Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Scores Research Articles

Weight gain and eating disorder symptoms among individuals with atypical anorexia nervosa.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between weight gain and eating disorder (ED) symptoms among adults receiving treatment for atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN), to determine whether those who had a higher percent of expected body weight (%EBW) at discharge exhibited lower ED symptoms than those who gained less weight, and to compare this group to a matched sample of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Participants were 96 adults receiving treatment at an ED treatment facility between December 2020 and May 2023. The Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was completed at admission and discharge, and %EBW was obtained at admission and discharge. All EDE-Q subscale scores improved from admission to discharge for patients with AAN and patients with AN. Neither %EBW at discharge nor weight gain were associated with EDE-Q subscale scores for those with AAN. For patients with AN, %EBW at discharge and weight gain were associated with EDE-Q Restraint at discharge. Weight restoring to a higher level and gaining more weight were not associated with EDE-Q scores at discharge for AAN. Further research is needed to determine how weight restoration using intensive treatment settings affects remission and recovery in patients with AAN.

Change in symptoms of depression and eating disorders in adolescents with obesity participating in a clinical trial

Depression and eating disorder (ED) risk are heightened during adolescence(1) and both were exacerbated during COVID-19 lockdowns. This analysis reports changes in self-reported symptoms of depression and eating disorders throughout the Fast Track to Health trial. Fast Track to Health was a 52-week multi-site randomised-controlled trial, conducted 2018-2023, comparing intermittent (IER) and continuous energy restriction (CER) in adolescents with obesity and ≥1 associated comorbidity(2). The Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-revised 10-item version for adolescents (CESDR) was used to assess symptoms of depression (no symptoms, sub-threshold, or possible, probable, major depressive episode). Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was used to assess ED risk; defined as global score ≥2.7, ≥2 episodes of binge eating with/without loss of control, or ≥1 episode of purging within the last 28-days. The Binge Eating Scale (BES) assessed severity of binge eating (no binge eating, mild/moderate, severe). Adolescents were monitored for disordered eating during dietetic consults. Linear mixed models, retaining all data consistent with intention-to-treat analysis, were used to estimate the change in outcomes from baseline to week-52. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the number of participants meeting screening criteria at baseline and week-52. One hundred and forty one adolescents were enrolled and 97 completed the trial, with median (IQR) EDE-Q score 2.28 (1.43 to 3.14), CESDR 9.00 (4.0 to 14.5) and BES 11.0 (5.0 to 17.0) at baseline. EDE-Q (change in estimated marginal means [SE], IER −0.63 [0.18], CER −0.56 [0.17]) and CESDR (IER −2.70 [1.15], CER −3.87 [1.07]) scores reduced between baseline and week-52 in both groups (p<0.05) with no difference between groups. There was a between group difference (p = 0.019) in change in BES. The IER group had a reduction between baseline and week-52 (−3.72 [1.27]) and the CER group had no change. At baseline, 31 (22%) adolescents were classified as having a possible/probable/major depressive episode, 110 (78%) met ≥1 ED criteria and 28 (21%) as mild/moderate or severe binge eating, reducing to 8 (9%), 56 (61%) and 15 (16%) respectively at week-52. A small sub-group of adolescents required additional support for disordered eating. Overall, treatment-seeking adolescents with obesity have symptoms of depression and ED. Although symptoms reduce for most, some required additional support. Screening and monitoring for depression and ED are important to ensure early intervention.

Comparing eating disorder treatment outcomes of transgender and gender diverse adolescents with those of cisgender adolescents.

