Is binge eating associated with poor weight loss outcomes in people with a high body weight? A systematic review with meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to compare the weight change in people with or without binge eating who underwent various weight loss treatments. METHODS: We searched for studies in PubMed, American Psychological Association, and Embase from inception to January 2022. The studies selected included assessment of binge eating and body weight before and after weight loss treatment in people of any age. The meta-analyses were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA). We used Egger's regression test, the funnel plot, and the Trim and Fill test to assess the risk of publication bias. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies were included in the systematic review, with a total of 10.184 participants. The included studies were divided into three categories according to types of weight loss treatments, namely, (1) bariatric surgery; (2) pharmacotherapy isolated or combined with behavioral interventions; and (3) behavioral and/or nutritional interventions. The meta-analyses showed no significant difference in weight loss between people with or without binge eating engaged in weight loss treatments, with an overall effect size of - 0.117 (95% CI - 0.405 to 0.171; P = 0.426). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed no difference in weight loss in people with or without pre-treatment binge eating who received various weight loss treatments. Weight loss treatments should not be withheld on the basis that they will not be effective in people with pre-treatment binge eating, albeit their safety and longer term impacts are unclear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, at least one properly designed randomized controlled trials; systematic reviews and meta-analyses; experimental studies.

Effects of a dialectical behavior therapy-based skills group intervention for obese individuals: a Brazilian pilot study.

PURPOSE: This pilot study aimed to analyze the effects of an adapted dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training group on problematic and adaptive eating behaviors in Brazilian obese individuals. METHODS: Thirty-one obese individuals were randomly assigned to 10 sessions of adapted DBT skills training (n = 14) or two months of a waiting list comparison condition (n = 17). RESULTS: Attrition rates were similar to what's been found in comparable studies, with most dropouts happening at the beginning of the treatment. Results showed improvements in binge eating severity (d = 0.80) and depression (d = 0.82) compared to no treatment condition. After the intervention, adaptive eating and distress outcomes showed an improvement trend, reaching nonclinical levels for most participants in the intervention group. Large to moderate between-group effect sizes were observed, but none of those were statistically significant. Large within-group effect sizes were observed in the intervention group in binge eating severity (d = 1.34), intuitive eating (d = 1.33) and depression (d = 1.12). Medium effect sizes were observed in emotional eating (d = 0.73) and in emotion regulation (d = 0.72). Despite positive outcomes in other variables, mindful eating worsened after the intervention (d = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: These results are preliminary and require further replications with larger samples, yet they suggest that the intervention may be useful to improve distress outcomes and adaptive eating among obese people. Implications for clinical practice and recommendations for future research are discussed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Risk of bias in randomized controlled trials of psychological treatments for bulimia nervosa and binge eating.

PURPOSE: In the context of Cochrane systematic reviews/meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials, risk of bias (RoB) is assessed using categorical indicators (low, unclear, or high RoB). This study sought to evaluate the indicators of the Cochrane RoB tool available for construct validity as applied to randomized clinical trials of psychological treatments for bulimia nervosa and binge eating. METHODS: Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the construct validity of the measurement model underlying the set of five categorical items, and the reliability of these indicators to measure RoB. RESULTS: In 48 primary randomized clinical trials, the model showed good fit indices and factor loadings higher than 0.4. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the construct validity of the Cochrane RoB tool and the reliability of three of five items in this health intervention context.

A anorexia e a bulimia: entre o corpo, o eu e o outro / Anorexia and bulimia: between the body, the ego and the other

O comportamento alimentar, originário e essencial desde o nascimento, remete o sujeito à complexidade da sua relação com o próprio corpo, marca indelével dos efeitos da alteridade. A clínica psicanalítica da anorexia e da bulimia, por sua vez, nos confronta de saída com a questão do corpo, assim como nos coloca diante da especificidade dos processos da adolescência. Tal especificidade evoca as vicissitudes da relação precoce com a mãe no que diz respeito ao gerenciamento pulsional e sua relação com a identificação primária e, consequentemente, com os ideais, a diferenciação, a autonomia, o tempo e a morte. Este artigo traz para a discussão algumas hipóteses, elaboradas a partir da metapsicologia, com o objetivo de contribuir para uma melhor compreensão do processo de construção da imagem corporal. Destaca que o investimento materno, através da escuta e interpretação das sensações corporais realizadas pela mãe, vai construindo para o bebê a imagem de seu corpo e assim sua identidade. Para concluir, enfatiza os possíveis desdobramentos dessa construção teórica na escuta do analista diante das particularidades do manejo transferencial desses casos(AU)

