scholarly journals Clinical Science Can Address Rising Eating Disorder Psychopathology during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Comment on Gruber et al., 2020

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara Alise Christensen ◽  
Kelsey E. Hagan ◽  
Kelsie T. Forbush
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Eating Disorder Psychopathology ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Medical Morbidity

Eating disorders (EDs) are serious psychiatric disorders that affect 13-18% of young men and women. EDs are associated with substantial psychiatric and medical morbidity and mortality, indicating a critical need for improved identification and treatment. Despite the relatively high prevalence and severity of EDs, they are often omitted from discussions of mental health. This comment is in response to Gruber et al. (2020), who wrote an important article on the challenges and opportunities facing clinical scientists in the time of COVID-19. Our response article extends Gruber et al.’s (2020) paper by noting additional challenges facing people with an eating disorder during COVID-19 and recognizing opportunities for improved evidence-based assessment and treatment of this important population.

Valuing the voice of lived experience of eating disorders in the research process: Benefits and considerations

2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742199879
Author(s):  
Selma Musić ◽  
Rosiel Elwyn ◽  
Grace Fountas ◽  
Inge Gnatt ◽  
Zoe M Jenkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Direct Involvement ◽  
The Voice ◽  
Process Benefits

Although the inclusion of individuals with lived experience is encouraged within the research process, there remains inconsistent direct involvement in many mental health fields. Within the eating disorders field specifically, there is a very strong and increasing presence of lived experience advocacy. However, due to a number of potential challenges, research undertaken in consultation or in collaboration with individuals with lived experience of an eating disorder is scarce. This paper describes the significant benefits of the inclusion of individuals with lived experience in research. The specific challenges and barriers faced in eating disorders research are also outlined. It is concluded that in addition to existing guidelines on working with lived experience collaborators in mental health research, more specific procedures are required when working with those with eating disorders.

scholarly journals Prevalence and demographic, substance use, and mental health correlates of fasting among U.S. college students

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle T. Ganson ◽  
Rachel F. Rodgers ◽  
Stuart B. Murray ◽  
Jason M. Nagata
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
The Past ◽  
Self Injury

Abstract Background Fasting is an unhealthy behavior that has been frequently used as part of weight loss attempts. To date, little research has been conducted to determine the prevalence and substance use and mental health correlates of fasting among college students. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and associations between any (≥ 1 time) and regular (≥ 13 times) occurrences of fasting in the past 4 weeks and substance use and mental health correlates among a large sample of college students from 2016 to 2020. Methods Data from four academic survey years (2016–2020; N = 8255) of the national (USA) Healthy Minds Study were analyzed. Unadjusted prevalence of any and regular fasting by survey year and gender was estimated. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations between any and regular fasting and the demographic (age, body mass index, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, highest parental education), substance use (cigarette use, marijuana use, other illicit drug use, alcohol use), and mental health (depression, anxiety, eating disorder symptoms, suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury) correlates. Results Any fasting in the past 4 weeks was common among both men (14.77%) and women (18.12%) and significantly increased from 2016 (10.30%) to 2020 (19.81%) only among men. Regular fasting significantly increased among both men and women from 2016 (men: 1.46%; women: 1.79%) to 2020 (men: 3.53%; women: 6.19%). Among men and women, both any and regular fasting in the past 4 weeks were associated with higher odds of all mental health symptoms, including a positive depression, anxiety, and eating disorder screen, suicidal ideation, and non-suicidal self-injury. Among women, but not men, any and regular fasting in the past 4 weeks were associated with higher odds of marijuana use and other illicit drug use (e.g., cocaine, ecstasy). Conclusions The results from this study underscore both the high and increasing prevalence of fasting among a national sample of college students, as well as the substance use and mental health symptoms associated with this behavior. Healthcare professionals both on and off campus should consider screening for fasting behaviors among college students and provide appropriate intervention when needed.

