Eating Attitudes Test Scores Research Articles

The optimal cut-off score of the Eating Attitude Test-26 for screening eating disorders in Japan

PurposeThe Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) is a screening tool for eating disorders (EDs) in clinical and non-clinical samples. The cut-off score was suggested to be varied according to target population. However, no studies have examined the appropriateness of the originally proposed score of 20 for screening DSM-5 eating disorders in Japan. This study aimed to identify an appropriate cut-off score to better differentiate clinical and non-clinical samples in Japan for EDs.MethodsThe participants consisted of 54 patients with anorexia nervosa restricting type, 58 patients with anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging type, 37 patients with bulimia nervosa diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria, and 190 healthy controls (HCs). Welch’s t test was used to assess differences in age, body mass index (BMI), and total EAT-26 scores between HCs and patients with EDs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to identify the optimal cut-off score.ResultsThe HCs had significantly higher BMI and lower total EAT-26 mean scores than patients with EDs. The area under the ROC curve was 0.925, indicating that EAT-26 had excellent performance in discriminating patients with EDs from HCs. An optimal cut-off score of 17 was identified, with sensitivity and specificity values of 0.866 and 0.868, respectively.ConclusionsThe result supports the suggestions that optimal cut-off score should be different according to target populations. The newly identified cut-off score of 17 would enable the identification of patients with EDs who have been previously classified as non-clinical samples in the EAT-26 test.Level of evidence: III: evidence obtained from case–control analytic study.

Eating attitudes of migraine patients in Turkey: a prospective multi-center study

BackgroundMigraine is a disease characterized by headache attacks. The disease is multifactorial in etiology and genetic and environmental factors play role in pathogenesis. Migraine can also be accompanied by psychiatric disorders like neurotism and obsessive compulsive disorder. Stress, hormonal changes and certain food intake can trigger attacks in migraine. Previous studies showed that eating attitudes and disorders are prevalant in patients with migraine. Eating disorders are psychiatric disorders related to abnormal eating habits. Both migraine and eating disorders are common in young women and personality profiles of these patient groups are also similar. A possible relationship which shows that migraine and eating habits are related can lead to a better understanding of disease pathogenesis and subsequently new therapeutic options on both entities. Association of migraine in relation to severity, depression and anxiety and eating habits and disorders were aimed to be investigated in this study.MethodsThe study was designed as a prospective, multi-center, case control study. Twenty-one centers from Turkey was involved in the study. The gathered data was collected and evaluated at a single designated center. From a pool of 1200 migraine patients and 958 healthy control group, two groups as patient group and study group was created with PS matching method in relation to age, body-mass index, marital status and employment status. Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were applied to both study groups. The data gathered was compared between two groups.ResultsEAT-26 scores and the requirement for referral to a psychiatrist due to symptoms related to eating disorder were both statistically significantly higher in patient group compared to control group (p = 0.034 and p = 0.0001 respectively). Patients with migraine had higher scores in both BDI and BAI compared to control group (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0001 respectively). Severity of pain or frequency of attacks were not found to be related to eating attitudes (r:0.09, p = 0.055).ConclusionsMigraine patients were found to have higher EAT-26, BDI and BAI scores along with a higher rate of referral to a psychiatrist due to symptoms. Results of the study showed that eating habits are altered in migraine patients with higher risk of eating disorders. Depression and anxiety are also found to be common amongst migraine patients.

Eating Attitudes, Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Dietetic Students and Association with Body Mass Index and Body Fat Percent: A Cross-Sectional Study.

University students face challenges impacting psychology and dietary choices. The present work examined the association between eating attitudes, stress, anxiety, and depression to body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage in Dietetics students. Respondents completed the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, and the Hellenic Physical Activity Questionnaire (HPAQ). Anthropometry and a bioimpedance analysis were performed. The EAT-26 score was 11 (8-16) and the DASS score was 20 (11-36) (medians and interquartile ranges). Disordered eating was detected in 20% of men and 15% of women. Depressive symptomatology was detected in 30% of males and 23% of females, anxiety in 35% of males and 40% of females, and stress in 29% of males and 35% of females. EAT-26 and DASS scores were highly correlated (r = 0. 0.221, p = 0.001). The EAT-26 oral control subscale (B = 0.430, SE = 0.184, p = 0.026) was positively correlated with BMI in men in the models, adjusted for age, physical activity, and Mediterranean Diet Score, while no association was documented for % body fat. The DASS depression score was not related to BMI in multi-adjusted models. In conclusion, disordered eating, depression, stress, and anxiety are present in this sample of university students. The relationship between disordered eating and BMI needs consideration in programs targeting overweight or underweight in Dietetics students.