The eating behavior, originating and essential since birth, makes the individual aware of the complex relationship with his own body, an indelible mark of the effects of alterity. On the other hand, the psychoanalytical practice related to anorexia and bulimia immediately confront us with the issue of the body, as well as with the specific processes of adolescence. Such specificities evoke the vicissitudes of the early relationship with the mother regarding the management of the drives and the relationship with primary identification and consequently with ideals, differentiation, autonomy, time and death. This paper discusses some hypotheses based on metapsychology, with the aim of providing a better understanding of the process of constructing the body image. It stresses that the maternal investment, by listening and interpreting the bodily sensations, builds the baby's image of his own body and, therefore, his identity. Finally, it emphasizes the possible repercussions of that theoretical construction in the analyst's listening, given the peculiarities of the transference management in such cases(AU)

El comportamiento alimentario, originario y esencial desde el nacimiento, remite al sujeto a su relación con el propio cuerpo, marca indeleble de los efectos de la alteridad. La clínica psicoanalítica de la anorexia y de la bulimia, a su vez, nos enfrenta de inmediato a la cuestión del cuerpo y a la especificidad de los procesos de la adolescencia. Esa especificidad evoca las vicisitudes de la relación precoz con la madre en lo que dice respecto al manejo pulsional y a su relación con la identificación primaria y, en consecuencia, con los ideales, la diferenciación, la autonomía, el tiempo y la muerte. En este artículo se ponen sobre el tapete algunas hipótesis, elaboradas a partir de la metapsicología, con el objetivo de contribuir a una mejor comprensión del proceso de construcción de la imagen corporal. Se resalta que la investidura materna, por medio de la escucha e interpretación de las sensaciones corporales realizadas por la madre, va construyendo para el bebé la imagen de su cuerpo y, así, su identidad. Para concluir, se enfatizan las posibles repercusiones de dicha construcción teórica en la escucha del analista ante las particularidades del manejo transferencial de esos casos(AU)

[Therapeutic itineraries of individuals with symptoms of anorexia and bulimia]. / Itinerários terapêuticos de sujeitos com sintomas anoréxicos e bulímicos.

The scope of this study is to identify and contextualize aspects of the therapeutic itineraries of patients treated at a university medical clinic specialized in nervous anorexia and bulimia. For this purpose, an attempt was made to reconstitute the succession of events triggered in 20 respondents and their families with the classification of anorexia and bulimia as "health problems." The narratives were analyzed in order to link the individual experiences and the social context of their occurrence (organization of health services, characteristics of treatment and medical knowledge and characteristics of contemporary subjectivity), in light of the theoretical studies of Public Health and Psychoanalysis. Data analysis revealed that these itineraries arise from connections and disconnections between two distinct approaches: one that organizes the management of patients and the other governing the conduct of health institutions and families. If the latter presuppose a quest for health, this is not what primarily concerns the individuals in question. Their refusal to moderate their own eating disorders is notable on their itineraries, and indicates the functionality of those practices. Such practices play a part in the reconstruction of their self-images.

Itinerários terapêuticos de sujeitos com sintomas anoréxicos e bulímicos / Therapeutic itineraries of individuals with symptoms of anorexia and bulimia

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e contextualizar as características dos itinerários terapêuticos de pacientes atendidos em um ambulatório universitário, especializado nas anorexias e bulimias nervosas. Para isso, buscou-se reconstituir, junto a 20 entrevistados, a sucessão de movimentos desencadeados neles e em seus próximos pela classificação das práticas anoréxicas e bulímicas como “problemas de saúde”. As narrativas foram analisadas de forma a vincular as experiências individuais e o contexto social de sua ocorrência (organização dos serviços de saúde, características da prática e do saber médico, características da subjetividade contemporânea), tendo como referencial teórico estudos da Saúde Coletiva e da Psicanálise. A análise dos dados revelou que esses itinerários são tecidos a partir de conexões e desconexões entre duas lógicas distintas: uma que organiza a conduta dos pacientes e outra que rege as condutas das instituições de saúde e das famílias. Se essas últimas pressupõem uma busca pela saúde, isso não é o que ocupa prioritariamente os sujeitos em questão. A recusa destes em moderar suas restrições alimentares marca os itinerários e indica a funcionalidade dessas práticas. Elas participam de um trabalho de recomposição da imagem do eu.