Eating disorder (ED), depression, and anxiety symptoms at admission and discharge were compared, as were admission-to-discharge changes, for transgender and gender diverse (TGD), and cisgender adolescents receiving intensive treatment for EDs. Participants were 44 TGD and 573 cisgender adolescents admitted to a treatment facility. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) at admission and discharge. Both groups had elevated EDE-Q scores at admission (TGD: M = 3.78, standard deviation [SD] = 1.70; cisgender: M = 3.33, SD = 1.74) that improved by discharge (TGD: M = 2.27, SD = 1.83, Cohen's d = .98; cisgender: M = 2.10, SD = 1.54, Cohen's d = .79); there were no differences in EDE-Q between groups at admission (p = .09; odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] [.98, 1.44]) or discharge (p = .48; OR = 1.07, 95% CI [.88, 1.30]). On admission, TGD adolescents had higher suicidality, measured by PHQ-9, item 9 (p < .001; OR = 1.94, 95% CI [1.51, 2.52]), and depression (p < .001; OR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.05, 1.16]) than cisgender participants. Severity decreased over treatment for all measures. Both groups showed similar improvement on suicidality (p = .93; OR = .98, 95% CI [.70,1.36]), depression (p = .42; OR = 1.02, 95% CI [.97, 1.07]), and anxiety (p = .14; OR = 1.05, 95% CI [.99, 1.12]). However, at discharge, suicidality (p = .02; OR = 1.40, 95% CI [1.04, 1.85]), depression (p < .01; OR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.02, 1.11]), and anxiety (p = .02; OR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.01, 1.12]) were higher for TGD adolescents than their cisgender peers. All participants had similar ED symptom severity and improvement. Depression, anxiety, and suicidality remained elevated for TGD adolescents compared to their cisgender peers at discharge, suggesting the need for targeted treatment. Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents have increased risk of eating disorders (EDs); few studies examine how they respond to ED treatment. We examine treatment outcomes of TGD adolescents receiving ED treatment compared to their cisgender peers. We measured ED symptoms along with depression, anxiety, and suicidality at the beginning and end of treatment. While TGD adolescents showed similar improvement in ED symptoms, measures of depression, anxiety, and suicidality remained elevated at the time of discharge.

The impact of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents with eating disorders: a follow-up study from Türkiye.

At the onset of the pandemic, we conducted a study on adolescents with eating disorders (EDs) and found no deterioration in ED symptoms. The objective of this subsequent study was to conduct a follow-up evaluation of the same cohort and investigate the consequences of the prolonged pandemic. This longitudinal study was conducted one year after the first study between May 2021 and June 2021 with 37 adolescents aged 12-18 years (pre-existing EDs). The reassessment included an evaluation of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on ED behaviors, well-being, and quality of life. All the participants underwent a re-administration of the ED examination questionnaire (EDE-Q), Beck Depression Inventory, the State Anxiety Inventory for Children, and the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory. No significant difference was observed in the EDE-Q scores or the ED examination questionnaire scores between the initial (T1) and subsequent (T2) study. The ED-related quality of life was seen to have slightly improved in the later stage. While depression (T1: 18, T2: 15, p=0.883) and obsession scores (T1: 11, T2: 14, p: 0.536) showed no disparity between the studies, anxiety scores (T1: 38, T2: 43, p:0.011) exhibited a significant increase. Consistent with the early phase, no exacerbation of ED symptoms in adolescents was observed during the later stages of the pandemic. Close clinical monitoring during the pandemic might have been protective against the deteriorating effects of the pandemic. During social isolation, it is important to monitor adolescents with EDs continously for depression and anxiety.

Short-term effects and long-term changes of FUEL-a digital sports nutrition intervention on REDs related symptoms in female athletes.

www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04959565).

Determination of Eating Disorders Level and Risk Factors of University Students Studying Sports Education

Eating disorder has become an increasingly common problem among athletes. This study aims to determine eating disorder levels and risk factors of students studying sports education. This study was carried out on 1773 university students, 1084 (61.1%) of whom are female and 689 (38.9%) male, in the field of sports education in different provinces in Turkey. The information of the participants was collected with an individual information form and an Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). All EDEQ sub-dimension scores and the total score were found to be statistically significantly higher in males than in females (p &amp;lt;0.05) except for the restraint score. It was found that, as BMI (Body Mass Index) value increased, there was a statistically significant increase in all sub-dimensions of EDEQ and EDEQ total score (p&amp;lt;0.05). Eating concern and shape concern scores were found to be statistically higher in those who did not perform physical activities than those who performed physical activities (respectively; p=0.030, p=0.004). An increase in the EDE-Q score indicates an increased risk of eating disorders. It can be said that being a male, having a high BMI, and engaging in strength/power sports increase the risk of eating disorders in individuals who receive sports education.

