained from case-control analytic studies.

Eating habits and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 lockdown: an Italian survey.

BACKGROUND: On December 12th 2019, a new coronavirus (SARS-Cov2) emerged in Wuhan, China, sparking a pandemic of acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19). On the 24th of April 2020, the number of COVID-19 deaths in the world, according to the COVID-Case Tracker by Johns Hopkins University, was 195,313, and the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases was 2,783,512. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a massive impact on human health, causing sudden lifestyle changes, through social distancing and isolation at home, with social and economic consequences. Optimizing public health during this pandemic requires not only knowledge from the medical and biological sciences, but also of all human sciences related to lifestyle, social and behavioural studies, including dietary habits and lifestyle. METHODS: Our study aimed to investigate the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating habits and lifestyle changes among the Italian population aged ≥ 12 years. The study comprised a structured questionnaire packet that inquired demographic information (age, gender, place of residence, current employment); anthropometric data (reported weight and height); dietary habits information (adherence to the Mediterranean diet, daily intake of certain foods, food frequency, and number of meals/day); lifestyle habits information (grocery shopping, habit of smoking, sleep quality and physical activity). The survey was conducted from the 5th to the 24th of April 2020. RESULTS: A total of 3533 respondents have been included in the study, aged between 12 and 86 years (76.1% females). The perception of weight gain was observed in 48.6% of the population; 3.3% of smokers decided to quit smoking; a slight increased physical activity has been reported, especially for bodyweight training, in 38.3% of respondents; the population group aged 18-30 years resulted in having a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet when compared to the younger and the elderly population (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively); 15% of respondents turned to farmers or organic, purchasing fruits and vegetables, especially in the North and Center of Italy, where BMI values were lower. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we have provided for the first time data on the Italian population lifestyle, eating habits and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet pattern during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, our data need to be confirmed and investigated in future more extensive population studies.

COVID-19: Is there a role for immunonutrition in obese patient?

On December 12, 2019 a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, China, triggering a pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19). Today, the scientific community is investing all the resources available to find any therapy and prevention strategies to defeat COVID-19. In this context, immunonutrition can play a pivotal role in improving immune responses against viral infections. Immunonutrition has been based on the concept that malnutrition impairs immune function. Therefore, immunonutrition involves feeding enriched with various pharmaconutrients (Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin C, Arginine, Glutamine, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamin, E and Vitamin D) to modulate inflammatory responses, acquired immune response and to improve patient outcomes. In literature, significant evidences indicate that obesity, a malnutrition state, negatively impacts on immune system functionality and on host defense, impairing protection from infections. Immunonutrients can promote patient recovery by inhibiting inflammatory responses and regulating immune function. Immune system dysfunction is considered to increase the risk of viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2, and was observed in different pathological situations. Obese patients develop severe COVID-19 sequelae, due to the high concentrations of TNF-α, MCP-1 and IL-6 produced in the meantime by visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue and by innate immunity. Moreover, leptin, released by adipose tissue, helps to increase inflammatory milieu with a dysregulation of the immune response. Additionally, gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the maturation, development and functions of both innate and adaptive immune system, as well as contributing to develop obese phenotype. The gut microbiota has been shown to affect lung health through a vital crosstalk between gut microbiota and lungs, called the "gut-lung axis". This axis communicates through a bi-directional pathway in which endotoxins, or microbial metabolites, may affect the lung through the blood and when inflammation occurs in the lung, this in turn can affect the gut microbiota. Therefore, the modulation of gut microbiota in obese COVID-19 patients can play a key role in immunonutrition therapeutic strategy. This umbrella review seeks to answer the question of whether a nutritional approach can be used to enhance the immune system's response to obesity in obese patients affected by COVID-19.

Maternal mental health and reproductive outcomes: a scoping review of the current literature.