Is Interoception Deficit Linking Alexithymia and Eating Spectrum Symptoms? Study on a Non-Clinical Sample of Young Adults.

We investigated if interoceptive deficits could be the link between alexithymic traits and eating spectrum manifestations in a non-clinical sample. One-hundred sixty-one young adults (mean age: 23.2 ± 2.4 years) were evaluated with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), the Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS), the Interoceptive Confusion Questionnaire (ICQ), and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). Questionnaires were administered with an online procedure (Microsoft Form, Office 365 A1, Pisa, Italy) (Study Protocol #0012005/2023). We compared ICQ, IAS, and TAS-20 scores in subjects who met the threshold for a potential eating spectrum disorder according to EAT-26 scores ≥ 20 (n = 27) vs. subjects who scored <20 (n = 134), with an ANCOVA corrected for 'age' and 'gender'. Subjects with EAT-26 ≥ 20, scored significantly higher at ICQ (54.4 ± 13.2 vs. 50.2 ± 6.8; p = 0.011), TAS-20 'Total Score' (60.8 ± 11.9 vs. 58.1 ± 9.2; p = 0.006), and TAS-20 'Identifying Feelings' (21.5 ± 7.6 vs. 17.3 ± 5.8; p = 0.0001). A binary logistic regression analysis, with EAT-26 scores < 20 vs. ≥20 as the dependent variable, and ICQ, IAS, TAS-20 total scores and dimensions, age, and gender (categorical) as covariates, showed that the only variable predicting eating spectrum symptomatology was 'ICQ Total Score' (OR = 1.075, 95% CI: 1.016-1.139; p = 0.013). Interoceptive confusion was the dimension linking the occurrence of alexithymic traits and eating spectrum manifestations.

'Food can help numb the pain': A mixed methods exploration of disordered eating, shame and self-compassion in an international community sample of men and women.

Background: Research into disordered eating (DE), shame and self-compassion (SC) has poorly represented men, general populations and non-Western communities. Aim: To explore associations between these variables in an international community sample of men and women. Methods: An online exploratory sequential mixed methods cross-sectional survey assessed levels of (quantitative Phase 1) and perceptions of (qualitative Phase 2) eating behaviours, external shame and body image shame (BIS) and SC. Results: Phase 1: Nearly 60% of our 142 survey participants were male (82/142) and about one-third were from India (43/142). About one-third of people (41/142) had a high-level concern regarding dieting, body weight, or eating (based on Eating Attitudes Test scores), and they had significantly higher levels of external shame, BIS and (SC-related) self-judgement and overidentification - compared to the 101/142 participants with low concern. Men had healthier levels of study outcomes than women. Phase 2: Four key themes were identified using inductive thematic analysis of the responses of 55 survey participants: (T1) DE as a Psychological Issue, (T2) DE as a Social Issue, (T3) The Vicious Cycle of Shame and (T4) Seeking Help. Conclusion: In participants in Phase 1 of our study - who were mostly male - DE behaviours were related to more external shame and body image-specific shame, and to less SC. Men had healthier levels of study variables than women. In Phase 2, participants talked about a vicious cycle of pathological eating and shame.

Relationship between smartphone addiction and eating disorders and lifestyle among Chinese college students.

Smartphone addiction has been a matter of serious concern among society and parents because of its high incidence and serious negative effects. This study aimed to determine the association between smartphone addiction and eating disorders and lifestyle changes among college students. The present article is a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 1,112 college students from several universities in Chengdu, China. The data were collected by using the Chinese version of the Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI) and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). In addition, the information on sociodemographic, lifestyle, and smartphone use were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of smartphone addiction among the students involved in the study was 22.6%, of which 10.4% were at risk for eating disorders. Female students had higher MPAI scores and EAT-26 scores than male students (p < 0.001). The proportion of male students with a risk of eating disorders was significantly higher than that of female students (p < 0.05). The total EAT-26 scores of students with smartphone addiction were higher than that of others (p < 0.001). The correlation analysis indicated that the MPAI scores were significantly positively correlated with the EAT-26 scores, depression and anxiety, difficulty in falling asleep at night, the frequency of eating fast food and drinking carbonated soft drink (p < 0.01). In addition, the MPAI scores were significantly negatively correlated with skipping breakfast and the frequency of physical activity (p < 0.05). Smartphone addiction is significantly associated with eating disorders, eating habits, and lifestyle. The influence of dietary habits and lifestyle needs to be considered for the prevention and development of an intervention for smartphone addiction among college students.