A Longitudinal Study on Disordered Eating in Transgender and Nonbinary Adolescents.

We longitudinally explored frequency of disordered eating among transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) adolescents and explored trends by gender identity and gender-affirming care. Participants completed an abbreviated version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after establishing care in a gender clinic. We analyzed descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analyses. Of the 91 TGNB adolescent participants, 61% were transmasculine, 30% transfeminine, and 7% nonbinary/gender-fluid. Among TGNB adolescents, disordered eating thoughts/behaviors were frequently endorsed with 26% of participants engaging in any occurrence of binge eating, 27% limiting the amount of food they ate, and 30% excluding foods from their diet. Forty percent of participants reported any occurrence of at least 1 disordered eating behavior and 17% at least 3 behaviors. Abbreviated EDE-Q responses did not differ significantly by sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender-affirming medications, or time spent receiving gender-affirming care. There was a significant effect of age (P value=.003) on abbreviated EDE-Q scores. There were no significant changes in disordered eating after initiating gender-affirming medical care, possibly due to the limited study time frame of 12 months. Given the high prevalence of disordered eating behaviors, clinicians should consider screening all TGNB adolescents for disordered eating thoughts/behaviors throughout gender-affirming care. Future longitudinal research should recruit larger samples with a diverse range of gender identities and survey disordered eating thoughts/behaviors at least one year after starting gender-affirming medications.

Course and outcome in individuals with atypical anorexia nervosa: Findings from the Study of Refeeding to Optimize iNpatient Gains (StRONG).

We previously reported that participants with atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) had higher historical and admission weights, greater eating disorder psychopathology, but similar rates of amenorrhea and weight suppression at baseline as compared to anorexia nervosa (AN); here, we compare 1-year outcomes. Weight, % median body mass index (%mBMI), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores, resumption of menses, and rehospitalizations were examined at 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge. Analyses (N = 111) compared changes in %mBMI, weight suppression, and EDE-Q scores over time between atypical AN and AN. Among the participants (48 atypical AN, 63 AN), both groups gained weight but those with atypical AN had lower gains than those with AN in %mBMI (p = .02) and greater weight suppression (p = .002) over time. EDE-Q scores improved over time, independent of weight suppression, with no significant difference between atypical AN and AN. Groups did not differ by rates of resumption of menses (80% atypical AN, 76.9% AN) or rehospitalization (29.2% atypical AN, 37.9% AN). Greater weight suppression predicted longer time to restore menses and more days of rehospitalization. Individuals with atypical AN regained a smaller proportion of body mass and were more weight suppressed over time. Change in eating disorder cognitions, resumption of menses, and rehospitalization rates at 1-year follow-up did not differ between groups. There was no significant difference in weight suppression between groups for those who were psychologically improved at 12 months. Findings highlight limitations in our understanding of weight recovery in atypical AN. New metrics for recovery are urgently needed. Little is known about outcome in atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN). We examined recovery metrics in young people with atypical AN and anorexia nervosa (AN) 1 year after medical hospitalization. Individuals with atypical AN showed slower weight gain and remained further from their pre-illness weight. There were no differences in the rates of psychological recovery, resumption of menses, or rehospitalization. New metrics are needed to assess recovery in atypical AN.

Symptoms of eating disorders and low energy availability in recreational active female runners

ObjectivesThis retrospective, cross-sectional study aimed to investigate symptoms of eating disorders (EDs) and low energy availability (LEA) among recreational female runners.MethodsFemales (18–39 years) (n=89) participating in running group sessions organised...

Diabetes-specific eating disorder and possible associated psychopathologies in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