Abstract The scope of this study is to identify and contextualize aspects of the therapeutic itineraries of patients treated at a university medical clinic specialized in nervous anorexia and bulimia. For this purpose, an attempt was made to reconstitute the succession of events triggered in 20 respondents and their families with the classification of anorexia and bulimia as “health problems.” The narratives were analyzed in order to link the individual experiences and the social context of their occurrence (organization of health services, characteristics of treatment and medical knowledge and characteristics of contemporary subjectivity), in light of the theoretical studies of Public Health and Psychoanalysis. Data analysis revealed that these itineraries arise from connections and disconnections between two distinct approaches: one that organizes the management of patients and the other governing the conduct of health institutions and families. If the latter presuppose a quest for health, this is not what primarily concerns the individuals in question. Their refusal to moderate their own eating disorders is notable on their itineraries, and indicates the functionality of those practices. Such practices play a part in the reconstruction of their self-images.

Tratamento nutricional da anorexia e da bulimia nervosas: aspectos psicológicos dos pacientes, de suas famílias e das nutricionistas / Nutritional treatment of the anorexia and bulimia: the psychological aspects of the patient, of their families and of the dietitians / Tratamiento nutricional de la anorexia y la bulimia: los aspectos psicológicos de los pacientes, sus familias y nutricionistas

Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever o tratamento nutricional dos transtornos alimentares (TAs), os aspectos psicológicos relacionados aos pacientes e aos seus familiares e os impactos psicológicos acarretados aos nutricionistas que atuam no tratamento destes transtornos. A abordagem foi qualitativa, em que foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, áudio-gravadas, com quatro nutricionistas que trabalham junto a pacientes com TAs em instituições vinculadas a universidades e em clínicas particulares. Foi observado que, apesar dos pacientes com TA serem englobados em características comuns destas doenças, cada um deles deve ser entendido como um caso individualizado, uma vez que a motivação para o controle sobre o corpo e sobre a alimentação é única para cada pessoa. Foi observado também que o tratar de TA acarreta um impacto psicológico no nutricionista, o qual precisa ser trabalhado através de uma reflexão sobre os próprios sentimentos, podendo isto ser realizado com apoio terapêutico.(AU)

This study aims to describe the nutritional treatment of the eating disorders (ED), the psychological aspects related to the patients and their families and the psychological impacts entailed to the dietitians who act with patients with these disorders. The research had a qualitative approach, in which semi-structured and audio-recorded interviews were done with four dietitians who act with ED at institutions linked to universities and at private clinics. It was observed that, although patients with ED are grouped with common characteristics for these diseases, each of them should be understood as an individual case, since the motivation for the body and eating control is unique for each person. It was also observed that the treatment of ED entails a psychological impact on the dietitian, which needs to be worked through with a reflection about his own feelings, what can be performed with therapist support.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio es describir el tratamiento nutricional de los trastornos alimentarios (TA), los aspectos psicológicos relacionados con los pacientes y sus familias y los impactos psicológicos que producen en los nutricionistas que actúan tratando estas enfermedades. La investigación se hizo con un abordaje cualitativo, por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas, con grabación de audio, conducidas por cuatro nutricionistas que actúan con pacientes que sufren trastornos alimentarios (TA) en instituciones vinculadas a universidades y en clínicas particulares. Se observó que, aunque los pacientes con TA tienen características comunes de estas enfermedades, cada uno de ellos debe considerarse como un caso particular, ya que las motivaciones de cada persona para controlar el propio cuerpo y la alimentación son únicas. También se observó que tratar los TA produce un impacto psicológico en el nutricionista, que debe trabajarse reflexionando sobre los propios sentimientos, cosa que puede hacerse con apoyo terapéutico.(AU)