PURPOSE: Current data show that maternal mental conditions affect about 10% of pregnant women worldwide. Assessing timing and patterns of mental health illness, therefore, is critical to ensure the wellbeing of the mother, the new-born and the whole family. The aim of this review is to summarize the latest evidence linking maternal mental disorders and adverse reproductive outcomes. METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, a literature search was conducted to ascertain the possible impact of mental health conditions on reproductive outcomes before and during pregnancy. The comprehensive strategy included cohort studies, randomised controlled trials and literature reviews on women with Primary Maternal Mental Illness (PMMI) and Secondary Maternal Mental Illness (SMMI) considering periconceptional, obstetric and foetal-neonatal outcomes. PubMed, WoS, CINAHL and Google scholar were used for the search. Cross-referencing in bibliographies of the selected papers ensured wider study capture. RESULTS: Evidence linking depressive disorders and infertility among PMMI is weak. Given this, women with prior mental conditions experience additional distress when undergoing fertility treatments. Primary mental disorders may also increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications (e.g., gestational diabetes). For SMMI, there is more robust evidence correlating Preterm Birth (PTB) and Low Birth Weight (LBW) with common mental disorders which develop during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Prevention and management of maternal mental health diseases and minor mental conditions within the first 1000 days' timeframe, should have a place in the holistic approach to women going through reproductive decisions, infertility treatment and pregnancy.

Psychopathological Profile Associated with Food Addiction Symptoms in Adolescents with Eating Disorders.

Eating disorders are considered one of the psychiatric disorders with a higher risk of death. Food addiction, related to some food addictive-like behaviours, is often in comorbidity with eating disorders and is associated with worse psychopathology. The present study aims to outline the food addiction profile, investigated using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0), in 122 adolescents (median age: 15.6 years) suffering from eating disorders and to investigate its association with psychopathology. Patients filled out the Youth Self Report, the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children 2, The Children Depression Inventory 2, and the Eating Disorder Inventory 3 (EDI-3). Pearson's chi-square test and multiple correspondence analysis were used to identify profiles. The mean symptom count was 2.8 ± 2.7. The "withdrawal" symptom was the most frequent (51%) and the most associated with clinical scores. The diagnosis of bulimia nervosa and the EDI-3 bulimia scale resulted to be the only variables to be associated with positive YFAS 2.0 symptoms. Conversely, anorexia nervosa, restrictive and atypical, was not associated with YFAS 2.0 symptoms. In conclusion, outlining the food addiction profile of eating disorders may give information about a patient's phenotype and could help to identify specific treatment models.

Public Engagement in Digital Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Parental Behaviours from Preconception through the First 1000 Days.

Web-based digital interventions may play a central role for health promoting strategies in the first "1000 days", from conception through the first 2 years of life. We developed a web platform providing evidence-based recommendations in the first 1000 days through short videos, and we studied engagement by users from preconception through parenthood in the second year of life. We described the access to videos by topic and used a multilevel model to explore the user characteristics associated with access to the video recommendations. Overall, breastfeeding, physical activity and nutrition were the most popular topics (normalized views: 89.2%, 87.2% and 86.4% respectively), while content on paternal health and smoking and alcohol was less engaging (37.3% and 42.0%). Nutrition content was the most viewed in the preconception period and during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Nutrition and breastfeeding were also the most popular topics for users with children less than 2 years old. Higher levels of health literacy were associated only with child health content. The study findings indicate that digital strategies should be adapted according to the time period in the first 1000 days. Alternative digital promotion strategies for the less engaging topics should be considered.

Prioritizing educational initiatives on emerging technologies for Italian pediatricians: bibliometric review and a survey.