PurposeIt was aimed to investigate the frequency of the risk of diabetes-specific eating disorder (DSED) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to reveal the accompanying psychopathologies.MethodsAdolescents with T1DM aged 12–18 who applied to the pediatric diabetes outpatient clinic between July 2021 and March 2022 were included. Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) was applied to all patients to determine the risk of DSED. In order to detect accompanying psychopathologies, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Child version (RCADS) and Parenting Style Scale were applied. After completing the scales, semi-structured interviews were conducted with all patients by a child and adolescent psychiatrist.ResultsNinety-two adolescents (45 boys, 47 girls) were included. DSED risk was found in 23.9% of the cases. A positive correlation was found between DEPS-R and EDE-Q scores (p = 0.001, rho = 0.370). RCADS mean scores were significantly higher in the group with DSED risk (p < 0.001). When the Parenting Style Scale was evaluated, psychological autonomy scores were significantly lower in the group with DSED risk (p = 0.029). As a result of the psychiatric interviews, 30 (32.6%) patients had at least 1 psychiatric disorder. Of these, 2 patients were diagnosed with eating disorder.ConclusionAlmost one-fourth of adolescents with T1DM were found to be at risk of DSED. Routine screening of adolescents with T1DM with the DEPS-R scale may provide early detection of DSED, and referral of those at risk to child psychiatry enables early diagnosis and intervention for both eating disorders and accompanying psychopathologies.Level of evidenceLevel III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Using clinical cutoff scores on the eating disorder examination-questionnaire to evaluate eating disorder symptoms during and after naturalistic intensive treatment

ABSTRACT Clinical cutoff scores for self-report measures provide a means of evaluating clinically significant pathology during and after treatment. A cutoff of 2.8 on the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) has been recommended to screen for eating disorders (ED). We used this cutoff to assess ED symptoms in adolescents (n = 444) and adults (n = 592) through ED treatment and follow-up. Most patients scored above 2.8 at intake (adolescents 67%, M = 3.21; adults 78%, M = 4.20) and below 2.8 at discharge (adolescents 65%, M = 1.87; adults 66%, M = 2.67), with gains often maintained through follow-up (40% of adolescents and 35% of adults at 12-month follow-up). EDE-Q scores were higher in adults than adolescents and in patients with binge/purge disorders. Results suggest a cutoff of 2.8 on the EDE-Q effectively tracks ED symptom improvement through treatment and discharge. This supports the need for the development of culture-specific and empirically developed clinical cutoffs and their widespread use to evaluate program effectiveness.

A mixed-methods investigation into impact of motivation type on adherence and effect in iCBT for binge eating disorder

IntroductionMotivation is an important factor in therapy and potentially even more so in an online setting. Earlier research shows that more autonomously motivated patients have better outcomes and completion rates than more controlled motivated patients´. However, little is known about how motivation type influences treatment effect in an online setting and in patients with binge eating disorder specifically.ObjectivesThis study set out to investigate how motivation type as per the Self-Determination Theory would affect treatment adherence and effect in a sample of 148 patients, undergoing an Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) for BED.MethodsThe study was mixed-methods. A sample of 148 patients gave two written qualitative statements regarding their motivation for seeking treatment and reasons for choosing online therapyThe statements were transformed into quantitative units via the condensation method. The themes were categorized according to the model by Ryan and Deci based on level of autonomy and perceived locus of causality.This was compared with completion rate and outcomes on eating disorder symptomatology. Completion was designated into three groups. Low adherers - less than six sessions (n=54), high adherers – between 7 and 10 sessions (n =56) and full adherers - 10 session plus follow up (n=37).The effect of the treatment was measured via the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ) and Binge Eating Disorder Questionnaire (BEDQ).ResultsTable 1shows the distribution of patients’ motivational types regarding therapy aimsControlled→AutonomousMotivational type:IntrojectionIntrojectionIdentificationIntegrationPatient motivation:ShameWeight lossPsychologicalstressInsightIn allIn all25255048148Table 2shows the distribution of patients´motivational types regarding online treatmentControlled→AutonomousMotivational type:IntrojectionIntrojectionIdentificationIntegrationPatient motivation:ExternalAvoidanceConvenienceReflectionIn AllIn all31218115148Table 3shows the results from morivational types in each setting on BEDQ and EDEQ scores. No significant correlation was found.Therapy AimsBEDQ0.92EDEQ0.51Why Online TherapyBEDQ0.99EDEQ0.23ConclusionsPerceived locus of causality and level of autonomy, did not affect level of adherence or outcome of treatment in either setting. This unexpected result may suggest that internet-based therapy is less dependent on motivation types, when comparing with face-to-face treatment.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Change in body image flexibility and correspondence with outcomes in a digital early intervention for eating disorders based on acceptance and commitment therapy