Tratamento nutricional da anorexia e da bulimia nervosas: aspectos psicológicos dos pacientes, de suas famílias e das nutricionistas / Nutritional treatment of the anorexia and bulimia: the psychological aspects of the patient, of their families and of the dietitians / Tratamiento nutricional de la anorexia y la bulimia: los aspectos psicológicos de los pacientes, sus familias y nutricionistas

Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever o tratamento nutricional dos transtornos alimentares (TAs), os aspectos psicológicos relacionados aos pacientes e aos seus familiares e os impactos psicológicos acarretados aos nutricionistas que atuam no tratamento destes transtornos. A abordagem foi qualitativa, em que foram realizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, áudio-gravadas, com quatro nutricionistas que trabalham junto a pacientes com TAs em instituições vinculadas a universidades e em clínicas particulares. Foi observado que, apesar dos pacientes com TA serem englobados em características comuns destas doenças, cada um deles deve ser entendido como um caso individualizado, uma vez que a motivação para o controle sobre o corpo e sobre a alimentação é única para cada pessoa. Foi observado também que o tratar de TA acarreta um impacto psicológico no nutricionista, o qual precisa ser trabalhado através de uma reflexão sobre os próprios sentimentos, podendo isto ser realizado com apoio terapêutico.

This study aims to describe the nutritional treatment of the eating disorders (ED), the psychological aspects related to the patients and their families and the psychological impacts entailed to the dietitians who act with patients with these disorders. The research had a qualitative approach, in which semi-structured and audio-recorded interviews were done with four dietitians who act with ED at institutions linked to universities and at private clinics. It was observed that, although patients with ED are grouped with common characteristics for these diseases, each of them should be understood as an individual case, since the motivation for the body and eating control is unique for each person. It was also observed that the treatment of ED entails a psychological impact on the dietitian, which needs to be worked through with a reflection about his own feelings, what can be performed with therapist support.

El objetivo de este estudio es describir el tratamiento nutricional de los trastornos alimentarios (TA), los aspectos psicológicos relacionados con los pacientes y sus familias y los impactos psicológicos que producen en los nutricionistas que actúan tratando estas enfermedades. La investigación se hizo con un abordaje cualitativo, por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas, con grabación de audio, conducidas por cuatro nutricionistas que actúan con pacientes que sufren trastornos alimentarios (TA) en instituciones vinculadas a universidades y en clínicas particulares. Se observó que, aunque los pacientes con TA tienen características comunes de estas enfermedades, cada uno de ellos debe considerarse como un caso particular, ya que las motivaciones de cada persona para controlar el propio cuerpo y la alimentación son únicas. También se observó que tratar los TA produce un impacto psicológico en el nutricionista, que debe trabajarse reflexionando sobre los propios sentimientos, cosa que puede hacerse con apoyo terapéutico.

Culturally adapted cognitive behavioral guided self-help for binge eating: a feasibility study with Mexican Americans.

Objective was to test feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral self-help program to treat binge eating and related problems in Mexican Americans. Participants were 31 women recruited from the Los Angeles area and diagnosed with binge eating disorder, recurrent binge eating, or bulimia nervosa. Participants completed a culturally adapted version of a CBT-based self-help program with 8 guidance sessions over a 3-month period. Treatment efficacy was evaluated in terms of binge eating, psychological functioning, and weight loss. Intent-to-treat analyses revealed 35.5% abstinence from binge eating at posttreatment and 38.7% diagnostic remission. Results indicated significant pretreatment to posttreatment improvement on distress level, BMI, eating disorder psychopathology, and self-esteem. Satisfaction with the program was high. Findings demonstrate that the program is acceptable, feasible, and efficacious in reducing binge eating and associated symptoms for Mexican American women. Study provides "proof of concept" for implementation of culturally adapted forms of evidence-based programs.

