A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research investigating disordered eating and help-seeking in elite athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Elite athletes are at elevated risk for disordered eating and eating disorders; however, little is known about risk and maintaining factors, or barriers and facilitators of help-seeking in this cohort. This systematic review synthesized qualitative findings regarding possible risk and maintaining factors for disordered eating, as well as barriers to and facilitators of help-seeking in elite athletes. METHOD: We conducted a search for qualitative studies that included experiences with body image concerns or disordered eating in elite athletes. A systematic search of CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases identified 828 articles, with 87 retained after title and abstract screening, and 38 included in the review. Quality appraisal was conducted using the checklist for appraising qualitative research (CASP). Data were extracted from each article, including demographic information (e.g., biological sex, age, sport type, level of competition, current, or former athlete) and the text under the "results" or "findings" section. Meta-themes were identified using inductive thematic meta-synthesis. RESULTS: The extracted data indicated that most studies sampled female athletes from the United States and UK. Eight meta-themes were identified: (1) the power imbalance; (2) hyperfocus on body, food, and exercise; (3) rigidity; (4) the athlete's balance; (5) the athlete identity; (6) overvaluation and oversimplification; (7) shame, fear, and stigma; and (8) knowledge, education, and self-identification. DISCUSSION: These findings highlighted gaps in the demographic representation of specific groups in this research (e.g., males, para-athletes, and ethnic diversity) and propose hypotheses of how sport pressure might contribute to athletes' experiences with disordered eating. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Disordered eating and body image concerns are prevalent and can have debilitating impacts for elite athletes; however, help-seeking is rare for this population. It remains unclear what factors contribute to disordered eating and/or inhibit help-seeking among elite athletes versus the general population. Understanding athletes' perspectives will inform the modification of prevention and treatment strategies to address athlete-specific factors.

OBJETIVO: Los atletas de élite tienen un riesgo elevado de presentar patrones alimentarios disfuncionales y trastornos de la conducta alimentaria; sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre los factores de riesgo y mantenimiento, así como las barreras y facilitadores para buscar ayuda en esta cohorte. Esta revisión sistemática sintetizó hallazgos cualitativos sobre posibles factores de riesgo y mantenimiento para conductas alimentarias disfuncionales, así como barreras y facilitadores para búsqueda de ayuda en atletas de élite. MÉTODO: Realizamos una búsqueda de estudios cualitativos que incluyeran experiencias con preocupaciones sobre la imagen corporal o conductas alimentarias disfuncionales en atletas de élite. Una búsqueda sistemática en las bases de datos CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE y Scopus identificó 828 artículos, quedándonos con 87 después de la revisión de títulos y resúmenes, y 38 quedaron incluidos en la revisión. Se realizó una evaluación de calidad utilizando la lista de verificación para evaluar la investigación cualitativa (CASP). Se extrajeron datos de cada artículo, incluyendo información demográfica (por ejemplo, sexo biológico, edad, tipo de deporte, nivel de competencia, atleta actual o retirado) y el texto bajo la sección de "resultados" o "hallazgos". Se identificaron meta­temas utilizando la meta­síntesis temática inductiva. RESULTADOS: Los datos extraídos indicaron que la mayoría de los estudios incluyeron atletas femeninas de EE. UU. y Reino Unido. Se identificaron ocho meta­temas: (1) el desequilibrio de poder; (2) hiperenfoque en el cuerpo, la comida y el ejercicio; (3) rigidez; (4) el equilibrio del atleta; (5) la identidad del atleta; (6) sobrevaloración y simplificación excesiva; (7) vergüenza, miedo y estigma; y (8) conocimiento, educación y auto­identificación. DISCUSIÓN: Estos hallazgos destacaron brechas en la representación demográfica de grupos específicos en esta investigación (por ejemplo, hombres, para­atletas, diversidad étnica) y proponen hipótesis sobre cómo la presión deportiva podría contribuir a las experiencias de los atletas con conductas alimentarias disfuncionales.

A Systematic Review of the Effect of PTSD and Trauma on Treatment Outcomes for Eating Disorders.