Adapting a Technology-Based Eating Disorder Model for Athletes

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 699-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael E. Flatt ◽  
Craig Barr Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Self Help ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Integrate Technology ◽  
Receive Treatment ◽  
Mental Health Programs ◽  
Evidence Based Care

Eating disorders (EDs) are common amongst athletes, yet few receive treatment. Given that athletes have a unique set of risk factors for eating disorders and are faced with additional barriers to treatment, new models outside of face-to-face treatment are necessary to reach the population and provide more affordable, tailored, evidence-based care. One solution is to use digital mental health programs to provide primary or supplemental therapy. Digital programs can provide accessibility and privacy, and recent advancements allow for more personalized online experiences. However, there have been no studies to date that integrate technology-based tools to address the especially high prevalence rates of EDs in athletes. This paper describes how an integrated model that includes online screening linked to guided self-help programs, all adapted specifically for athletes, can be used to provide prevention and intervention of EDs in athletes.

scholarly journals Longitudinal experiences and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among people with past or current eating disorders in Sweden

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Birgegård ◽  
Afrouz Abbaspour ◽  
Stina Borg ◽  
David Clinton ◽  
Emma Forsén Mantilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
List Type ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Eating Disorder Symptom ◽  
Disorder Symptom ◽  
Evidence Based Care ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo document the impact of the COVI-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of individuals with past and current eating disorders in Sweden.MethodWe re-contacted participants from two previous Swedish studies who had a known lifetime history of an eating disorder. Participants completed an online questionnaire about their health and functioning at baseline early in the pandemic (Wave 1; N=982) and six months later (Wave 2); N=646).ResultsThree important patterns emerged: 1) higher current eating disorder symptom levels were associated with greater anxiety, worry, and pandemic-related eating disorder symptom increase; 2) patterns were fairly stable across time, although a concerning number who reported being symptom-free at Wave 1 reported re-emergence of symptoms at Wave 2; and only a minority of participants with current eating disorders were in treatment, and of those who were in treatment, many reported fewer treatment sessions than pre-pandemic and decreased quality of care.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic is posing serious health challenges for individuals with eating disorders, whether currently symptomatic or in remission. We encourage health service providers and patient advocates to be alert to the needs of individuals with eating disorders and to take active measures to ensure access to appropriate evidence-based care both during and following the pandemic.Significant Outcomes and LimitationsIndividuals with eating disorders symptoms or current active disorder report higher adverse impact of COVID-19 on their mental healthEven individuals who were symptom-free early in the pandemic reported a resurgence of eating disorder symptomsA large proportion of symptomatic individuals were not in treatment for their eating disorder, services should be aware and access to evidence-based care should be ensured across SwedenLimitations included the use of a convenience sample with atypical diagnostic distribution, and a low initial response rate, possibly introducing bias and limiting generalisability.Data Availability StatementFully anonymized data are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Students with Anxiety: Implications for Professional School Counselors

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 2156759X1201600 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Heather Thompson ◽  
Phyllis Robertson ◽  
Russ Curtis ◽  
Melodie H. Frick
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Career Development ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
School Counselors ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Professional School ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Professional School Counselors

Anxiety is one of the most pervasive mental health concerns affecting students, yet a significant number of students with anxiety disorders remain underserved. If left untreated, anxiety can hinder students' personal/social, academic, and career development. The purpose of this article is to provide professional school counselors with helpful information about the etiology of anxiety disorders and brief, evidence-based prevention and intervention options. The authors discuss specific recommendations for the identification, assessment, and treatment of anxiety that fit within the unique school environment.

Eating Disorder Attitudes and Psychopathology in Caucasian Australian, Asian Australian and Thai University Students

2006 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piangchai S Jennings ◽  
David Forbes ◽  
Brett Mcdermott ◽  
Gary Hulse ◽  
Sato Juniper
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
University Students ◽  
Eating Attitudes ◽  
Eating Attitudes Test ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
Eating Disorder Psychopathology ◽  
Eating Disorders Inventory ◽  
Eat 26 ◽  
Thai University

Objective: To examine eating disorder attitudes and psychopathology among female university students in Australia and Thailand. Method: Participants were 110 Caucasian Australians, 130 Asian Australians and 101 Thais in Thailand. The instruments included the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI). Results: Eating disorder attitudes and psychopathology scores in the Thai group were found to be highest. The Asian Australian group did not have significantly higher scores on the EAT-26 than the Caucasian Australian group, but had higher scores in some subscales of the EDI-2. That the Thai group had the highest scores in susceptibility to developing an eating disorder and eating disorder psychopathology may be partially explained in sociocultural terms, with pressure to be thin more extreme in Thailand than in Australia. The evidence suggested that unhealthy eating disorder psychopathology is not limited to Western societies but is already present in Thai and other Asian societies.