Fatores terapêuticos em um grupo de apoio multifamiliar no tratamento da anorexia e bulimia / Therapeutic factors in a multifamily support group in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia / Factores terapéuticos en un grupo del apoyo multifamiliar en el tratamiento de la anorexia y bulimia

O objetivo desse artigo foi identificar os fatores terapêuticos em um grupo de apoio psicológico para familiares de pessoas com anorexia nervosa e bulimia nervosa. Os fatores encontrados em maior frequência foram: aprendizagem através da ação interpessoal, instilação de esperança, altruísmo, autorrevelação e aceitação; enquanto o fator orientação obteve o menor índice. Os participantes oferecem ajuda, trocam experiências em uma postura mais ativa. Manteve-se no grupo a oportunidade de os participantes falarem de suas experiências e vivências relacionadas à doença e à própria vida.(AU)

The aim of this study was to identify the therapeutic factors in a support group for family members of people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The most predominant factors were learning through interpersonal action; hope promotion; altruism; self-revelation and acceptance. The least predominant factor was orientation. The participants offered help, exchanged experiences in an active way. The family members could talk about their experiences concerning the disease and their own lives.(AU)

El objetivo de este artículo fue identificar los factores terapéuticos en un grupo de apoyo psicológico a los familiares de las personas con anorexia nerviosa y bulimia nerviosa. Los factores más frecuentes fueron: el aprendizaje mediante la acción interpersonal, la instilación de esperanza, el altruismo, la auto-revelación y aceptación, mientras que el factor de orientación tuvo el menor índice. Los participantes ofrecen ayuda, comparten experiencias en una posición más activa. Permaneció en el grupo la oportunidad que los participante hablen sobre sus experiencias relacionadas a la enfermedad y la vida misma.(AU)

Fatores terapêuticos em um grupo de apoio multifamiliar no tratamento da anorexia e bulimia / Therapeutic factors in a multifamily support group in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia / Factores terapéuticos en un grupo del apoyo multifamiliar en el tratamiento de la anorexia y bulimia

O objetivo desse artigo foi identificar os fatores terapêuticos em um grupo de apoio psicológico para familiares de pessoas com anorexia nervosa e bulimia nervosa. Os fatores encontrados em maior frequência foram: aprendizagem através da ação interpessoal, instilação de esperança, altruísmo, autorrevelação e aceitação; enquanto o fator orientação obteve o menor índice. Os participantes oferecem ajuda, trocam experiências em uma postura mais ativa. Manteve-se no grupo a oportunidade de os participantes falarem de suas experiências e vivências relacionadas à doença e à própria vida.

The aim of this study was to identify the therapeutic factors in a support group for family members of people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The most predominant factors were learning through interpersonal action; hope promotion; altruism; self-revelation and acceptance. The least predominant factor was orientation. The participants offered help, exchanged experiences in an active way. The family members could talk about their experiences concerning the disease and their own lives.

El objetivo de este artículo fue identificar los factores terapéuticos en un grupo de apoyo psicológico a los familiares de las personas con anorexia nerviosa y bulimia nerviosa. Los factores más frecuentes fueron: el aprendizaje mediante la acción interpersonal, la instilación de esperanza, el altruismo, la auto-revelación y aceptación, mientras que el factor de orientación tuvo el menor índice. Los participantes ofrecen ayuda, comparten experiencias en una posición más activa. Permaneció en el grupo la oportunidad que los participante hablen sobre sus experiencias relacionadas a la enfermedad y la vida misma.

Hormonal alteration in obese adolescents with eating disorder: effects of multidisciplinary therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ghrelin and leptin play important roles in the physiopathology of eating disorders, starting generally in infancy and adolescence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of multidisciplinary short-term therapy on ghrelin and leptin concentrations, bulimia nervosa symptoms, binge eating disorder symptoms, body composition, and visceral and subcutaneous fat in obese adolescents. METHODS: Twenty obese adolescents with simple obesity (BMI >95th percentile, 36.93 +/- 4.14, CDC) were submitted to multidisciplinary (nutrition, psychology, exercise and clinical) therapy. Plasma ghrelin and leptin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Bulimic and binge eating behaviors were measured by the Bulimic Investigation Test Edinburgh and the Binge Eating Scale, respectively. Visceral and subcutaneous fat were measured by ultrasonography and body composition by plethysmography. RESULTS: Significant reductions were observed in body weight (101.04 +/- 11.18 to 94.79 +/- 10.94 kg), BMI (36.93 +/- 4.14 to 34.27 +/- 4.78), fat% (41.96 +/- 6.28 to 39.14 +/- 7.62%), visceral fat (4.34 +/- 1.53 to 3.41 +/- 1.12 cm), leptin concentration (20.12 +/- 6.47 to 16.68 +/- 8.08 ng/ml), prevalence of bulimia nervosa (100 to 67%) and binge eating disorder symptoms (40 to 17%). CONCLUSION: Short-term multidisciplinary therapy was effective in improving body composition, visceral fat, leptinemia and eating disorders in obese adolescents.