Eating attitude in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: The relationship between pain, body mass index, disease activity, functional status, depression, anxiety and quality of life

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between eating attitude and pain, body mass index, disease activity, functional status, depression, anxiety and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Design and methodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 111 RA patients between January 2021 and May 2021. FindingsThe Eating Attitudes Test scores of the participants had a positive significant relationship with their Visual Analog Scale scores (r = 0.257), Health Assessment Questionnaire scores (r = 0.221), Beck Anxiety Inventory scores (r = 0.287), Beck Depression Inventory scores (p = 0.224), and Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Scale scores (r = 0.298) (p < 0.05). This study showed that when the eating attitudes of the RA patients were negative, their anxiety and depression levels increased, and their quality of life was negatively affected. Practice implicationsIn the positive management of depression and anxiety, by creating treatment guidelines, the moderation of the eating attitudes of patients and increasing their quality of life levels should be ensured.

Undetected eating disorders among adolescent psychiatric inpatients.

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of undetected eating disorders (EDs) among adolescent psychiatric inpatients and to investigate the association between clinical, psychiatric, and sociocultural factors and EDs. Between January and December 2018, patients aged 12-18 years, hospitalized for inpatient-level treatment were given the self-assessment questionnaires of the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Contour Drawing Figure Rating Scale (CDFRS), the Child Behaviour Check List, and Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire-4 after their routine unstructured clinical diagnostic assessment on admission by a psychiatrist. Patients were reassessed after reviewing the psychometric assessment results. The prevalence of EDs among 117 psychiatric inpatients was 9.4%, all were female and all diagnosed with unspecified feeding and eating disorder. We showed that 63.6% of patients with EDs was diagnosed after the screening and not with the routine clinical interview. EAT-26 scores were weakly correlated with affective (r = 0.314, p = .001), anxious (r = 0.231, p = .012), somatic (r = 0.258, p = .005), and impulsive maladaptive behaviours (r = 0.272, p = .003). A formal ED diagnosis was positively associated with media pressure, (OR:1.660, 95% CI: 1.105-2.495) and oppositional defiance (OR: 1.391, 95% CI: 1.005-1.926), and negatively with conduct problems (OR: 0.695, 95% CI: 0.500-0.964). The CDFRS results were not different between the ED and non-ED groups. Our study suggests EDs remain a prevalent yet often overlooked diagnosis in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Health care providers should screen for EDs in inpatient psychiatric settings as a part of routine assessment to improve the identification of disordered eating behaviours that often begin during adolescence.

Body Composition, Eating Habits, and Disordered Eating Behaviors among Adolescent Classical Ballet Dancers and Controls

Adolescent classical ballet dancers are nutritionally vulnerable, as they try to retain a lean body shape during a life period of high nutritional requirements due to rapid growth. Studies conducted on adult dancers have indicated a high risk for the development of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs), but research on adolescent dancers remains scarce. The aim of the present case-control study was to compare the body composition, dietary habits, and DEBs of female adolescent classical ballet dancers and their non-dancer same-sex peers. Self-reported questionnaires, namely the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and a 19-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), were used for the assessment of habitual diet and DEBs. The assessment of body composition included the measurements of body weight, height, body circumference, and skinfolds and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The results indicate that the dancers were leaner than the controls, with lower weight, BMIs, and hip and arm circumferences, leaner skinfolds, and less fat mass. No differences were observed between the two groups regarding eating habits and the EAT-26 scores, but almost 1 out of 4 (23.3%) participants scored ≥ 20, indicative of DEBs. Participants with an EAT-26 score ≥ 20 had significantly higher body weight, BMIs, body circumferences, fat mass, and fat-free mass than those with a score < 20. Adolescents must be educated on nutrition and healthy methods to control body weight through evidence-based information and programs, and whenever appropriate, also through individual counseling by the appropriate health professionals.

