ED Symptoms Research Articles

Gastrointestinal complications associated with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review.

A systematic review identifying gastrointestinal (GI) complications attributable to anorexia nervosa (AN) was completed. Studies of any design exploring the pathogenesis of complications and treatment strategies were included. The review was completed in accordance with PRISMA standards. A total of 123 articles were retained, including one randomized control trial. The majority of included studies were case reports and case series. Controlled studies demonstrated that patients with AN were more likely to have delays in gastric motility, gastric emptying and intestinal transit than comparator groups although results were not uniform across all studies. Published reports suggest that complications can occur at any segment of the GI tract. These issues may derive as a consequence of severe malnourishment, from eating disorder related symptoms such as self-induced purging or from the refeeding process itself. Multiple studies noted that patients with AN report high rates of GI symptoms although in the few cases where medical testing was undertaken, correlations between self-reported symptoms and measurable pathology were not demonstrated. GI complications may occur throughout the entire GI tract in patients with AN. It is recommended that clinicians use careful judgment when pursuing targeted investigation or introducing symptom specific treatments in response to GI complaints. Evidence suggests that most GI complications resolve with refeeding and cessation of ED symptoms.

The enemy within: the association between self-image and eating disorder symptoms in healthy, non help-seeking and clinical young women.

BackgroundPrevious research has shown self-image according to the interpersonal Structural Analysis of Social Behavior model, to relate to and predict eating disorder symptoms and outcomes.MethodsWe examined associations between self-reported self-image and ED symptoms in three groups of 16–25 year old females: healthy (N = 388), non help-seeking (N = 227) and clinical (N = 6384). Analyses were divided into age groups of 16–18 and 19–25 years, and the patient sample was divided into diagnostic groups.ResultsStepwise regressions with self-image aspects as independent variables and eating disorder symptoms as dependent showed that low self-love/acceptance and high self-blame were associated with more eating disorder symptoms in all groups, except older patients with bulimia nervosa where self-hate also contributed. Associations were generally weaker in the healthy groups and the older samples.ConclusionsWe put forward that older age, low desirability of symptoms, poorly working symptoms, and being acknowledged as ill, may weaken the association, with implications for treatment and prevention.

Severity of eating disorder symptoms related to oxytocin receptor polymorphisms in anorexia nervosa

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone important for social behavior and differences in psychological traits have been associated with variants of the oxytocin receptor gene in healthy people. We examined whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) correlated with clinical symptoms in women with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and healthy comparison (HC) women. Subjects completed clinical assessments and provided DNA for analysis. Subjects were divided into four groups: HC, subjects currently with anorexia nervosa (AN-C), subjects with a history of anorexia nervosa but in long-term weight recovery (AN-WR), and subjects with bulimia nervosa (BN). Five SNPs of the oxytocin receptor were examined. Minor allele carriers showed greater severity in most of the psychiatric symptoms. Importantly, the combination of having had anorexia and carrying either of the A alleles for two SNPS in the OXTR gene (rs53576, rs2254298) was associated with increased severity specifically for ED symptoms including cognitions and behaviors associated both with eating and appearance. A review of psychosocial data related to the OXTR polymorphisms examined is included in the discussion. OXTR polymorphisms may be a useful intermediate endophenotype to consider in the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa.

Disordered Eating Behaviors, Perfectionism Cognitions and Perseverative Negative Thinking