There is growing evidence of prior experiences of trauma and trauma-related symptoms among people with eating disorders; however, there is little understanding as to how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and exposure to traumatic events affect treatment outcomes. Without this knowledge, eating disorder clinicians are unable to tailor treatment to ensure good outcomes for the large percentage of this population that is affected by PTSD and trauma. This systematic review aimed to identify how PTSD and trauma exposure influence outcomes in eating disorder treatment. Systematic searches of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus databases identified 16 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated a negative effect on rates of eating disorder treatment completion and eating disorder psychopathology posttreatment. These findings were evident across studies that investigated the impact of a history of traumatic events as well as studies that investigated the impact of the presence of trauma-related symptoms seen in PTSD. Several methodological limitations were identified in the literature. These include: heterogeneous and unstandardized measures of PTSD and trauma, high attrition rates with follow-up, and insufficient data to enable comparisons by treatment setting, diagnostic presentation, and type of trauma exposure. The findings of this review have implications for future research and clinical care, including the importance of considering PTSD and trauma in assessment, treatment planning, and provision of both trauma-informed care and trauma-focused treatments for individuals with eating disorders.

Digital social evaluation: Relationships between receiving likes, comments, and follows on social media and adolescents' body image concerns.

A defining feature of social media is its social interactivity, but limited research has investigated how various aspects of digital social evaluation (i.e., likes, follows, comments) may be related with users' body image concerns. This study investigated the relationships between aspects of digital social evaluation and body image concerns in adolescents. Australian adolescents (N = 245, 58.4 % male, Mage = 13.79, SD = 1.11) completed online surveys measuring digital social evaluation frequency (likes, follows, positive and negative comments about appearance and non-appearance), perceived importance (likes, number of followers), body dissatisfaction, restrictive eating attitudes, and drive for muscularity. Adolescents reported frequently receiving digital social evaluation, with females receiving more positive, but not negative, comments than males. All aspects of digital social evaluation were positively correlated with at least one aspect of body image concern. Controlling for other factors, all three aspects of body image were associated with receiving more frequent positive appearance-based comments, greater restrictive eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction were also associated with greater importance of likes, whilst greater drive for muscularity was associated with less frequent likes and comments. Digital social evaluation should be considered in future longitudinal or experimental research, and media literacy interventions.

Methods used to assess insight in individuals with eating disorders: a scoping review.

Insight can be impaired in individuals with an eating disorder and the nature of this impairment can vary. Although this topic has been the focus of several studies and reviews, methodologies used to assess insight have received less attention. A scoping review was conducted using a systematic search of articles before January 2021 to elucidate the methodologies used to assess insight in those with an eating disorder, with discussion of strengths and limitations. A total of 3089 studies were screened, and 24 quantitative studies which assessed at least one aspect of insight in individuals with an eating disorder were included in the review. Methods of assessing insight included coding of clinical notes, low scores on measures of self-report symptoms, direct assessment of insight, vignette, and self-report single-item questions. Insight into disordered eating symptoms was most frequently assessed. Most research used samples who were female, white, diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, and were seeking or receiving treatment. In designing future research and interventions, optimal methods used to assess insight should consider the research/clinical question, available resources, and the targeted demographic. Further, descriptions of which aspects of insight are being assessed should be considered in the interpretation of both current and future findings.

Seeing yourself clearly: Self-identification of a body image problem in adolescents with an eating disorder.

AIM: Many adolescents who meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder do not self-identify as having a problem and may consequently be less likely to seek help. Extant research investigating self-identification has been limited to specific populations (ie, girls meeting criteria for bulimic-type eating disorders). This study investigated how self-identification varied across sex, eating disorder diagnoses, and the presence of extreme eating behaviours, and how self-identification was related to help-seeking in adolescents. METHODS: Participants included 1002 Australian school students (75.5% female, Mage = 15.14 years, SD = 1.40) who met DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. An online survey assessed self-identification of having a body image problem, as well as sex, eating disorder diagnosis, extreme eating behaviours, help-seeking for a body image problem, and other potential correlates of self-identification (demographics, psychological distress, social function, weight and shape concerns). RESULTS: Approximately, 2 in 3 adolescents with an eating disorder self-identified as having a body image problem. Girls who met criteria for a major eating disorder diagnosis, and those engaging in extreme eating behaviours, were more likely to self-identify. When adjusting for covariates, only sex remained significantly associated with self-identification. Adolescents who self-identified were 2.71 times more likely to seek help for a body image problem, adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Public health strategies ought to promote awareness regarding the different ways that body image problems might manifest among both girls and boys, as well as the potential gravity of such problems. Awareness among parents, teachers and primary care providers should also be considered.