Validation of the Arabic version of the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (Ar-MDDI) among Lebanese male university students

BackgroundTo date, the vast majority of research on disordered eating symptomatology and body image disturbances from the Arab world have been performed exclusively among women; and mainly used thinness-oriented measures that are not sensitive to detect muscularity-oriented symptoms, which are more evident in males. Therefore, the objective of our study was to validate the Arabic version of the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (Ar-MDDI), in order to make it accessible for Arabic-speaking populations.MethodsUsing a snowball sampling technique, men university students (n = 396) from multiple universities in Lebanon filled the survey in this cross-sectional designed study (January–May 2022). A soft copy of the questionnaire was created using google forms software, and sent to participants through the different social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. We used the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory to assess Muscle Dysmorphia, along with the Big Three Perfectionism Scale to assess perfectionism and Eating Attitude Test (EAT) to evaluate the inappropriate eating attitudes. To explore the factor structure of Ar-MDDI, we computed a principal-axis Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with the first split-half subsample using the FACTOR software. We used data from the second split-half to conduct a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using the SPSS AMOS v.29 software. Pearson correlation test was used to test the convergent and divergent validity of the Ar-MDDI scale with the other scores included in the study.ResultsThe results of the EFA revealed three factors, which explained 57.68% of the common variance: Factor 1 = Appearance intolerance, Factor 2 = Drive for size, and Factor 3 = Functional impairment. The CFA fit indices of the three-factor model of the Ar-MDDI scale showed good results. Moreover, 254 (64.1%) of the participants had inappropriate eating attitudes (EAT scores ≥ 20). Indices suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported according to eating attitudes. No significant difference between participants with appropriate versus inappropriate eating attitudes in terms of functional impairment, drive for size and appearance intolerance. Perfectionism scores correlated positively with the Ar-MDDI, which suggests divergent validity.ConclusionOur findings revealed that the validation of the Arabic scale yielded excellent properties, preliminarily supporting its use for the assessment of muscle dysmorphia among Arabic-speaking university men. This would hopefully allow for its timely detection and management in Arab clinical settings and encourage cross-cultural research on this topic.

Is mindful eating higher in individuals with orthorexia nervosa?: a cross-sectional study

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindful eating and orthorexia nervosa (ON) among adults and contribute to establishing ON diagnostic criteria. In the current cross-sectional study, 105 women and 92 men (aged 19–64 years) were enrolled whose scores on the Orthorexia Nervosa Questionnaire-15 (ORTO-15), the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and SCOFF scales indicated a prevalence of ON and eating disorder risk. In addition, the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) was applied to participants to determine mindful eating. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. In participants with ON, the scores of emotional eating and conscious eating scores, which are MEQ sub-factors, and the total score of MEQ are higher than those who do not have ON (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between MEQ and ORTO-15 scores (r = –0.269; p < 0.01). In addition, the one-point increase in the ORTO-15 scores of the participants led to 0.094 decrease in MEQ scores (B = –0.094; SE = 0.021; p < 0.001) and 0.175 decrease in EAT-26 scores (B = –0.175; SE = 0.033; p < 0.001). The data obtained from our study show that mindful eating of individuals with ON is higher than those who do not have ON, and this is important in determining the diagnostic criteria of ON.

The Relationship of the Breastfeeding Attitude with Eating Attitude and Body Image of Obese and Non-Obese Mothers with Babies Hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective: The research was conducted to determine the relationship between obese and non-obese mothers' breastfeeding attitudes with eating attitudes and body perception.Materials and Methods: The sample of the descriptive study consisted of 248 mothers (obese:120; non-obese=128). The data were collected with the Personal Information Form, Breastfeeding Attitudes of the Evaluation Scale (BAES), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and Body Perception Scale (BPS).Results: It was determined that 14.2% of obese mothers and 14.1% of non-obese mothers were prone to eating attitude disorders. There was a weak statistically significant negative relationship between BAES and the EAT scores of obese (r=–0.284; p=0.002) and non-obese women (r=–0.371; p=0.000). A statistically significant relationship was not determined between the BAES and BPS scores (p&amp;gt;0.05).Conclusion: While there was no relationship between breastfeeding attitude and body perception of obese and non-obese women, the tendency to eating attitude disorder decreased as obese and non-obese mothers’ positive breastfeeding attitudes increased. According to these findings, it is recommended to support a positive breastfeeding attitude in mothers.