BACKGROUND: Emerging technologies have demonstrated outstanding potential in improving healthcare, yet their full integration remains a challenge for all medical specialties, including pediatrics. To support the swift implementation of technologies, we identified the current trends through a bibliometric review, and we conducted a survey on Italian pediatricians to gauge educational needs and willingness to integrate technologies into clinical practice. METHODS: A working group of pediatricians representing various backgrounds designed and coordinated the study. To identify relevant topics for educational strategy development, we focused on virtual reality, telehealth, natural language processing, smartphone applications, robotics, genomics, and artificial intelligence. A bibliometric analysis limited to 2018-2023 was performed to identify trends and emerging applications within each topic. Based on the results, a questionnaire was developed and made available online to all Italian pediatricians. The results were analyzed through descriptive analysis and a multivariable logistic regression to explore associations between technology adoption and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 3,253 publications were found, with Telehealth and Telemedicine having the highest number of publications and Natural Language Processing the lowest. The number of respondents to the online questionnaire was 1,540, predominantly medical doctors with over 20 years of experience working as family pediatricians. Telehealth had the highest level of knowledge (95.2%), followed by smartphone applications (89.1%) and genomics (63.2%). The greatest potential for increased use through education programs was projected for natural language processing (+ 43.1%), artificial intelligence (+ 39.6%), and virtual and mixed reality (+ 38.1%). Female respondents and older individuals were less likely to use emerging technologies. Hospital pediatricians and residents were more likely to use AI. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a replicable strategy to identify emerging themes in medical technologies relevant to pediatrics and assess the educational needs of pediatricians. A significant gap still exists between current and potential usage of emerging technologies among Italian pediatricians although they showed a positive attitude towards implementing these technologies following specific education programs. The study highlights the need for comprehensive education programs on emerging technologies in pediatrics and recommends addressing gender and age disparities in technology adoption.

Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet, Body Composition and Energy Expenditure in Outpatients Adolescents Diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study.

Weight restoration is the primary goal of treatment for patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). This observational pilot study aims to describe adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and the consequent process of weight and functional recovery in outpatient adolescents diagnosed with AN. Eight patients with a median age of 15.1 (14.0-17.1) years were seen at baseline and after six months. Anthropometrics, body composition, and resting energy expenditure (REE) were assessed. The KIDMED questionnaire, the 24 h recall, and a quantitative food frequency questionnaire were used to evaluate adherence to the MD. The median KIDMED score increased from 5.5 (T0) to 10 (T1), which was not significant. Intakes of grams of carbohydrates, lipids, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, and fiber increased (p = 0.012, p = 0.036, p = 0.036, p = 0.025). Weight significantly increased (p = 0.012) as well as lean body mass (p = 0.036), with a resulting improvement of the REE (p = 0.012). No association between anthropometrics and body composition and the KIDMED score was found. The MD could represent an optimal dietary pattern for weight gain and nutritional restoration in patients with AN, and it could lead to an improvement in body composition and resting energy expenditure.

EIF2B2 gene mutation causing early onset vanishing white matter disease: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Leukoencephalopathy with vanishing white matter (VWM) is an autosomal recessive neurological disease. The physiopathology of disease is still little understood, but it seems to involve impairment in maturation of astrocytes; as a consequence white matter is more prone to cellular stress. Disease is caused by mutations in five genes encoding subunits of the translation initiation factor eIF2B. We know five different types of VWM syndrome classified based different ages of onset (prenatal, infantile, childhood, juvenile and adult onset). CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 4-month-old boy with early seizure onset, recurrent hypoglycemia and post mortem diagnosis of vanishing white matter disease (VMD). At the admission he presented suspected critical episodes, resolved after intravenous administration of benzodiazepines. The brain MRI showed total absence of myelination that suggested hypomyelination leukoencephalopathy. The whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a variant of EIF2B2 gene (p. Val308Met) present in homozygosity. In this case report we also describe the clinical evolution of seizures, in fact the epileptic seizures had a polymorphic aspect, from several complex partial seizures secondarily generalized to status epilepticus. CONCLUSION: Infantile and early childhood onset forms are associated with chronic progressive neurological signs, with episodes of rapid neurological worsening, and poor prognosis, with death in few months or years. Clinical presentation of epilepsy is poorly documented and do not include detailed information about the type, time of onset and severity of seizures. No therapeutic strategies for VWM disease have been reported.