“Beleza põe mesa?”: transtornos alimentares e grupo / Eating disorders and group / Trastornos alimentares y grupo

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma atualização da literatura acerca dos transtornos alimentares (TA) e refletir sobre a aplicabilidade da estratégia grupal no tratamento da anorexia nervosa (AN) e da bulimia nervosa (BN). Os estudos evidenciam que a psicoterapia de grupo oferece um contexto de apoio centrado nas questões que esses transtornos deflagram, como as angústias, dúvidas e resistências em relação ao tratamento (psicoterapia, tratamento medicamentoso, rotina de consultas, exames e procedimentos, exposição à tecnologia médica e psicossocial), alterações no cotidiano, repercussões na vida familiar e no ambiente social. A situação grupal torna-se um espaço seguro para a expressão emocional e intensa troca de experiências, uma vez que favorece a produção coletiva de significados, que podem ser explorados e canalizados na busca de soluções para os problemas comuns que afetam o cotidiano de todos. Nesse contexto, o artigo destaca os fatores terapêuticos que constituem uma das abordagens que permite analisar o potencial transformador do grupo. A identificação desses fatores, que correspondem a mecanismos promotores de mudança, autorrevelação e apoio no espaço grupal, favorece a compreensão dos TA na perspectiva do próprio paciente.(AU)

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una actualización de la literatura sobre los trastornos alimentares (TA) e reflejar sobre la aplicación de la estrategia grupal no tratamiento de la anorexia nerviosa (AN) y de la bulimia nerviosa (BN). Los estudios muestran que la sicoterapia de grupo ofrece un contexto de amparo centrado en las cuestiones que eses trastornos deflagran, como angustias, dudas y resistencia en relación a lo tratamiento (sicoterapia, tratamiento medicamentoso, rutina de consultas, examines y procedimientos, exposición a la tecnología médica y sicosocial), alteración en el cotidiano, repercusiones en la vida familiar y en el ambiente social. La situación grupal tornase un espacio seguro para la expresión emocional y el intenso intercambio de experiencias, una vez que favorece la producción colectiva de significados, que pueden ser explorados y canalizados en la busca de soluciones para los problemas comunes que afectan el cotidiano de todos. En ese contexto, lo articulo destaca aspectos terapéuticos, que constituyen una das abordajes que permiten analizar el potencial transformador del grupo. La identificación de eses factores, que corresponden a mecanismos promotores de cambio, auto-revelación y apoyo en el espacio grupal, favorece la comprensión de los TA en la perspectiva del proprio paciente.(AU)

This paper presents a literature review on eating disorders (TA, in Portuguese), examining the effectiveness of group strategies in the treatment of nervous anorexia (AN, in Portuguese) and nervous bulimia (BN, in Portuguese). Previous studies demonstrated that group therapy offers patients a supporting context for the treatment of disturbs caused by eating disorders, such as anguish, self-doubt, life changes with family and social impact, and even resistance to treatments, for instance, psychotherapy, medication, consultation routines, exams, procedures, medical technology and psychosocial interventions. Therapeutic groups offer patients a safe haven for emotional expression and intense experience exchange, as it favors the collective production of meanings that can be channeled into solving group members’ common problems. This paper identifies the factors in therapeutic groups that enhance these groups’ potential transformative role. Identifying groups’ mechanisms conducive to change, self-revelation, and support, helps patients themselves to better understand their TA.(AU)

Beleza põe mesa?: transtornos alimentares e grupo / Eating disorders and group / Trastornos alimentares y grupo

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma atualização da literatura acerca dos transtornos alimentares (TA) e refletir sobre a aplicabilidade da estratégia grupal no tratamento da anorexia nervosa (AN) e da bulimia nervosa (BN). Os estudos evidenciam que a psicoterapia de grupo oferece um contexto de apoio centrado nas questões que esses transtornos deflagram, como as angústias, dúvidas e resistências em relação ao tratamento (psicoterapia, tratamento medicamentoso, rotina de consultas, exames e procedimentos, exposição à tecnologia médica e psicossocial), alterações no cotidiano, repercussões na vida familiar e no ambiente social. A situação grupal torna-se um espaço seguro para a expressão emocional e intensa troca de experiências, uma vez que favorece a produção coletiva de significados, que podem ser explorados e canalizados na busca de soluções para os problemas comuns que afetam o cotidiano de todos. Nesse contexto, o artigo destaca os fatores terapêuticos que constituem uma das abordagens que permite analisar o potencial transformador do grupo. A identificação desses fatores, que correspondem a mecanismos promotores de mudança, autorrevelação e apoio no espaço grupal, favorece a compreensão dos TA na perspectiva do próprio paciente.