Body image flexibility (BIF) has been suggested as a transdiagnostic process of change in eating disorder (ED) interventions, but data remain sparse. The current study examined the relationship between BIF and treatment effects in a randomized controlled trial comparing a digital ACT-based intervention to a waitlist control for early ED intervention. Women and girls with elevated Weight Concern Scale (WCS) scores were randomized to either the ACT intervention or a waitlist control. Linear regression models were used to examine the impact of treatment on WCS scores controlling for age and body-mass index and BIF was examined as a mediator of change. Change in BIF was also examined as a predictor of Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) global scores at 1-month in the ACT condition. ACT participants had greater reductions in WCS scores, an effect partially mediated by BIF and concentrated almost entirely in the ACT condition. Increased BIF from baseline to end-of-treatment also predicted lower EDE-Q scores at 1-month post-intervention. The current study suggests additional research exploring BIF as a process of change in EDs is warranted and could expand understanding of how treatment works or treatment options. Additional studies with more frequent, complete and concordant assessments between groups are needed.

Psychometric properties of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire among Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men.

One of the most widely used assessment tools for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), has not yet been evaluated in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual men-an at-risk population given the extent of minority stressors in Brazilian culture. The present study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the EDE-Q among Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men. The Brazilian EDE-Q was administered to a sample of 1409 gay and bisexual adult men, along with measures of self-objectification, body-ideal internalization, drive for muscularity, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and body appreciation. The factor structure of the Brazilian EDE-Q was assessed using a two-step, split-sample exploratory (EFA; n=704) and confirmatory factor analytic approach (CFA; n=705). Additionally, convergent validity, internal consistency, and 2-week test-retest reliability were assessed. Findings from an EFA and CFA revealed a one-factor structure with 22 items and adequate internal consistency (ω=.92, 95% CI=[.91, .93]). Moreover, the scale demonstrated good 2-week test-retest reliability (ICC=.86, 95% CI=[.82, .88], p < .001). The EDE-Q scores showed positive associations with self-objectification, body-ideal internalization, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and drive for muscularity, as well as a negative association with body appreciation. Results provide support for the use of the EDE-Q using a one-factor structure in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men and give insights for future studies on eating disorders in sexual minorities in Latin America. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is one of the most widely used self-report measures of eating disorder symptoms. However, there is a lack of research on the validity and reliability of the EDE-Q in Latin American countries. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the EDE-Q in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men. Our findings give insights for future studies on eating disorders in sexual minorities in Latin America.

Development and Validation of an Eating-Related Eco-Concern Questionnaire.

Eco-concern, the distress experienced relating to climate change, is associated with mental health, yet no study has examined disordered eating related to eco-concern. This study developed and validated a 10-item scale assessing Eating-Related Eco-Concern (EREC). Participants (n = 224) completed the EREC, Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS), and Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Construct validity, convergent validity, and internal consistency were evaluated. Sex differences in EREC were evaluated using t-tests. Associations among the EREC, CCWS, and EDE-Q were evaluated using linear regression models. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in individuals below EDE-Q global score clinical cut-offs. Factor analysis suggested that all items loaded adequately onto one factor. Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman analyses suggested strong correlation and acceptable agreement between the EREC and CCWS (r = 0.57), but weak correlation and low agreement with the EDE-Q global score (r = 0.14). The EREC had acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.88). No sex difference was observed in the EREC in the full sample; females had a significantly higher mean score than males in sensitivity analysis. The EREC was significantly positively associated with the CCWS and EDE-Q global and shape concern scores, but not in sensitivity analysis. The EREC is a brief, validated scale that can be useful to screen for eating-related eco-concern.

Evaluating individual- and sample-level response to treatment for inpatients with eating disorders: Is change clinically significant?

