From awareness to action: an urgent call to reduce mortality and improve outcomes in eating disorders.

High mortality rates and poor outcomes from eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, are largely preventable and require urgent action. A national strategy to address this should include prevention; early detection; timely access to integrated physical and psychological treatments; safe management of emergencies; suicide prevention; and investment in training, services and research.

Not niche: eating disorders as an example in the dangers of overspecialisation.

Labelling specific psychiatric concerns as 'niche' topics relegated to specialty journals obstructs high-quality research and clinical care for these issues. Despite their severity, eating disorders are under-represented in high-impact journals, underfunded, and under-addressed in psychiatric training. We provide recommendations to stimulate broad knowledge dissemination for under-acknowledged, yet severe, psychiatric disorders.

Shared genetic influences between eating disorders and gastrointestinal disease in a large, population-based sample of adult women and men.

BACKGROUND: Some preliminary research suggests higher rates of gastrointestinal disease in individuals with eating disorders (EDs). However, research is limited, and it remains unknown what etiologic factors account for observed associations. This was the first study to examine how EDs and dimensional ED symptoms (e.g. body dissatisfaction, binge eating) are phenotypically and etiologically associated with gastrointestinal disease in a large, population-based twin sample. METHODS: Adult female (N = 2980) and male (N = 2903) twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry reported whether they had a lifetime ED (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder) and completed a measure of dimensional ED symptoms. We coded the presence/absence of lifetime gastrointestinal disease (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) based on responses to questions regarding chronic illnesses and medications. We first examined whether twins with gastrointestinal disease had higher rates of EDs and ED symptoms, then used correlated factors twin models to investigate genetic and environmental contributions to the overlap between disorders. RESULTS: Twins with gastrointestinal disease had significantly greater dimensional ED symptoms (ß = 0.21, p < 0.001) and odds of a lifetime ED (OR 2.90, p = 0.001), regardless of sex. Shared genetic factors fully accounted for the overlap between disorders, with no significant sex differences in etiologic associations. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity between EDs and gastrointestinal disease may be explained by overlap in genetic influences, potentially including inflammatory genes implicated in both types of disorders. Screening for gastrointestinal disease in people with EDs, and EDs in those with gastrointestinal disease, is warranted.

State-specific alterations in the neural computations underlying inhibitory control in women remitted from bulimia nervosa.

The neurocomputational processes underlying bulimia nervosa and its primary symptoms, out-of-control overeating and purging, are poorly understood. Research suggests that the brains of healthy individuals form a dynamic internal model to predict whether control is needed in each moment. This study tested the hypothesis that this computational process of inhibitory control is abnormally affected by metabolic state (being fasted or fed) in bulimia nervosa. A Bayesian ideal observer model was fit to behavioral data acquired from 22 women remitted from bulimia nervosa and 20 group-matched controls who completed a stop-signal task during two counterbalanced functional MRI sessions, one after a 16 h fast and one after a meal. This model estimates participants' trial-by-trial updating of the probability of a stop signal based on their experienced trial history. Neural analyses focused on control-related Bayesian prediction errors, which quantify the direction and degree of "surprise" an individual experiences on any given trial. Regardless of group, metabolic state did not affect behavioral performance on the task. However, metabolic state modulated group differences in neural activation. In the fed state, women remitted from bulimia nervosa had attenuated prediction-error-dependent activation in the left dorsal caudate. This fed-state activation was lower among women with more frequent past binge eating and self-induced vomiting. When they are in a fed state, individuals with bulimia nervosa may not effectively process unexpected information needed to engage inhibitory control. This may explain the difficulties these individuals have stopping eating after it begins.