Prevalence of Risks for Eating Disorders among Undergraduate University Students: A Cross-sectional Study from the United Arab Emirates

Background: Eating disorders are disturbances that result in severe and long-lasting abnormal eating patterns and consequences to a variety of physical and psychological components of health. Purpose: To determine the prevalence of risks for eating disorders among Emirati female undergraduate university students at higher colleges in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional design, a total of 501 university students were recruited conveniently to participate in this study (the response rate was 90%). A questionnaire consisting of demographical and eating pattern sections and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) (Arabic version) were used and shared online with the university students using Google Forms. This study was conducted in the spring semester of 2020/2021. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized. Results: The prevalence of female university students with risks of eating disorders was 13.97%. The most frequent (13.6%) statement chosen by university students was “I am terrified of being overweight.” Almost 50% of the university students were not satisfied with their weight and 48.1% were dissatisfied with their physical appearance. Only 8.18% of the female university students have a family history of eating disorders and 8.98% were confirmed cases of eating disorders. Yet, the study revealed no statistically significant correlations between age (r= 0.036, P= 0.416), body mass index (r= 0.015, P= 0.734) or meals/day (r= -0.076, P= 0.087) and EAT-26 scores. Conclusions: The risks of eating disorders in the current study were lower compared to those obtained by previous studies. Regardless of that, the awareness regarding eating disorders is required by multiple education programs utilizing reading materials, online education sessions, games, mass media and social communication methods. Implications for Nursing: Extended community-based educational programs are suggested to enhance female university students’ knowledge about EDs, their consequences on health and methods to promote healthy eating habits and positive attitudes toward body image. Keywords: Eating disorders, Higher colleges, University students, United Arab Emirates, Female adolescents, Anorexia nervosa, EAT-26.

Investigation of Nursing Students’ Eating Attitudes and Affecting Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of the study was to determine the eating attitudes of university students and the factors affecting these attitudes. The descriptive study was conducted with 711 nursing students studying at a public university nursing faculty. A Personal Information Form and Eating Attitude Test (EAT) were used as data collection tools. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were used in the evaluation of the data. 59.6% of students had a normal range in Body Mass Index (BMI). The mean EAT score of the students was 16.64±9.12. As a result of the chi-square analysis, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the EAT scores of variables such as satisfaction with weight and body image; parental attitude; satisfaction with the department; self-worth; perceived general health status; presence of a chronic disease; professional psychological support; diet and physical exercise; and attention to diet (p&lt;0.05). It was determined that 8.9% of the students participating in the study are at risk of developing an eating disorder. It was determined that the students' perceived parental attitudes, being satisfied with their body image and weight, self-worth, diet and physical exercise, and paying attention to their diet all affect their eating attitudes. Keywords: student, nurse, eating attitudes

The Self-Regulation of Eating Attitudes in Sport Scale: Defining an Optimal Regulation Zone.

This study examines the hypothesis of a Zone of Optimal Regulation of Eating Attitudes in Sport (ZOREAS). The ZOREAS refers to a band, or zone within which athletes are most likely to optimize eating attitude regulation which should be associated with a low level of disordered eating. Scores outside this zone indicate a risk factor for eating disorders. One hundred and eleven volunteer athletes were recruited. Two variables were assessed: self-regulation of eating in sport, and eating attitudes and behaviors, measured with the French Self-Regulatory Eating Attitude in Sports Scale (SREASS), and the French version of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), respectively. Correlational analyses and an ANOVA were run. As expected, we observed a negative relationship between scores for the self-regulation of eating, and disordered eating attitudes in the sports context. To better-determine the ZOREAS, we ran a one-way ANOVA, which was significant for disordered eating attitudes. The plot of the interaction confirmed three trends: a high level of disordered eating attitudes (EAT scores over 20) is associated with a high level of self-regulation of eating attitudes (SREASS scores over 24); a medium level of disordered eating attitudes is associated with a low level of self-regulation of eating attitudes (SREASS scores under 19); a low level of disordered eating attitudes is associated with a medium level of self-regulation of eating attitudes (SREASS scores between 19 and 24). Thus, the ZOREAS was determined to be SREASS scores within the range 19–24. The ZOREAS may be useful to sports psychology practitioners who work with athletes.