Introduction Perfectionism and perseverative negative thinking/PNT are both associatedwith eating disorders symptoms. PNT is a prime candidate when investigating the pathway that links perfectionism to psychopathology. Objectives To investigate if PNT mediates the relationshipbetween perfectionismcognitions and ED symptoms. Methods 114 young women(mean age=23.78±6.340; mean BMI=21.59±3.127; 49.4% students) fill in the Portuguese validated versions of Eating Attitudes Test/EAT-25 (to evaluateBulimic behaviors, Diet and Social pressure to eat), MultidimensionalPerfectionism Cognitions Inventory (Concern over mistakes/CM, Personal standards/PS,Pursuit of Perfection) and Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire/PTQ-15(Repetitive Thought/RT, Cognitive interference and unproductiveness). Onlyvariables significantly correlated with the outcomes (EAT-25_Total and itsdimensions) were entered in the multiple regression models. Mediation analysesusing Preacher and Hayes bootstrapping methodology were performed. Results Significantpredictors of EAT_Total were CM (b=.180)and RT (b=.169)(both p Bulimicbehaviors were predicted by the same variables (b=.359;b=.154;p Conclusion Although PNT mediates the relationship between perfectionist cognitions andbulimic behavior, the effect of the perfectionism on other disordered eatingdimensions, such as diet and SPE, seems to be independent of the PNT levels. Aspreviously reported in other studies with community samples, disordered eatingbehaviors are associated to negative perfectionism dimensions, but also todimensions that have been considered not entirely maladaptive.

Multiple Family Therapy for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: a One-year Follow-up

Multiple Family Therapy (MFT) has gained increasing popularity in the treatment of eating disorders and many programs have been developed over the past decade. In this presentation, we examine the effects of a particular model of MFT on eating disorder symptoms, quality of life (OQ-45) and percentage of expected body weight (%EBW) in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Eighty-two ED adolescents, aged between 11 and 19 years, were assessed pre-, post- treatment and at one-year follow-up using the EDI-2, the OQ-45 and %EBW. Results showed a significant increase in %EBW between the beginning of treatment and the end of treatment. At one-year follow- up, %EBW continue to improve significantly. Symptoms relative to all EDI dimensions (except for bulimia) significantly decreased during treatment. The three dimensions related to quality of life assessment also improved over the course of MFT. At the end of treatment, 70.7% of the patients had a total OQ-45 score below clinical significance. At one-year follow-up, no significant differences were found for the OQ measures and for the EDI measures, showing quality of life, ED symptoms and related psychological features stabilise after the end of treatment. This study suggests that Multiple Family Therapy may benefit adolescents with anorexia nervosa, with improvement on several outcome measures at the end of treatment, remaining stable at one-year follow-up. The improvement of %EBW at one-year follow-up indicate MFT continue to have effects after treatment is complete. However, the lack of a comparison group entails caution when drawing conclusions.

Antenatal and postnatal psychopathology among women with current and past eating disorders: longitudinal patterns.

This study aims to investigate longitudinal patterns of psychopathology during the antenatal and postnatal periods among women with current (C-ED) and past (P-ED) eating disorders. Women were recruited to a prospective longitudinal study: C-ED (n = 31), P-ED (n = 29) and healthy control (HC; n = 57). Anxiety, depression and ED symptoms were measured at four time points: first/second trimester, third trimester, 8 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Linear mixed effects models were used to test for group differences. Women with C-ED and P-ED, in all diagnostic categories, had significantly higher levels of psychopathology at all time points. ED symptoms decreased in the C-ED group, compared with an overall increase in the other two groups but subsequently increased after pregnancy. Overall, depression and state and trait anxiety scores decreased in the C-ED group compared with the HC group throughout the antenatal and postnatal periods. High levels of psychopathology are common throughout the antenatal and postnatal periods among women with current and past ED, and despite some overall reductions, symptoms remain clinically significant. © 2014 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorder Symptoms in a Community Sample with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

This study aimed to examine (1) the presentation of binge eating and compensatory weight-control behaviors in a community sample of individuals who engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), (2) the relationship of NSSI features and ED symptoms, and (3) the relationship of psychopathology with ED symptoms. Participants with histories of NSSI (n = 118) were recruited from online self-injury forums and completed measures of ED, NSSI, general psychiatric symptoms and borderline personality (BP) symptoms through online questionnaires. Two thirds of the participants (66.1 %) engaged in compensatory weight-control behaviors at least once per week within the past 3 months, 57.6 % engaged in weekly fasting, and 57.6 % engaged in weekly binge eating. Greater versatility and medical severity of NSSI were positively associated with ED symptoms. Furthermore, BP symptoms were positively associated with increased ED symptoms, even after controlling for general psychiatric symptoms. These findings highlight NSSI versatility, NSSI medical severity and BP symptoms as important correlates of increased ED symptoms in individuals who engage in NSSI, and highlight a need to integrate assessment for ED among individuals who engage in NSSI.