Patients' perceptions of post-treatment factors that influenced skill use after cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa spectrum disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Deterioration rate among patients with bulimia-spectrum eating disorders (BN-EDs) after receiving enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) remains high. Previous studies identified body image concerns, environmental triggers, lack of social support, lack of resources, comorbidity, and discontinued skill use as predictors of deterioration. However, no studies have qualitatively explored patients' perceptions of how these factors influenced their skill use and led to deterioration after receiving outpatient CBT. METHODS: This study aimed to qualitatively explore (1) what post-treatment factors patients believe contributed to deterioration, and (2) whether patients continued to practice the CBT skills they learned from treatment and identify motivators and barriers to post-treatment skill use. Twelve participants who had previously completed 16 sessions of CBT for their BN-EDs and experienced at least modest treatment responses participated in the qualitative interviews. RESULTS: Four themes were identified from the qualitative interviews. Post-treatment deterioration was primarily driven by decreased skill use due to a perceived sudden loss of accountability and continued body dissatisfaction after treatment ended. Discontinued practice of binge analysis led to decreased awareness of the relationship between poor skill use and ED behaviors. Difficulty accessing resources impeded participants from receiving external help to address challenges in skill practice, thus also contributing to deterioration. DISCUSSION: Findings suggested that outpatient treatment for BN-EDs patients should emphasize more on body image concern, and deterioration prevention for outpatient CBT-E should focus on building self-accountability to keep practicing skills after treatment ends. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study was the first to qualitatively explore post-treatment factors influencing skill use and deterioration in patients with bulimia-spectrum eating disorders after they completed outpatient CBT. Findings indicated that decreased skill use was a primary driver of post-treatment deterioration, and that relapse prevention for outpatient CBT for BN-EDs should focus on enhancing patients' self-accountability to continue practicing therapeutic skills independently after treatment ended.

Predictors of psychopathology response in atypical anorexia nervosa following inpatient treatment: A propensity score matching study of weight suppression and weight loss speed.

INTRODUCTION: This study examines weight suppression (WS) and weight loss speed (WLS) in atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) and its implications for treatment outcomes, compared to people with AN and bulimia nervosa (BN). METHOD: A mixed cross-sectional and prospective design was employed, assessing WS and WLS in people with atypical AN, AN, and BN. Participants were matched for age, gender, age of onset, and disorder duration. Clinical measurements and eating disorders questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores were employed to evaluate the response to treatment. RESULTS: Individuals with atypical individuals exhibited WS patterns similar to AN, distinct from BN. Rapid WLS predicted clinical responses in atypical AN and BN, underscoring its treatment relevance. Atypical AN showed higher eating psychopathology scores than AN or BN, emphasizing the need for a reframed diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Understanding atypical AN's connection to restrictive behaviors and weight loss informs screening, assessment, and treatment practices. Recognition of atypical AN's severity and adoption of tailored approaches are essential for recovery. This study highlights the significance of WS and WLS in atypical AN treatment outcomes, offering insights into clinical practice and care. The proposal to reframe atypical AN as a restrictive eating disorder emphasizes its clinical relevance. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The phenomenon of weight suppression, involving the discrepancy between past highest weight and current weight, has garnered attention due to cultural pressures emphasizing fitness and appearance. This study focuses on its implications in atypical anorexia nervosa, aiming to uncover the relationship between WS, its speed, and treatment outcomes. The investigation contributes insights into tailored interventions for atypical anorexia nervosa and enriches the understanding of this complex disorder's dynamics.

Onset patterns and clinical features of binge-eating disorder in a Japanese clinical sample.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the clinical presentation of binge-eating disorder (BED) in a Japanese sample and to examine the relationship between subtypes of BED differing in onset patterns and those differing in prior history of another eating disorder (ED). METHODS: The study participants were 137 adults who met the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for BED. We subtyped participants based on prior history of another ED: 55 (40.1%) participants with a history of another ED (BED ED+) and 82 participants without such a history (BED ED-). RESULTS: Unlike in some Western studies, approximately three quarters of participants had a body mass index of <25 kg/m2 . None of the participants reported a history of another ED with purging or excessive exercise. All BED ED+ participants transitioned to BED from anorexia nervosa restricting type (AN-R) or from atypical AN-R. BED ED+ participants reported more severe psychopathology than BED ED-participants. Only 20% had a treatment history for BED. Dieting preceded their first binge eating in 55 participants (DIET-first BED), and binge eating preceded their first dieting in 82 participants (BINGE-first BED). Regarding the relationship between the two different subtypes, all DIET-first BED participants were in the BED ED+ group, whereas all BINGE-first BED participants were in the BED ED-group. DISCUSSION: Present findings revealed the clinical presentation of BED in a Japan-based study and suggested that subtypes of BED differing in the prior history of another ED yielded an accurate prediction of onset patterns (dieting first vs. binge eating first). PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the need for clinicians to consider subtype differences in onset patterns and clinical features of BED to treat and prevent this disorder. This study revealed that, although individuals with BED in Japan have severe symptoms and a long duration of illness, only 20% have received BED treatment. The results indicate a need to disseminate knowledge about BED to the Japanese public and healthcare providers.