scholarly journals Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified: Translation from Randomized Controlled Trial to a Clinical Setting

2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 641-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Knott ◽  
Debbie Woodward ◽  
Antonia Hoefkens ◽  
Caroline Limbert
Keyword(s):  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Eating Disorder Psychopathology ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour

Background: Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E) (Fairburn, Cooper and Shafran, 2003) was developed as a treatment approach for eating disorders focusing on both core psychopathology and additional maintenance mechanisms. Aims: To evaluate treatment outcomes associated with CBT-E in a NHS Eating Disorders Service for adults with bulimia and atypical eating disorders and to make comparisons with a previously published randomized controlled trial (Fairburn et al., 2009) and “real world” evaluation (Byrne, Fursland, Allen and Watson, 2011). Method: Participants were referred to the eating disorder service between 2002 and 2011. They were aged between 18–65 years, registered with a General Practitioner within the catchment area, and had experienced symptoms fulfilling criteria for BN or EDNOS for a minimum of 6 months. Results: CBT-E was commenced by 272 patients, with 135 completing treatment. Overall, treatment was associated with significant improvements in eating disorder and associated psychopathology, for both treatment completers and the intention to treat sample. Conclusions: Findings support dissemination of CBT-E in this context, with significant improvements in eating disorder psychopathology. Improvements to global EDE-Q scores were higher for treatment completers and lower for the intention to treat sample, compared to previous studies (Fairburn et al., 2009; Byrne et al., 2011). Level of attrition was found at 40.8% and non-completion of treatment was associated with higher levels of anxiety. Potential explanations for these findings are discussed.

scholarly journals Mental Health Links With Eating Disorder Risk and Weight Related Concerns in First Semester College Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 199-199
Author(s):  
Zhiping Yu ◽  
Paul Fuglestad ◽  
Madisen Reasonover
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Food Addiction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Eating Disorder Risk ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Disorder Risk

Abstract Objectives Both mental health and eating disorders are increasing health concerns for college students. This study aimed to examine associative links between psychological distress, eating disorder risk, food addiction, and weight related concerns among first semester college students. Methods Freshman students 18 years or older in all majors in a southeastern university were invited to take an online survey. The measures included demographic characteristics, psychological behaviors and eating disorder risks. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to assess associations. Results Ninety-two students (79.3% female, 61.5% white) completed the survey. Psychological distress significantly correlated with higher eating disorder risk (stress r = 0.28, anxiety r = 0.28, depression r = 0.42; P's < 0.01), higher food addiction symptom count (stress r = 0.30, anxiety r = 0.34, depression r = 0.44; P's < 0.01), and lower weight related quality of life (stress r = −0.27, anxiety r = −0.38, depression r = −0.52; P's < 0.01). Greater anxiety also significantly correlated with lower self-reported dream weights (r = −0.23, P < 0.05) and happy weights (r = −0.23, P < 0.05). Conclusions The findings suggest that the management of psychological well-being of college students is important for prevention and treatment of eating disorders and weight issues in this population. Funding Sources Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida.

scholarly journals Problematic usage of the internet and eating disorders: a multifaceted, systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Ioannidis ◽  
Charlotte Taylor ◽  
Leah Holt ◽  
Kate Brown ◽  
Christine Lochner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Drive For Thinness ◽  
Eating Disorder Psychopathology ◽  
Multiple Levels

Eating disorders are widespread illnesses with significant impact. There is growing concern about how those at risk of eating disorders overuse online resources to their detriment. We conducted a pre-registered systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI) and eating disorders. The meta-analysis comprised n=32,295 participants, in which PUI was correlated with significant eating disorder psychopathology Pearson r=0.22 (s.e.=0.04, p<0.001), body dissatisfaction r=0.16 (s.e.=0.02, p<0.001), drive-for-thinness r=0.16 (s.e.=0.04, p<0.001) and dietary restraint r=0.18 (s.e.=0.03). Effects were not moderated by gender, PUI facet or study quality. Results are in support of PUI impacting significantly on vulnerable populations towards the development or maintenance of eating disorder psychopathology; males may be equally vulnerable to these potential effects. Prospective and experimental studies in the field suggest that small but significant effects exist and may have accumulative influence over time and across all age groups. Those findings are important to expand our understanding of PUI as a multifaceted concept and its impact on multiple levels of ascertainment of eating disorder psychopathology.

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