An examination of adults with atypical anorexia nervosa at admission to treatment at higher levels of care: An attempt to increase diagnostic clarity.
Int J Eat Disord
; 57(4): 848-858, 2024 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38168753
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious illness with a high mortality rate and multiple physiological complications. The vague definition of atypical AN allows for subjective interpretation. This retrospective study aimed to focus future research on the operational definition of atypical AN by examining four factors associated with atypical AN at admission to higher level of care treatment.METHODS:
Adults with atypical AN (n = 69) were examined within sample analyses among four groups (1) >10% versus ≤10% weight loss; (2) weight loss within the previous 3 months versus >3 months; (3) engaging in purging behaviors versus absence of purging behaviors; and (4) endorsing versus not endorsing significant cognitive aspects of AN.RESULTS:
Patients with atypical AN endorsed elevated ED cognitions on the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire and depressive symptoms; a lack of association was found between weight loss severity and weight loss time frame with depressive symptoms, eating concern, and restraint. Purging behavior was associated with a higher expected body weight percentage (%EBW) and dietary restraint, while greater AN cognitions were associated with a higher EBW and weight loss percentage. Few patients demonstrated bradycardia, hypophosphatemia, or amenorrhea.DISCUSSION:
This study demonstrated the severity of ED cognitions and depressive symptoms in this atypical AN sample and provided directions for future studies in the nosology of atypical AN. It may be important to distinguish between individuals with atypical AN who are purging and those who are not. Atypical AN was associated with a low frequency of physiological disturbances. PUBLICSIGNIFICANCE:
This study provides further clarification regarding the operational definition of atypical AN; currently, a constellation of symptoms under Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders. This study was consistent with previous research in reporting severe eating disorder cognitions in adults with atypical AN, and noted the potential importance of distinguishing a purging distinction. A minority of patients in this study had physiological impairments.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Anorexia Nerviosa
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Trastornos de Alimentación y de la Ingestión de Alimentos
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Hipofosfatemia
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
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Observational_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Eat Disord
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
EEUU
/
ESTADOS UNIDOS
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ESTADOS UNIDOS DA AMERICA
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EUA
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UNITED STATES
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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US
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USA