Expectations of a new eating disorder treatment and its delivery: Perspectives of patients and new therapists.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of people with bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge-eating disorder (BED) do not seek professional help. Important reasons include limited knowledge of eating disorders (EDs), feelings of shame, treatment costs, and restricted access to specialized healthcare. In this study, we explored if a novel therapy delivered in a primary care setting could overcome these barriers. We investigated factors such as motivation and expectations and included the patients' and newly trained therapists' perspectives. METHOD: We interviewed 10 women with BN (n = 2) or BED (n = 8), enrolled in the Physical Exercise and Dietary therapy (PED-t) program, in a Healthy Life Center (HLC) located in a primary healthcare facility. Interview topics discussed were motivations for and expectations of therapy, and the treatment location. In addition, 10 therapists from HLC's were interviewed on their experiences with the PED-t training program and expectations of running PED-t within their service. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Most patients had limited knowledge about EDs and first realized the need for professional help after learning about PED-t. Patients exhibited strong motivations for treatment and a positive perception of both the PED-t, the new treatment setting, and the therapists' competencies. The therapists, following a brief training program, felt confident in their abilities to treat EDs and provide PED-t. With minor operational adjustments, PED-t can seamlessly be integrated into national HLC service locations. CONCLUSION: PED-t is an accessible therapeutic service that can be delivered in a primary care environment in a stepped-care therapy model. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study investigates the views and experiences of patients and newly trained therapists of PED-t (Physical Exercise and Dietary therapy), a new program-led primary care therapy for binge-eating spectrum eating disorders. The treatment and the locations for the intervention, that is, local health care centers, were found to be highly acceptable to both patients and therapists, thus PED-t could easily be integrated as a first step into a step-care delivery model.

Intersectionality of demographic characteristics in self-reported anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and probable eating disorders among college students.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between identity intersectionality, with a primary focus on minority identity, and probable eating disorders (EDs) within the US college student population. METHOD: Data consisting of n = 414,299 college students' responses to the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment between fall 2015 and spring 2019 were utilized for this study. Overall and stratified adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were used to assess the association between different facets of identity (i.e., race/ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation) and probable EDs. RESULTS: Among all, in our analytic sample, 7.15% reported a probable ED. Interactions between all three identity variables were significant, and thus stratified odds ratios were evaluated. Transgender men were significantly more likely to report probable ED than cisgender male peers within the following racial/ethnic groups: non-Hispanic White (aOR: 3.33; 95% CI: 2.79, 3.96; p < .0001), non-Hispanic Black (aOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.72, 6.28; p = .0003), Hispanic (aOR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.55, 3.43; p < .0001), Asian or Pacific Islander (aOR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.30; p = .0002), Biracial or Multicultural (aOR: 3.36; 95% CI: 2.17, 5.22; p < .0001), and other (aOR: 4.19; 95% CI: 2.25, 7.79; p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the importance of increasing our understanding of interactions between marginalized identities and the ways in which minority identity informs ED risk. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The impact of multiple marginalized identities on ED outcomes is not well understood. Our study expands on previous ACHA-NCHA studies by addressing identity intersectionality, looking at more than one identity at a time (i.e., specifically race/ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation). Our results contribute unique risk profiles for students who identify with multiple marginalized groups. Further, they indicate that that these associations vary based on the compounded effect of the demographic factors considered.

Physiological, body composition, and body mass measures show that a developmental measure of weight suppression is more valid than the traditional measure.