Evaluating treatment efficacy solely on whether sample-level change is statistically significant does not indicate whether clinically significant change (CSC) has occurred at the individual-level. We assessed whether change in measures of eating disorder psychopathology was statistically significant at the sample-level and clinically significant at the individual-level for inpatients treated in a hospital-based eating disorder program. Participants (N=143) were consecutive underweight distinct admissions diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or other specified feeding and eating disorder. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ) and Eating Disorder Recovery Self-efficacy Questionnaire (EDRSQ) were assessed at admission and program discharge. CSC was defined as individual score change that was both statistically reliable and shifted from dysfunctional to normative. Mean EDRSQ and EDEQ scores significantly improved with treatment across the sample; effect sizes were moderate to large. Individual-level analyses demonstrated that 85%, 50%, and 20-35% of participants had CSC or statistically reliable change in BMI, eating symptomatology, and body image respectively. One-third of participants showed CSC on BMI and on at least one self-report measure. Individual-level analyses offer more nuanced outcome data that could identify patients at higher risk of relapse who may benefit from adjunctive interventions during or immediately post-discharge. This study examined change in eating pathology for inpatients with eating disorders using sample- and individual-level analyses, including whether change was statistically reliable and clinically significant (scores statistically improved and moved into the healthy range). Only half of patients responded robustly to treatment, which may be related to high relapse rates following discharge. Individual-level analyses provided a detailed view of treatment response and may identify patients at higher relapse risk.

Eating Disorder Symptoms as a Risk Factor for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women: A Pilot-study

ABSTRACT Introduction Eating and sexual behavior are driven by neurological mechanisms that are extremely intertwined; emerging evidence indicates that their deep relationship can be mediated by the presence of specific psychopathologies. Objective To investigate the relationship between female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and eating disorders (EDs). Methods 123 retrospectively recruited women consulting for FSD underwent physical examination and completed the following validated questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Binge Eating Scale (BES), Emotional Eating Scale (EES), Barrat Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Y (STAI Y), Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales (SIS/SES). Moreover, demographic, medical and psycho-sexuological data were obtained through a structured interview. Results In relation to menopausal status, we did not observe any significant difference in all the investigated questionnaires in pre- vs. postmenopausal women. When stratifying patients for BMI (&amp;lt;25, 25-30, &amp;gt;30 kg/m2) we found that all the scores related to EDE-Q subscales were significantly different among the three subgroups (all p&amp;lt;0.001). Furthermore, patients with a history of Unwanted Sexual Experience (USE) had significantly higher BES (p=0.034) and EES (p=0.027) total scores compared with those without. Moreover, when we stratified our patients according to the clinical diagnosis of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), we found that those with HSDD showed a worst psychological profile than those without, in particular a higher score at EDE-Q and BDI (all p&amp;lt;0.05). In contrast, when stratifying patients for the other two main FSD diagnosis, Female Genital Arousal Disorder (FGAD) and Female Orgasm Disorder (FOD), no significant differences among all the investigated questionnaires were observed. To further verify the impact of the different psychopathological aspects on the risk of having HSDD, we found that the only questionnaires scores that contributed to this dysfunction were EDE-Q (OR 1.678, IC [1.164-2.421]; p=0.006), total BDI (OR 1.055, IC [1.006-1.107]; p=0.027) and SIS1 (OR 1.101, IC [1.109-1.190]; p=0.015), after adjustment for age. After simultaneous analysis in a multivariate model of the three questionnaires, we found that both a higher EDE-Q score and a higher SIS1 score were significant risk factors for HSDD (p=0.007 and p=0.034, respectively). Finally, we subdivided our patients into three groups: no Binge Eating (BE), sporadic BE and frequent BE, observing a significant positive association between frequency of BE and sexual distress, as assessed by FSDS-R total score. Conclusions In a population of women affected by FSD, ED traits could negatively affect sexual desire, representing a relevant risk factor for the clinical diagnosis of HSDD. Among all the investigated psychopathological aspects, the psychological alterations related to EDs seem to play a more pronounced effect on HSDD than other commonly accepted risk factors for sexual desire disorders, such as depression and increased inhibitory trait. In a clinical perspective, it would worth to investigate the relative change in FSD and ED after treatment for ED and vice versa. Disclosure No