Parasympathetic activity is reduced during slow-wave sleep, but not resting wakefulness, in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Physiological dearousal characterized by an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity is important for good-quality sleep. Previous research shows that nocturnal parasympathetic activity (reflected by heart rate variability [HRV]) is diminished in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), suggesting hypervigilant sleep. This study investigated differences in nocturnal autonomic activity across sleep stages and explored the association of parasympathetic activity with sleep quality and self-reported physical and psychological wellbeing in individuals with CFS. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with medically diagnosed CFS, and 24 matched healthy control individuals participated. Electroencephalography and HRV were recorded during sleep in participants' homes using a minimally invasive ambulatory device. Questionnaires were used to measure self-reported wellbeing and sleep quality. RESULTS: Sleep architecture in patients with CFS differed from that of control participants in slower sleep onset, more awakenings, and a larger proportion of time spent in slow-wave sleep (SWS). Linear mixed-model analyses controlling for age revealed that HRV reflecting parasympathetic activity (normalized high frequency power) was reduced in patients with CFS compared to control participants, particularly during deeper stages of sleep. Poorer self-reported wellbeing and sleep quality was associated with reduced parasympathetic signaling during deeper sleep, but not during wake before sleep, rapid eye movement sleep, or with the proportion of time spent in SWS. CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic hypervigilance during the deeper, recuperative stages of sleep is associated with poor quality sleep and self-reported wellbeing. Causal links need to be confirmed but provide potential intervention opportunities for the core symptom of unrefreshing sleep in CFS.

Help-seeking for body image problems among adolescents with eating disorders: findings from the EveryBODY study.

PURPOSE: Little is known regarding correlates of help-seeking for a body image problem in adolescents with an eating disorder. This study provides the first population-based investigation of help-seeking correlates among adolescents with an eating disorder. METHODS: Australian adolescents (N = 1002, 75.5% female, mean age = 15.14, SD = 1.40) who met operational diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder completed a survey assessing help-seeking, and potential correlates of help-seeking (sex, age, body mass index, socio-economic status, migrant status, sexuality, eating disorder diagnosis, psychological distress, and quality of life). RESULTS: Only 10.1% of participants reported having sought help. Bivariate analyses revealed that increased likelihood of help-seeking was associated with female sex, sexual minority status, being born outside Australia, older age, having a major eating disorder (compared to having an unspecified or other specified feeding or other eating disorder diagnosis), higher psychological distress, and reduced psychological and social functioning. Older age, being born outside of Australia, and having a major eating disorder were significant independent correlates of help-seeking. CONCLUSIONS: Very few adolescents with an eating disorder seek help for a body image problem. Promoting early, appropriate help-seeking among those who are younger and/or those with less well-known disorders may be particularly important. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control analytic study.

The Invisible Burden of Chronic Fatigue in the Community: a Narrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Unexplained fatigue is commonly reported in the general population, with varying severity. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) sits at the extreme of the fatigue continuum, yet more individuals experience unexplained prolonged fatigue (1-6-month duration) or chronic fatigue (> 6 months) that, although debilitating, does not fulfil ME/CFS criteria. This review examines the empirical literature comparing symptoms for those with prolonged fatigue, chronic fatigue and ME/CFS. RECENT FINDINGS: Substantial overlap of self-reported psychological, physical and functional impairments exists between chronic fatigue and ME/CFS. The conversion rate from prolonged or chronic fatigue to ME/CFS is not understood. Current research has failed to uncover factors accounting for differences in fatigue trajectories, nor incorporate comprehensive, longitudinal assessments extending beyond self-reported symptoms. Distinguishing factors between prolonged fatigue, chronic fatigue and ME/CFS remain poorly understood, highlighting a need for longitudinal studies integrating biopsychosocial approaches to inform early management and targeted rehabilitation strategies.