OBJECTIVE: The traditional measure of weight suppression (TWS; the difference between an individual's highest past weight at adult height and current weight), has been associated with many psychological, behavioral and biological variables in those with eating disorders. A new measure of weight suppression, called developmental weight suppression (DWS), corrects two major problems in the original measure. Initial research indicates that DWS represents a superior operationalization of the construct weight suppression was originally designed to measure (Lowe [1993, Psychol Bull, 114: 100]). This study is the first to examine the relation between both WS measures and weight history, body composition and a variety of metabolic hormones. METHODS: Data were collected in 91 women with bulimia nervosa (BN) or BN-spectrum disorders. RESULTS: Both weight suppression indices were related to multiple hormones. However, multiple regression analyses showed that the independent effects of DWS differed from the independent effects of TWS in that only DWS was negatively related to: (1) current z-BMI, (2) body fat percentage, and (3) insulin, leptin, T3 free, and TSH. This differential pattern also occurred when results were corrected for multiple comparisons. DISCUSSION: Findings provide stronger biological support for the construct validity of DWS than TWS and suggest that: (1) from the perspective of individuals with BN, high DWS embodies success at food restriction and weight loss, (2) elevated DWS may trap individuals with BN in a powerful biobehavioral bind, and (3) DWS is the preferred measure of weight suppression in future research on eating disorders. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Most individuals with bulimia nervosa lose substantial weight in the process of developing their disorder. Such weight suppression is related to many characteristics of those with the eating disorder bulimia nervosa. This study shows why a new measure of weight suppression, based on an individual's growth during development, is more biologically valid than the traditional measure of weight suppression.

Affective processes underlying restrictive eating in atypical anorexia nervosa: Comparisons to anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa using ecological momentary assessment.

OBJECTIVE: Certain symptom and risk/maintenance factor similarities between individuals with atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) and 'typical' AN have been documented, but few studies have investigated how atypical AN compares to bulimia nervosa (BN). Further, the role of affective mechanisms in maintaining restrictive eating in atypical AN has not been examined. The current study investigated whether atypical AN resembles AN and/or BN on affect-related processes using questionnaires and ecological momentary assessment (EMA). METHOD: Women with atypical AN (n = 24), AN-restrictive subtype, (n = 27), AN-binge eating/purging subtype (n = 34), and BN (n = 58) completed questionnaires measuring depressive symptoms and emotion regulation difficulties. They also completed a 14-day EMA protocol during which they reported negative and positive affect and skipped meals five times/day (signal-contingent surveys) and restrictive eating after meals/snacks (event-contingent surveys). RESULTS: Diagnostic groups generally did not differ on questionnaire measures nor affective patterns surrounding restrictive eating behaviors. Momentary changes in affect did not predict or follow restriction at meals/snacks, though higher momentary negative affect ratings predicted skipped meals, and higher positive affect was reported after skipped meals. Greater average negative affect and lower average positive affect predicted both restrictive eating behaviors. DISCUSSION: Across diagnoses, reductions in food intake do not appear to be influenced by momentary changes in affect, though skipping meals may serve an emotion regulation function. Atypical AN seems to resemble AN and BN on affective processes underlying restrictive eating, raising further questions regarding the unique diagnosis of atypical AN. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Though atypical anorexia appears to strongly resemble anorexia nervosa, it is less clear how this disorder relates to bulimia nervosa. It is further unknown whether affective-related processes underlie restrictive eating in atypical anorexia nervosa, and how these processes compare to those in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Results suggest that atypical anorexia does not differ from anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa on emotion-related measures, nor in affective patterns surrounding restrictive eating behaviors.

The role of readiness and confidence to change in the treatment of atypical anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: Atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder that is more common in the population than AN. Despite this, people with atypical AN are less likely to be referred or admitted for eating disorder treatment and there is evidence that they are less likely to complete or benefit from existing interventions. This study examined whether baseline readiness and/or confidence moderated outcomes from 10-session cognitive behavioral therapy among people with atypical AN and bulimia nervosa (BN), and whether the impact of these variables differed between diagnoses. METHODS: Participants (n = 67; 33 with atypical AN) were a subset from an outpatient treatment study. Linear mixed model analyses were conducted to examine whether baseline readiness and/or confidence moderated outcomes. RESULTS: People with BN who had higher levels of readiness or confidence at baseline had steeper decreases in eating disorder psychopathology over time. There was no evidence that readiness or confidence moderated outcomes for people with atypical AN. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that the moderators that have been identified for other eating disorders may not apply for people with atypical AN and highlights a need for future work to routinely investigate whether theoretically or empirically driven variables moderate outcomes in this little-understood population. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: People with bulimia nervosa with higher readiness and confidence experienced greater decreases in eating disorder symptoms than people with lower readiness and confidence when treated with cognitive behavioral therapy. These findings did not apply to people with atypical anorexia nervosa. Results demonstrate that future work is urgently required to identify helpful treatments for people with atypical anorexia nervosa as well as the variables that have a positive impact on outcomes in treatment for these individuals.