Changes in eating behavior through lifestyle treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEating behaviors like emotional eating, external eating and restrained eating play an important role in weight gain and weight loss in the general population. Improvements in eating behavior are important for long-term weight. This has not yet been studied in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study is to examine if a three-component lifestyle intervention (LI) is effective for improving disordered eating behavior in women with PCOS.MethodsWomen diagnosed with PCOS (N = 183), with a body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 and trying to achieve a pregnancy were either assigned to 1 year of 20 group sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with nutritional advice and exercise with or without additional feedback through Short Message Service (SMS) or Care As Usual (CAU), which includes the advice to lose weight using publicly available services.ResultsThe Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ) scores worsened in CAU (47.5%) and improved in the LI (4.2%) at 12 months. The difference between the LI and CAU was significant (P = 0.007) and resulted in a medium to large effect size (Cohen’s d: − 0.72). No significant differences were observed in EDEQ scores between LI with SMS compared to LI without SMS (Cohen’s d: 0.28; P = 0.399). Also, weight loss did not mediate the changes in eating behavior. An overall completion rate of 67/183 (36.6%) was observed.ConclusionsA three-component CBT lifestyle program resulted in significant improvements in disordered eating behavior compared to CAU. Changes in disordered eating behavior are important for long-term weight loss and mental health.Trial registration: NTR, NTR2450. Registered 2 August 2010, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/2344

Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Patients With Chronic Eating Disorder and Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The treatment of patients suffering from an eating disorder and a comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder is challenging and often leads to poor outcomes. In a randomized control trial, we evaluated to what extent adding Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) neurofeedback could improve symptom reduction within an established inpatient treatment program. In a randomized two-group design, patients suffering from an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder) and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (N = 36) were examined while attending an inpatient treatment program in a clinic for psychosomatic disorders. The intervention group received ILF neurofeedback in addition to regular therapy, while the control group received “media-supported relaxation” as a placebo intervention. At the beginning and at the end of their treatment, all participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) as a measure of eating disorder psychopathology and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) in order to assess symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Changes in EDE-Q and IES-R scores over time served as primary outcomes as well as an increase in body mass index in underweight patients. Secondary outcomes were the perceived benefit of the received intervention, global assessment of psychological treatment success, and complications in the course of treatment. Statistical evaluation was carried out with repeated measurement analysis of variance for the primary outcomes and with t-tests and Fisher’s exact test for the secondary outcomes. Our results indicate better treatment outcomes in the ILF neurofeedback group with regard to trauma-associated avoidance as well as with regard to restraint eating and increase in body weight. Furthermore, patients who had received ILF neurofeedback rated the intervention they received and, in tendency, their overall treatment more positively and they experienced fewer complications in the course of treatment. ILF neurofeedback is very well accepted by patients and seems to provide a relevant additional benefit in some aspects of symptom reduction. Findings confirm the feasibility of embedding this treatment approach in an inpatient setting and support the case for a larger study for greater statistical power.Clinical Trial Registration: “Infra-Low Frequency Neurofeedback training in the treatment of patients with eating disorder and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder”; German Clinical Trials Registry (https://www.drks.de; Identifier: DRKS00027826).

Risk of Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, Exercise Addiction, and Food Intolerances in Female Endurance Athletes.

Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a complex syndrome describing health and performance consequences of low energy availability (LEA) and is common among female endurance athletes. Various underlying causes of LEA have been reported, including disordered eating behavior (DE), but studies investigating the association with exercise addiction and food intolerances are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between DE, exercise addiction and food intolerances in athletes at risk of LEA compared to those with low risk. Female endurance athletes, 18–35 years, training ≥5 times/week were recruited in Norway, Sweden, Ireland, and Germany. Participants completed an online-survey comprising the LEA in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and questions regarding food intolerances. Of the 202 participants who met the inclusion criteria and completed the online survey, 65% were at risk of LEA, 23% were at risk of exercise addiction, and 21% had DE. Athletes at risk of LEA had higher EDE-Q and EAI scores compared to athletes with low risk. EAI score remained higher in athletes with risk of LEA after excluding athletes with DE. Athletes at risk of LEA did not report more food intolerances (17 vs. 10%, P = 0.198), but were more frequently reported by athletes with DE (28 vs. 11%, P = 0.004). In conclusion, these athletes had a high risk of LEA, exercise addiction, and DE. Exercise addiction should be considered as an additional risk factor in the prevention, early detection, and targeted treatment of RED-S among female endurance athletes.