Reducing eating disorder risk factors: A controlled investigation of a blended task-shifting/train-the-trainer approach to dissemination and implementation

Recent advances in psychological intervention research have led to an increase in evidence-based interventions (EBIs), yet there remains a lag in dissemination and implementation of EBIs. Task-shifting and the train-the-trainer (TTT) model offer two potential strategies for enhancing reach of EBIs. The Body Project, an EBI found to prevent onset of eating disorders, served as the vehicle for this dissemination/implementation study. The primary aim of this study was to determine if training of peer-leaders for the Body Project could be task-shifted to undergraduate students using a hybrid task-shifting/TTT model. Our secondary aim was to determine if subgroups of participants evidenced different trajectories of change through 14-month follow-up. Regarding the first aim, we found almost no evidence to suggest that a presence of a doctoral-level trainer yielded superior participant outcomes compared to training by undergraduates alone. Regarding Aim 2, almost all classes for all variables evidenced improvement or a benign response. Additionally, for three key risk factors (thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, and ED symptoms) virtually all trajectories showed improvement. This study provides initial support for the use of a blended task-shifting/TTT approach to dissemination and implementation within prevention generally, and further support for broad dissemination of the Body Project specifically.

Personality profiles in Eating Disorders: Further evidence of the clinical utility of examining subtypes based on temperament

Despite recent modifications to the DSM-V diagnostic criteria for Eating Disorders (ED; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), sources of variability in the clinical presentation of ED patients remain poorly understood. Consistent with previous research that has used underlying personality dimensions to identify distinct subgroups of ED patients, the present study examined (1) whether we could identify clinically meaningful subgroups of patients based on temperamental factors including Behavioral Inhibition (BIS), Behavioral Activation (BAS) and Effortful Control (EC), and (2) whether the identified subgroups would also differ with respect to ED, Axis-I and Axis-II psychopathology. One hundred and forty five ED inpatients participated in this study. Results of a k-means analysis identified three distinct groups of patients: an Overcontrolled/Inhibited group (n=53), an Undercontrolled/Dysregulated group (n=58) and a Resilient group (n=34). Further, group comparisons revealed that patients in the Undercontrolled/Dysregulated group demonstrated more severe symptoms of bulimia, hostility and Cluster B Personality Disorders compared to the other groups, while patients in the Resilient group demonstrated the least severe psychopathology. These findings have important implications for understanding how individual differences in personality may impact patterns of ED symptoms and co-occurring psychopathology in patients with ED.

Eating disorder symptoms and comorbid psychopathology among male and female veterans

ObjectiveEating disorder (ED) symptoms have gone mostly unexamined among veterans. The current study assessed rates of bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) symptoms and diagnoses and their associations with common comorbidities among male and female veterans. MethodParticipants were US military veterans who screened positive for trauma histories and/or a probable Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DSM-IV) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis (n=499). Symptoms of PTSD were assessed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, and symptoms of EDs, mood, and substance use disorders were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV. ResultsLifetime rates of BN and BED diagnoses were comparable to civilian populations, and a considerable range of lifetime and current BN and BED symptoms were identified. In multivariate models, PTSD and depression severity were most consistently associated with BN and BED symptom severity, with depression most strongly associated with EDs for women. ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of screening for ED symptoms among male and female veterans, particularly those that present with PTSD and depression symptomatology. Future examinations of the temporal order of such relationships and the degree to which ED symptoms and associated symptoms impact veteran functioning are warranted.