Subtypes of exercise are differentially associated with baseline eating disorder pathology and treatment outcome among individuals with bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) engage in both maladaptive (i.e., compulsive and/or compensatory) and adaptive exercise (e.g., for enjoyment). No research has examined whether those who engage in adaptive, compulsive, and/or compensatory exercise exhibit differences in BN pathology or treatment outcome compared to those not engaging in exercise, limiting intervention efficacy. METHOD: We examined associations of baseline exercise engagement with baseline and posttreatment BN pathology among 106 treatment-seeking adults (Mage = 37.4, SDage = 12.95, 87.74% female, 68.87% White) enrolled across four clinical trials of outpatient enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for BN (range: 12-16 sessions). Analysis of covariances examined associations between baseline exercise type and baseline/posttreatment global eating pathology, dietary restraint, loss-of-control (LOC) eating, and purging frequency. RESULTS: Those engaging in only adaptive exercise reported lower global eating pathology compared to those engaging in compulsive-only exercise (Est = -1.493, p = .014, Mdiff = -.97) while those engaging in baseline compulsive exercise reported less LOC eating compared to those not engaging in exercise (Est = -22.42, p = .012, Mdiff = -12.50). Baseline engagement in compulsive-only exercise was associated with lower posttreatment global eating pathology compared to baseline engagement in no exercise (Est = -.856, p = .023, Mdiff = -.64) and both compulsive and compensatory exercise (Est = .895, p = .026, Mdiff = -1.08). DISCUSSION: Those engaging in compulsive, compensatory, adaptive, and no exercise exhibit different patterns and severity of BN pathology. Future research is needed to position treatments to intervene on maladaptive, while still promoting adaptive, exercise. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: No research to date has examined whether those who engage in adaptive, compulsive, and/or compensatory exercise exhibit differences in BN pathology or treatment outcome compared to those not engaging in exercise, limiting targeted intervention efforts. We found that those engaging in compulsive, compensatory, and adaptive exercise exhibit different patterns of BN pathology and that adaptive exercise engagement was related to lower cognitive eating disorder symptoms at baseline.

Trajectories of therapeutic skills use and their dynamic relations to symptom change during cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: To examine trajectories of therapeutic skills use and weekly relations between skills use and symptom change during the enhanced version of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) for bulimia nervosa (BN). METHOD: Fifty-five adults (M age: 39.0 ± 14.1; 83.9% female; 64.3% White, 93.6% non-Hispanic/Latino) receiving CBT-E for BN-spectrum eating disorders (EDs) self-monitored their use of five therapeutic skills (i.e., regular eating, eating enough to prevent excessive hunger and eating a range of macronutrients, breaking dietary rules, urge management strategies, and mood management strategies) several times per day during treatment. Patients also self-reported their ED symptoms (i.e., frequency of binge eating, compensatory behaviors, and dietary restraint) weekly. We examined trajectories of use of each CBT-E skill and temporal relations between skills use and ED symptoms from week-to-week during treatment. RESULTS: Participants showed significant increases in eating enough to prevent excessive hunger and eating a range of macronutrients from week-to-week (p < .05). Regular eating, eating enough to prevent excessive hunger, and eating a range of macronutrients 1 week predicted lower binge eating and compensatory behaviors the same week and the following week, and urge management strategy use predicted greater binge eating the same week and the following week (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Results showed temporal relationships between therapeutic skills use and symptom change on a weekly level, with evidence that using skills targeting dietary restraint was associated with lower BN symptoms. Findings highlight the promise of future work to elucidate the most potent CBT-E skills for symptom improvement and inform more targeted interventions. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Findings showed weekly relationships between therapeutic skills use and symptom change during treatment, with evidence that using CBT-E skills aimed to reduce dietary restraint (i.e., regular eating, eating enough to prevent excessive hunger, and eating a range of macronutrients) was associated with lower BN symptoms. Future work has the potential to identify the most potent CBT-E skills for symptom improvement and inform more targeted interventions.