Lifestyle pattern changes, eating disorders, and sleep quality in diabetes: how are the effects of 18months of COVID-19 pandemic being felt?

The pandemic resulted in a lifestyle crisis which may negatively affect patients with diabetes. Despite current knowledge, there is a lack of longitudinal studies evaluating this effect. To assess patients' perceptions about changes in lifestyle, and eating and sleeping patterns after 18months of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify if aspects related to the pandemic (social distancing, COVID-19 infection, behavioral changes, and financial difficulties) are predictors of worsening in eating and sleeping parameters. This was a longitudinal study that followed patients with diabetes from April 2020 to July 2021 in Southern Brazil. Individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, aged ≥ 18years, were included. The outcome of this study was the assessment of daily habits during a 18-month period of theCOVID-19 pandemic. Specific questionnaires were applied once participants were included in this study (3months after the onset of the pandemic) and at the 18-month follow-up, which included the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Mini-Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ), and a specific questionnaire on diet, physical activity, and sleeppattern. Data were compared within and between groups (type 1 and type 2 diabetes), and multivariable models were used to identify subgroups of worse outcomes. A total of 118 (78.6%) participants remained in the study at follow-up (mean age 54.6 ± 13.9years, 41.3% male). In total, 33.9% of participants perceived weight gain during the pandemic, especially those with type 1 diabetes (43.1% vs 25.0% in type 2 diabetes, P = 0.04). About one in four participants reported emotional eating and changes in their eating habits for financial reasons. Regarding sleep patterns, more than half the participants reported taking naps during the day, out of which 30.5% of them perceived worse sleep quality, with no difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes groups. There were no within-group differences in MSQ and EAT-26 scores. Among participants with type 2 diabetes, age ≥ 60years (OR 27.6, 95%CI 2.2-345.7), diabetes duration ≥ 15years (OR 28.9, 95%CI 1.4-597.9), and perceived emotional eating (OR 10.9, 95%CI 1.1-107.5) were associated with worsened food quality. Worse sleep quality during the pandemic was associated with age ≥ 60years for both type 2 diabetes (OR 5.6, 95%CI 1.1-31.5) and type 1 diabetes (OR 5.5, 95%CI 1.0-29.9). Follow-up data from a cohort of patients with diabetes indicate that at the end of 18months of social distancing, some lifestyle aspects worsened and some improved, showing that these patients responded differently to the adversities of this period. The evidence of clinical features associated with worsening in food and sleep quality provides new insights to prioritizing actions in crisis situations.

Multipl Sklerozda Yeme Tutumu

Objective: To examine attitudes to eating in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 64 cases diagnosed with MS according to the 2017 McDonald criteria and a control group of 64 healthy volunteers of similar age, gender, and education level. All the study participants underwent a detailed neurological examination and were then administered the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Beck Depreession Inventory (BDI). Results: In the comparisons between the groups of the EAT results, a score of ≥30 was obtained by 24 (37.5%) MS patients and 14 (21.8%) of the control group. When the MS patients were compared in two groups according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of ≤3 and ≥4, an EAT score of ≥30 was obtained by 11 (25%) patients with EDSS score ≤3 and by 13 (68.5%) patients with EDSS ≥4. Conclusion: The frequency of eating disorders in the MS patients in this study was found to be higher than the overall frequency in the general population. This rate reached statistical significance in patients with high EDSS scores. When it is considered that some vitamin and mineral deficiencies are among the triggers of MS attacks, the presence of eating disorders or poor eating behaviour is important in the follow-up and treatment processes of MS patients.