Autosomal recessive cutis laxa type IIIA: Report of a patient with severe phenotype and review of the literature.

Autosomal recessive cutis laxa type IIIA is a very rare genetic condition, caused by pathogenic variants in ALDH18A1, encoding delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS). This enzyme catalyzes the reduction of glutamic acid to delta1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate, playing a key role in the de novo biosynthesis of proline, ornithine, and arginine. Autosomal recessive cutis laxa type IIIA is characterized by abundant and wrinkled skin, skeletal anomalies, cataract or corneal clouding and neuro-developmental disorders of variable degree. We report on a patient with autosomal recessive cutis laxa type IIIA, due to a homozygous missense c.1273C > T; p. (Arg425Cys) pathogenic variant in ALDH18A1. The patient presented a severe phenotype with serious urological involvement, peculiar cerebro-vascular abnormalities and neurodevelopmental compromise. This description contributes to better characterize the phenotypic spectrum associated with ALDH18A1 pathogenic variants, confirming the systemic involvement as a typical feature of autosomal recessive cutis laxa type IIIA.

Restructuring maternal services during the covid-19 pandemic: Early results of a scoping review for non-infected women.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The novel coronavirus outbreak has caused substantial changes in societal norms as well as adjustments in health systems worldwide. To date the impact of these pandemic-related variations has yet to be fully understood also in the field of maternal health for which continuity of care is a proven life-saving preventive measure. DESIGN: Following the PRISMA guidelines for reviews, a literature search was carried out to assess different approaches that combine quality of maternal care with the imposed social-distancing rules. Nine studies were included in the scoping review. FINDINGS: Reduction of in-person visits is the preferred overall solution. Yet, fewer consultations can still guarantee essential services and appropriate care through integration with telemedicine. Referral to epidemic-free community centres is an alternative option and new paths need to include the interdisciplinary contribution of medical consultants and IT experts, among others. In this context, delaying access for symptomatic expectant mothers is still debated since it carries the potential risk of untimely detection of pregnancy complications. KEY CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary experiences provide an overview of the different attempts put in place to reshape health services to contain the pandemic hazards. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These early prototypes may inspire future innovative health solutions compatible with local resources and specific population preferences and needs.

Anything New about Paternal Contribution to Reproductive Outcomes? A Review of the Evidence.

Paternal health and behavioral lifestyles affect reproductive and neonatal outcomes and yet the magnitude of these effects remain underestimated. Even though these impacts have been formally recognized as a central aspect of reproductive health, health care services in Europe often neglect the involvement of fathers in their reproductive programs. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for systematic reviews, a literature search was carried out to assess the possible impact of paternal health on reproductive outcomes. The comprehensive strategy included cohort studies and meta-analysis available on PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google scholar. Cross-referencing of bibliographies of the selected papers ensured wider study capture. Paternal factors were grouped into two categories respectively identified with the terms "Biological Paternal Factors" and "Lifestyle Paternal Factors". Advanced age may impair male fertility and affect early pregnancy stages. Increased body mass index, smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs, all alter seminal fluid parameters. Hazardous alcohol use correlates with low birthweight in pregnancy and harmful behavioral lifestyles have been linked to congenital heart defects, metabolic and neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. Measures targeting paternal health and lifestyle within the first 1,000 days' timeframe need to be implemented in couples undergoing reproductive decisions. Health professionals, as well as future fathers, must be aware of the benefits for the offspring associated with correct paternal behaviors. More research is needed to build guidelines and to implement specific programs aiming at reproductive health promotion.

Internal Carotid Dissection as the Cause of Stroke in Childhood.

Internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection is a cause of stroke, but it is often underdiagnosed in children. ICAs' risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood, and the treatment is still empirical. We report the case of a previously healthy 9-year-old girl who presented with involuntary hypertonic closure of the right hand associated with transient difficulty for both fine movements of the right arm and speech. She had a history of minor cervical trauma occurring 20 days prior to our observation without other associated risk factors. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography showed ischemic lesions due to the left ICA dissection. Treatment with both acetylsalicylic acid and levetiracetam allowed recanalization of the ICA associated with the resolution of clinical signs. Our clinical case suggests that the ICA dissection must be suspected early whenever a child manifests mild neurologic deficits after a cervical trauma, especially if they are associated with headache and/or cervical pain. Moreover, the management of ICA dissection must be improved.

Cariogenic Risk and COVID-19 Lockdown in a Paediatric Population.

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 disease COVID-19 pandemic caused several lifestyle changes, especially among younger people. The study aimed to describe the impact of eating habits, lifestyle, and home oral hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the cariogenic risk in the Italian paediatric population, by using an online survey. The survey was conducted through a virtual questionnaire divided into four parts: child personal and anthropometric data; oral health; child dietary habits (KIDMED test); and child lifestyle, before and during COVID-19 lockdown. During the lockdown, only 18.6% of the participants had high adherence to a Mediterranean diet, recording an increase in sweets consumption and the number of meals (p < 0.001). In terms of lifestyle, the percentage of moderately and vigorously active children decreased (41.4% and 5.0%, respectively) (p = 0.014). The percentage of children sleeping more than 9 h increased (p < 0.001). They watched more television programs (p < 0.001). Regarding oral hygiene, children did not change their brushing habits (p = 0.225). The percentage of children using non-fluoridated toothpaste was higher (6.4%), and no changes were observed (p > 0.05). In some cases, dental pain and abscesses were declared (10% and 2.7%, respectively). This study confirms the need for campaigns to promote hygiene and dental care in combination with food education for a correct habit and promotion of a healthy and sustainable dietary style.

Corrigendum: Improvements on Clinical Status of Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa in Inpatient and Day Hospital Treatment: A Retrospective Pilot Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.653482.].

Potential Effects of a Modified Mediterranean Diet on Body Composition in Lipoedema.

Lipoedema is a subcutaneous adipose tissue disease characterized by the increase in the amount and structure of fat mass (FM) in specific areas, causing pain and discomfort. 95% of patients fail to lose weight in the lipoedema areas. The study was conducted to evaluate body composition and general health status modification in a group of lipoedema patients (LIPPY) and a control group (CTRL) after four weeks of a modified Mediterranean diet therapy (mMeD). A total of 29 subjects were included in the data analysis, divided in two groups: 14 LIPPY and 15 CTRL. After the mMeD, both groups significantly decreased their weight and body mass index; the CTRL also showed a reduction of all the circumferences and all FM's compartments. LIPPY showed a decrease of FM in upper and lower limbs. No significant differences in Δ% between the groups were observed for the lean mass (LM). In LIPPY, an increase in the patients' ability to perform various daily physical activities related to the loss of arms' and legs' fat was observed. According to the European Quality of Life scale, the possibility for LIPPY subjects to perform simple daily activities with less fatigue, pain and anxiety is highlighted. Further long-term studies are recommended to confirm the mMeD as a good strategy for Lipoedema treatment.

Improvements on Clinical Status of Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa in Inpatient and Day Hospital Treatment: A Retrospective Pilot Study.