Momentary skills use predicts decreased binge eating and purging early in day treatment: An ecological momentary assessment study.

OBJECTIVE: Emerging research indicates that skills acquisition may be important to behavior change in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for eating disorders. This study investigated whether skills use assessed in real time during the initial 4 weeks of CBT-based day treatment was associated with momentary eating disorder behavior change and rapid response to treatment. METHODS: Participants with DSM-5 bulimia nervosa or purging disorder (N = 58) completed ecological momentary assessments (EMA) several times daily for the first 28 days of treatment. EMA assessed skills use, the occurrence of binge eating and/or purging, and state negative affect. Rapid response was defined as abstinence from binge eating and/or purging in the first 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Greater real-time skills use overall, and use of "planning ahead," "distraction," "social support," and "mechanical eating" skills in particular, were associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in binge eating or purging during the same period. After controlling for baseline group differences in overall difficulties with emotion regulation, rapid and non-rapid responders did not differ in overall skills use, or skills use at times of higher negative affect, during the EMA period. DISCUSSION: Momentary use of skills appears to play an important role in preventing binge eating and purging, and certain skills appear to be particularly helpful. These findings contribute to the literature elucidating the processes by which CBT treatments for eating disorders work by providing empirical evidence that skills use helps to prevent binge eating and purging behaviors. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Individuals with eating disorders learn new skills during treatment to help them improve their symptoms. This study shows that for people with eating disorders, using skills helps prevent eating disorder behaviors in the moment. Certain skills may be particularly helpful, including planning ahead, distracting activities, support from others, and focusing on eating meals and snacks regardless of how one is feeling. These findings help us better understand how treatments work.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care for anorexia and bulimia nervosa in US military-connected adolescents and young adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare engagement for anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) in a large, geographically diverse population. METHOD: This repeated monthly, cross-sectional study queried Military Health System records of individuals aged 10-21 before and during the pandemic (February 2019-January 2022). ICD-10 codes identified encounters for AN and BN. Monthly rates of care were modeled as the number of unique individuals with an ICD-10-identified eating disorder-related encounter per month divided by the enrolled population. Poisson regression analysis evaluated rates of care stratified by eating disorder, clinical setting, and sex. RESULTS: In a population of 1.76 million adolescents and young adults, 1629 individuals with AN or BN received care during the pre-pandemic period; 3256 received care during the pandemic. The monthly rate of care for females with AN during the pandemic increased in inpatient settings (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.31 [1.16-1.49]) and outpatient settings (aRR: 1.42 [1.37-1.47]); monthly care rates in males with AN increased in the outpatient setting (aRR: 1.46 [1.28-1.67]). Females with BN had increased engagement in outpatient settings (aRR: 1.09 [1.03-1.16]); BN care for males showed no significant monthly changes during the pandemic period in either healthcare setting. DISCUSSION: With increased rates of AN and BN disorder-related care during the pandemic, screening for eating disorder symptomatology may allow for timely diagnosis and intervention in periods of heightened stress. Pandemic-related increases in healthcare engagement may strain limited resources, emphasizing a need to expand accessibility of clinical expertise. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study indicates that monthly rates of healthcare engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic for AN and BN varied based on clinical setting and sex in an adolescent and young adult population. The increased number of individuals seeking eating disorder-related care, especially outpatient care, attributed to heightened stressors necessitates accessible professionals with eating disorder clinical expertise.

Risk of self-harm in patients with eating disorders: English population-based national record-linkage study, 1999-2021.