Evaluation of eating disorders, kinesophobia and disfunctional attitudes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aim: Eating disorders (EDs), dysfunctional attitudes (DAs), and limitation of movement due to kinesiophobia, which are more common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), may contribute to poor metabolic control, weight gain, disregard for treatment, and an increased prevalence of microvascular and macrovascular complications; however, current evidence is limited to small studies and restricted measures. In this study, these characteristics were assessed in patients with T2DM relative to controls, and factors independently associated with ED, DA and kinesiophobia were examined. Material and methods: This case-control study was conducted between July 2018 and December 2018 at the Departments of Endocrinology and Psychiatry of Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey. A total of 150 patients diagnosed with T2DM and 150 healthy controls were included. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS), and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) were applied. Results: Median age in the control group was 38 (IQR: 27 - 47) years, and 56 (IQR: 46 - 61) years in the patient group. Women comprised 67.3% of controls and 61.3% of patients. Although all scale scores were higher in the patient group compared to controls, the possible relationships were not confirmed by multiple linear regression analysis. Significant factors independently associated with higher DAS score were high age (p=0.043), high body mass index (p=0.021) and presence of comorbidity (p=0.019). Significant factors associated with higher TSK score were high age (p<0.001) and high BMI (p=0.001). High age (p<0.001) was the only parameter associated with higher EAT score. The presence of T2DM was not found to be an independent factor associated with any of the scores. Conclusion: Our results show that, rather than the presence of T2DM, other patient characteristics were likely to be more influential on ED, DA and kinesiophobia. These show that older patients with T2DM who have comorbidities or DM-related complications are more likely to benefit from management that account for these characteristics.

Sleep and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Correlation With Psychopathology, Gender, and Academic Performance.

ObjectiveNo studies have investigated sleep disturbance in avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). We examined sleep disturbance in ARFID and its association with eating problems, body mass index (BMI), gender, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, cognitive performance, and academic difficulties.MethodsData from 71 ARFID patients from our partial hospitalization program (PHP) for children and adolescents were examined. Sleep data were extracted from measures administered at admission including Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), and Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS). Correlational analyses were conducted to evaluate the convergent validity of parent-reported and participant-reported sleep problems. Association with the severity of eating problems, BMI, percentage of median body weight (% MBW), age, gender, psychotropic medication, psychopathology, and academic difficulties was examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation. ResultsFifty-two percent of parents and 74% of participants reported two or more sleep symptoms. Trouble sleeping was reported by 46.48% and nightmares by 35.21% of parents. Parent-reported trouble sleeping highly correlated with internalizing disorders. Parent-reported trouble sleeping and participant-reported difficulty sleeping positively correlated with attention and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) problems. Parent-reported less sleep and feeling tired correlated with sluggish cognitive tempo, while walking/talking in sleep negatively correlated with school performance. Gender differences were noted in parent-reported sleep problems. Sleep disturbances were not associated with lower BMI or median body weight at intake. Parent-reported talking/walking in sleep and participant-reported bad dreams and bedtime worries positively correlated with Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) scores at intake and discharge.DiscussionOur results provide compelling evidence to screen for sleep disturbance in ARFID patients regardless of median body weight and BMI. Exploration of sleep disturbances in ARFID using objective measures is warranted.

MDMA-assisted therapy significantly reduces eating disorder symptoms in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of adults with severe PTSD

IntroductionEating disorders (EDs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly comorbid, yet there are no proven integrative treatment modalities for ED-PTSD. In clinical trials, MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) has shown marked success in the treatment of PTSD and may be promising for ED-PTSD. MethodsNinety individuals with severe PTSD received treatment in a double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal trial of MDMA-AT. In addition to the primary (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale) and secondary (Sheehan Disability Scale) outcome measures, the Eating Attitudes Test 26 (EAT-26) was administered for pre-specified exploratory purposes at baseline and at study termination. ResultsThe study sample consisted of 58 females (placebo = 31, MDMA = 27) and 31 males (placebo = 12, MDMA = 19) (n = 89). Seven participants discontinued prior to study termination. At baseline, 13 (15%) of the 89 individuals with PTSD had total EAT-26 scores in the clinical range (≥20), and 28 (31.5%) had total EAT-26 scores in the high-risk range (≥11) despite the absence of active purging or low weight. In completers (n = 82), there was a significant reduction in total EAT-26 scores in the total group of PTSD participants following MDMA-AT versus placebo (p = .03). There were also significant reductions in total EAT-26 scores in women with high EAT-26 scores ≥11 and ≥ 20 following MDMA-AT versus placebo (p = .0012 and p = .0478, respectively). ConclusionsED psychopathology is common in individuals with PTSD even in the absence of EDs with active purging and low weight. MDMA-AT significantly reduced ED symptoms compared to therapy with placebo among participants with severe PTSD. MDMA-AT for ED-PTSD appears promising and requires further study.