Introduction: Medical and psychiatric complications and treatment compliance are important considerations in determining the treatment program for patients with severe anorexia nervosa (AN). Clinical practice guidelines agree that an outpatient program is the first choice for the treatment of most eating disorders, but vary in supporting these programs for AN. However, inpatient care is known to be costly and the risk of relapse and readmission is high. This pilot study aimed to describe the first data on an Italian partial hospitalization care program for AN adolescents [high-level care treatment (HLCT)], evaluating its impact on patients' clinical status, average hospitalization time, and the hospital costs compared to inpatient treatment (IP). Methods: For this retrospective pilot study, we have selected a group of 34 females with AN aged 11-18 years, divided between those who followed inpatient treatment and those who received HLCT treatment; they were matched for age and severity. We investigated the differences in treatment and outcomes between the two groups in terms of heart rate, length of treatment, weight gain, psychological characteristics, and hospital costs. Statistics for non-parametric distributions were used to compare the two groups. Results: No differences between the two groups were found at admission. At discharge, patients in the HLCT group presented a lower number of in-hospital treatment days, a higher increase of weight, and a significant improvement in outcomes compared to the inpatient group. No significant differences were found in heart rate and hospital costs. Conclusions: This study represents a first comparison between inpatient care and the HLCT treatment program, which suggests that day hospital treatment could represent a meeting point between inpatient and outpatient treatment, combining the merits of both forms of treatment. Further studies are needed in order to better investigate the different treatment programs for severe AN in adolescence.

Mediterranean Personalized Diet Combined with Physical Activity Therapy for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Italian Women.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and inflammatory risk indexes are used to calculate the exposure to morbidity. Most of them are suggested by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association to predict the risk of CVDs diagnosis in primary prevention, instead of treating the ongoing pathology. Prevention starts from habit changes with the prescription of diet and physical activity (PA). The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of a personalized Mediterranean Diet (MD) and a PA intervention, on the risk indexes Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and Fatty Liver Index (FLI) in a population of women at risk of CVDs with different pathological conditions. After treatment, patients achieved the best results in body composition (BC) and laboratory tests. The BC analysis showed a significant reduction of total body Fat Mass (FM). CVDs risk indexes significantly decreased, except for Neutrophil/Lymphocyte (NLR) and Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratios (PLR). The reduction of the CVDs indexes associated with lipid profile was linked to both weight and FM decrease. AIP and LAP were significantly reduced when losing fat mass and body weight, respectively. A personalized MD therapy plus a PA program led to body weight loss, BC remodelling and risk indexes reduction.

Food Addiction in a Group of Italian Adolescents Diagnosed for Eating Disorder.

Research in patients with Eating Disorders (EDs) showed high rates of Food Addiction (FA) even in restrictive subtypes. The majority of studies were conducted on adult population. The present work aimed to describe and compared FA in adolescents diagnosed for different EDs and to evaluate its association with patients' psychopathology. Patients aged 12-18 y were included in the analysis. FA was assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0. The rate of FA was of 49.4% in the whole sample (n = 87, F = 90.8%) and of 53.7% in patients diagnosed with restrictive anorexia nervosa. No difference in FA frequency was detected between EDs. A worse psychopathological picture was found in patients diagnosed with FA. Higher age, higher score to the Eating Attitudes Test-26 and to the Eating Disorder Inventory-3's Interoceptive Deficits scale have been detected as the major predictors of FA in our sample. FA may be considered a transnosographic construct, not linked to the subtype of ED but to patients' personal characteristics and, in particular, to age and interoceptive deficits. A worse psychopathology might be considered a risk factor for the presence of FA in EDs.

Psychological Aspects and Eating Habits during COVID-19 Home Confinement: Results of EHLC-COVID-19 Italian Online Survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the population with consequences on lifestyles. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between eating habits, mental and emotional mood. A survey was conducted online during social isolation, from 24 April to 18 May 2020, among the Italian population. A total of 602 interviewees were included in the data analysis. A high percentage of respondents experienced a depressed mood, anxious feelings, hypochondria and insomnia (61.3%, 70.4%, 46.2% and 52.2%). Almost half of the respondents felt anxious due to the fact of their eating habits, consumed comfort food and were inclined to increase food intake to feel better. Age was inversely related to dietary control (OR = 0.971, p = 0.005). Females were more anxious and disposed to comfort food than males (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). A strength of our study was represented by the fact that the survey was conducted quickly during the most critical period of the Italian epidemic lockdown. As the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, our data need to be confirmed and investigated in the future with larger population studies.