OBJECTIVE: Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are eating disorders associated with high rates of self-harm (SH). This is the first national study in England to quantify this association in a hospital population. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study using a linked national dataset of Hospital Episode Statistics for 1999-2021. The exposure cohort included individuals aged <35 years admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of AN or BN. The reference cohort included hospital controls. We calculated the rate ratio (RR) of SH in each cohort. The individuals in the two cohorts were matched on multiple socio-demographic indicators. The main outcome was a subsequent hospitalization or death record with an SH diagnosis. RESULTS: We identified 15,004 females and 1411 males with AN, and 6055 females and 741 males with BN. The RR with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for a subsequent admission with intentional self-harm after admission with AN was 4.9 (95%CI 4.7-5.1) in females and 4.8 (95%CI 3.9-5.8) in males. For BN it was 9.0 (95%CI 8.4-9.6) in females and 9.8 (95%CI 7.7-12.2) in males. There were strong associations between AN and BN and other SH. DISCUSSION: Women and men admitted to English hospitals with AN or BN have a very high risk of a subsequent admission with SH. For some SH behaviors, such as alcohol intoxication, the RR was >10-fold elevated. The magnitude of risk was higher for BN than for AN. Clinicians should be aware of the scale of risk increase. Providing those at risk with appropriate support is required. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the first national study in an English hospital population that confirms and quantifies the association between eating disorders and self-harm. We have found that both women and men admitted to hospital with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa are at an increased risk of subsequent admission with self-harm. It is important that clinicians are aware of this increased risk to support those at highest risk of self-harm.

Examining the placement of atypical anorexia nervosa in the eating disorder diagnostic hierarchy relative to bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Some individuals meet the criteria for atypical anorexia nervosa and another eating disorder simultaneously. The current study evaluated whether allowing a diagnosis of atypical anorexia nervosa to supersede a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge-eating disorder (BED) provided additional information on psychological functioning. METHODS: Archival data from 650 university students (87.7% female, 69.4% white) who met Eating Disorder Diagnostic Survey for DSM-5 eating disorder criteria and completed questionnaires assessing quality of life, eating disorder-related impairment, and/or eating pathology at a single time point. Separate regression models used diagnostic category to predict quality of life and impairment. Two diagnostic schemes were used: the DSM-5 diagnostic scheme and an alternative scheme where atypical anorexia nervosa superseded all diagnoses except anorexia nervosa. Model fit was compared using the Davidson-Mackinnon J test. Analyses were pre-registered (https://osf.io/2ejcd). RESULTS: Allowing an atypical anorexia nervosa diagnosis to supersede a BN or BED diagnosis provided better fit to the data for eating disorder-related impairment (p = .02; n = 271), but not physical, psychological, or social quality of life (p's ≥ .33; n = 306). Allowing an atypical anorexia nervosa diagnosis to supersede a BN or BED diagnosis provided a better fit in cross-sectional models predicting purging (p = .02; n = 638), but not body dissatisfaction, binge eating, restricting, or excessive exercise (p's ≥ .08; n's = 633-647). DISCUSSION: The current data support retaining the DSM-5 diagnostic scheme. More longitudinal work is needed to understand the predictive validity of the atypical anorexia nervosa diagnosis. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The current study examined how changes to the diagnostic categories for eating disorders may change how diagnoses are associated with quality of life and impairment. Overall, findings suggest that the diagnostic hierarchy should be maintained.

Naturalistic symptom trajectories of atypical anorexia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa in a prospective cohort study of United States college students.

OBJECTIVE: Research on the natural course of symptoms of atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) relative to AN and bulimia nervosa (BN) is limited yet needed to inform nosology and improve understanding of atypical AN. This study aimed to 1) characterize trajectories of eating disorder and internalizing (anxiety, depression) symptoms in college students with and without a history of atypical AN, AN, and BN; and 2) compare sex and race/ethnicity distributions across groups. METHOD: United States college students who participated in Spit for Science™, a prospective cohort study, were classified as having a history of atypical AN (n = 125), AN (n = 160), BN (n = 617), or as non-eating-disorder controls (NCs, n = 5876). Generalized and linear mixed-effects models assessed group differences in eating and internalizing symptom trajectories, and logistic regression compared groups on sex and race/ethnicity distributions. RESULTS: Atypical AN participants demonstrated elevated eating disorder and internalizing symptoms compared to NCs during college, but less severe symptoms than AN and BN participants. Although all eating disorder groups showed signs of improvement in fasting and driven exercise, purging and depression remained elevated. Atypical AN participants showed increasing anxiety and stable binge-eating trajectories compared to AN and/or BN participants. The atypical AN group comprised significantly more people of color than the AN group. DISCUSSION: Findings underscore that atypical AN is a severe psychiatric disorder. As atypical AN may present as less severe than AN and BN and disproportionately affects people of color, clinicians should be mindful of biases that could delay diagnosis and care. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: College students with histories of atypical AN, AN, and BN demonstrated improvements in fasting and driven exercise and stable purging and depression levels. Atypical AN students showed worsening anxiety and stable binge-eating trajectories compared to favorable changes among AN and BN students. A higher percentage of atypical AN (vs. AN) students were people of color. Findings may improve the detection of atypical AN in college students.