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una actualización de la literatura sobre los trastornos alimentares (TA) e reflejar sobre la aplicación de la estrategia grupal no tratamiento de la anorexia nerviosa (AN) y de la bulimia nerviosa (BN). Los estudios muestran que la sicoterapia de grupo ofrece un contexto de amparo centrado en las cuestiones que eses trastornos deflagran, como angustias, dudas y resistencia en relación a lo tratamiento (sicoterapia, tratamiento medicamentoso, rutina de consultas, examines y procedimientos, exposición a la tecnología médica y sicosocial), alteración en el cotidiano, repercusiones en la vida familiar y en el ambiente social. La situación grupal tornase un espacio seguro para la expresión emocional y el intenso intercambio de experiencias, una vez que favorece la producción colectiva de significados, que pueden ser explorados y canalizados en la busca de soluciones para los problemas comunes que afectan el cotidiano de todos. En ese contexto, lo articulo destaca aspectos terapéuticos, que constituyen una das abordajes que permiten analizar el potencial transformador del grupo. La identificación de eses factores, que corresponden a mecanismos promotores de cambio, auto-revelación y apoyo en el espacio grupal, favorece la comprensión de los TA en la perspectiva del proprio paciente.

This paper presents a literature review on eating disorders (TA, in Portuguese), examining the effectiveness of group strategies in the treatment of nervous anorexia (AN, in Portuguese) and nervous bulimia (BN, in Portuguese). Previous studies demonstrated that group therapy offers patients a supporting context for the treatment of disturbs caused by eating disorders, such as anguish, self-doubt, life changes with family and social impact, and even resistance to treatments, for instance, psychotherapy, medication, consultation routines, exams, procedures, medical technology and psychosocial interventions. Therapeutic groups offer patients a safe haven for emotional expression and intense experience exchange, as it favors the collective production of meanings that can be channeled into solving group members’ common problems. This paper identifies the factors in therapeutic groups that enhance these groups’ potential transformative role. Identifying groups’ mechanisms conducive to change, self-revelation, and support, helps patients themselves to better understand their TA.

Changing attitudes, beliefs and feelings towards food in bulimic patients.

Eating attitudes are defined as beliefs, thoughts, feelings and behaviors towards food. Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder, in which the eating attitudes are seriously disturbed. Studies that evaluated nutritional aspects of BN focus mainly on food intake, dietary restriction and binge eating, while the follow-up studies evaluate mainly clinical symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate eating attitudes of patients with BN, during and after cognitive-behavioral intervention. Thirty nine (39) BN female patients received cognitive behavioral treatment with a multidisciplinary team and had eating attitudes assessed by a questionnaire developed for this research. Frequencies of the attitudes assessed were compared at baseline, after 12 weeks and 24 weeks of treatment. After treatment, patients had less distorted beliefs about food, less guilty after eating "forbidden" foods and they felt more tranquil while eating outside home. Other negative behaviors, as dietary restriction, the desire of not eat, being angry when feeling hungry and using the food to relive stress, persisted. Eating attitudes of patients with BN are hard to be changed in a short-term. More attention to this disease's component and new approaches to treatment are needed in order to have a better recovery.