Eating disorder psychopathology, psychiatric impairment, and symptom frequency of atypical anorexia nervosa versus anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Restrictive eating disorders (EDs) occur across the weight spectrum, but historically more focus has been given to anorexia nervosa (AN) than atypical anorexia nervosa (atypAN). AtypAN's relegation to a diagnosis in the "other specified feeding and eating disorder" (OSFED) category and paucity of research surrounding atypAN invariably implies a less clinically severe ED. However, a growing body of research has begun to question the assumption that atypAN is less severe than AN. The current review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive review to compare atypAN and AN on measures of eating disorder psychopathology, impairment, and symptom frequency to test whether atypAN is truly less clinically severe than AN. METHODS: Twenty articles that reported on atypAN and AN for at least one of the variables of interest were retrieved from PsycInfo, PubMed, and ProQuest. RESULTS: For eating-disorder psychopathology, results indicated that differences were nonsignificant for most indicators; however, atypAN was associated with significantly higher shape concern, weight concern, drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and overall eating-disorder psychopathology than AN. Results indicated that atypAN and AN did not significantly differ on clinical impairment or the frequency of inappropriate compensatory behaviors, whereas there was a significantly higher frequency of objective binge episodes in AN (vs. atypAN). DISCUSSION: Overall, findings indicated that, in contrast to the current classification system, atypAN and AN were not clinically distinct. Results underscore the need for equal access to treatment and equal insurance coverage for restrictive EDs across the weight spectrum. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The current meta-analysis found that atypAN was associated with higher drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, shape concern, weight concern, and overall eating-disorder psychopathology than AN; whereas AN was associated with higher frequency of objective binge eating. Individuals with AN and atypAN did not differ on psychiatric impairment, quality-of-life, or frequency of compensatory behaviors, highlighting the need for equal access to care for restrictive EDs across the weight spectrum.

OBJETIVO: Los trastornos alimentarios restrictivos ocurren en todo el espectro de peso, pero históricamente se ha dado más importancia a la anorexia nerviosa (AN) que a la anorexia nerviosa atípica (ANA). El hecho de relegar la anorexia nerviosa atípica a un diagnóstico en la categoría de "otro trastorno de la ingestión de alimentos y de la conducta alimentaria" (OSFED) y la escasez de investigación en torno a la anorexia atípica, implica invariablemente un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria clínicamente menos grave. Sin embargo, un creciente cuerpo de investigación ha comenzado a cuestionar la suposición de que ANA es menos grave que AN. La revisión actual y el metanálisis tuvieron como objetivo proporcionar una revisión exhaustiva para comparar ANA y AN en las medidas de psicopatología de los trastornos alimentarios, el deterioro y la frecuencia de los síntomas para probar si ANA es realmente menos grave clínicamente que AN. MÉTODO: Veinte artículos que informaron sobre ANA y AN para al menos una de las variables de interés se recuperaron de PsycInfo, PubMed y ProQuest. RESULTADOS: Para la psicopatología del trastorno alimentario, los resultados indicaron que las diferencias no fueron significativas para la mayoría de los indicadores; sin embargo, ANA se asoció con una preocupación de forma significativamente mayor, preocupación por el peso, impulso por la delgadez, insatisfacción corporal y psicopatología general del trastorno alimentario que AN. Los resultados indicaron que ANA y AN no difirieron significativamente en el deterioro clínico o la frecuencia de comportamientos compensatorios inapropiados, mientras que hubo una frecuencia significativamente mayor de episodios de atracones objetivos en AN (frente a ANA). DISCUSIÓN: En general, los hallazgos indicaron que, en contraste con el sistema de clasificación actual, ANA y AN no eran clínicamente distintos. Los resultados subrayan la necesidad de un acceso equitativo al tratamiento y una cobertura de seguro igual para los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria restrictivos en todo el espectro de peso.