[Program of eating disorders in Chilean adolescents and young adults: six months outcome]. / Programa de transtornos de alimentación en adolescentes y jóvenes chilenos: variaciones a seis meses de tratamiento.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders may have serious organic consequences derived from under nutrition, specific nutrient deficiencies and electrolytic disturbances and reach a mortality as high as 12%. AIM: To describe the features and outcome after six months of treatment of patients attending the Eating Disorders Unit at the Catholic University Hospital in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of patients with eating disorders that received a multidisciplinary treatment by a team of nutritionists, psychiatrists and psychologists and were seen at least twice in a period of six months. RESULTS: The records of 81 patients (mean age 16.3+/-3 years, only one male) were included in the review. Forty nine patients had Anorexia Nervosa of the restricting type, five of the purging type, 22 had Bulimia Nervosa of the purging type and two of the non purging type and three patients had an eating disorder not otherwise specified. Eighty percent consulted within the first year of symptom appearance. Sixty five percent came from families with both parents living together, 57% had a rigid and agglutinated family structure and 65% had occult crises. Depression or dysthymia was found in 45% of patients and drug therapy was required at the beginning of treatment in 25%. Obsessive traits (40.4%) were significantly related to restrictive eaters. A past history of obesity or overweight was common. After six months of treatment, body mass index increasing significantly in restrictive eaters with obsessive traits and occult family crises was noticed. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary therapeutic intervention improved body mass index and family symptoms in patients with restrictive eating disorders.

Programa de transtornos de alimentación en adolescentes y jóvenes chilenos: variaciones a seis meses de tratamiento / Multidisciplinary treatment of eating disorders in Chilean adolescents and young adults: Six months outcome

Background: Eating disorders may have serious organic consequences derived from under nutrition, specific nutrient deficiencies and electrolytic disturbances and reach a mortality as high as 12 percent. Aim: To describe the features and outcome after six months of treatment of patients attending the Eating Disorders Unit at the Catholic University Hospital in Chile. Material and methods: Review of medical records of patients with eating disorders that received a multidisciplinary treatment by a team of nutritionists, psychiatrists and psychologists and were seen at least twice in a period of six months. Results: The records of 81 patients (mean age 16.3±3 years, only one male) were included in the review. Forty nine patients had Anorexia Nervosa of the restricting type, five of the purging type, 22 had Bulimia Nervosa of the purging type and two of the non purging type and three patients had an eating disorder not otherwise specified. Eighty percent consulted within the first year of symptom appearance. Sixty five percent came from families with both parents living together, 57 percent had a rigid and agglutinated family structure and 65 percent had occult crises. Depression or dysthymia was found in 45 percent of patients and drug therapy was required at the beginning of treatment in 25 percent. Obsessive traits (40.4 percent) were significantly related to restrictive eaters. A past history of obesity or overweight was common. After six months of treatment, body mass index increasing significantly in restrictive eaters with obsessive traits and occult family crises was noticed. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary therapeutic intervention improved body mass index and family symptoms in patients with restrictive eating disorders.

Trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) / Eating disorders

Los trastornos de la conducta alimetaria (TCA) son conocidos desde el siglo XVII (1989), y tienen una prevalencia de un 10 por ciento para la bulimia y de un 0.5 por ciento a 1 por ciento para anorexia. En este artículo se analizan factores como la morbilidad, los factores predisponentes, la caracterización clínica y las teorías sicológicas que subyacen a la enfermedad. Entre estos destacan la baja autoestima, el perfeccionismo y los problemas parentales. Se enfatizan los problemas del vínculo con los padres en donde la imagen corporal se transforma en el problema central. Se analizan los diagnósticos diferenciales tanto en la anorexia como en la bulimia y se describen los aspectos médicos y psiquiátricos a considerar en el tratamiento. Es importante resaltar la asociación de co-morbilidad depresiva, ansiosa, de personalidad y adicción tanto a drogas como alcohol. Finalmente se analiza la importancia del trabajo multiprofesional, integral y se enfatiza en que las estrategias farmacológicas y psicoterapéuticas cognitivas, conductuales que son el tratamiento de elección.

Bulimia nerviosa (Parte 2). Desde la etiología hasta la prevención / Bulimia nervosa (Part 2): From ethiology to prevention

Se provee al pediatra una revisión de la bulimia nerviosa (Parte 2), enfocada en la medicina basada en la evidencia, alertando acerca de los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de esta condición y con énfasis en la existencia de un grupo de alto riesgo. También se comparten los pensamientos actuales con respecto a etiología, así como las distintas manifestaciones de la bulimia nerviosa en ambos géneros. Concluimos con una revisión de la literatura reciente acerca de la prevención, el tratamiento y la evolución.