EPA-0578 - Is orthorexia nervosa an eating disorder an obsessive-compulsive disorder

Purpose The aim of this study is to assess the dependence between the obsessive-compulsive symptoms, the eating disorders symptoms and orthorexia in adolescents aged 15-19, due to define which of these areas orthorexia is closer to. The study controlled such variables as: age, sex, BMI, school type. Subjects and Methods The study covered 1899 pupils of secondary schools. The OCD and ED symptoms assessment was carried out with the LOI-CV, EAT-26 and the ORTO-15 questionnaire (two threshold values: ON- 40 and ON -35). The research was financed by scientific grant of Nutricia Foundation. Results Revealed correlations of risk factors of ON - OCD and ON - ED indicated the higher the probability of diagnosis of these disorders, the higher the probability of ON diagnosis, too. The compatibility of ON and OCD diagnoses was for ON-40 = 45.8% and ON-35, 76.5%. It was shown that the OCD increases the risk of ON at the threshold value ON = 35. In the case of ON and ED, the diagnostic compatibility was ON-40, 42.7% and ON-35, 84.4%. The analysis of various variables confirmed a significant dependency of ON from ED, which suggests that ON belongs to ED. The diagnostic accuracy in this case is better at the threshold value ON- 35. Conclusions The results of our study should be confirmed in further research.

Too strict or too loose? Perfectionism and impulsivity: The relation with eating disorder symptoms using a person-centered approach

Although both perfectionism (i.e. personal standards perfectionism and evaluative concerns perfectionism) and impulsivity have been shown to be implicated in eating disorders, no previous studies have examined the interplay between both personality dimensions in their association with eating disorder symptoms. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between empirically derived personality subtypes based on perfectionism and impulsivity and eating disorder symptoms (i.e., dietary restraint, and concerns over eating, weight and shape). Cluster analysis was used to establish naturally occurring combinations of perfectionism and impulsivity in adolescent boys and girls (N=460; M age=14.2years, SD=.90). Evidence was obtained for four personality profiles: (1) a resilient subtype (low on perfectionism and impulsivity), (2) pure impulsivity subtype (high on impulsivity only), (3) pure perfectionism subtype (high on perfectionism only), and (4) combined perfectionism/impulsivity subtype (high on both perfectionism and impulsivity). Participants in these four clusters showed differences in terms of eating disorder symptoms in that participants with a combination of high perfectionism and high impulsivity (rather than the presence of one of these two characteristics alone) had the highest levels of ED symptoms. These findings shed new light on extant theories concerning ED.

OTC combination products in pharmacistassisted self-care

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines provide a convenient, costeffective means to treat self-identifi ed symptoms and help to lessen the burden on the health care system by reducing the number of doctor visits and associated prescription costs. Containing either a single active ingredient or a combination of multiple active ingredients, OTC medicines are used by consumers for a number of reasons, including familiarity with self-treatment, perception that symptoms can be managed without health care provider intervention, and time and money savings. There are more than 80 therapeutic categories of nonprescription—or OTC—products available today. Common uses of OTC medicines include treatment of symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, mild pain, hemorrhoids, dental caries, smoking cessation, weight loss, emergency contraception, and most recently, overactive bladder control. 1 This article will review the benefi ts associated with OTC combination products surrounding cost, ease of dosing, and adherence.

Right frontal lobe glioma presenting as anorexia nervosa: Further evidence implicating dorsal anterior cingulate as an area of dysfunction

The association of anorexia nervosa (AN) with organic brain lesions may offer insight into underlying illness neuropathology. A systematic review reported an association between AN and lesions located in the right frontal lobe. To date, no studies have studied such a case longitudinally. A case of a male presenting with AN and a frontal lobe glioma is described. The clinical symptoms and subsequent medical and neuropsychological investigations before and after surgery are reviewed. The remission of ED symptoms is observed at 2 year post-surgery follow up. The features of this case are set into the context of recent conceptualizations of AN and the clinical implications for identifying individuals with underlying organic causes.

P03-369 - Association between psychiatric symptoms and erectile dysfunction

IntroductionErectile dysfunction (ED) is often associated with a wide array of psychiatric symptoms, although few studies systematically address their specific association with ED determinants.Objectives and aimsTo explore the relationship between ED (as assessed by SIEDY Structured Interview) and different psychopathological symptoms (as assessed by the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire).MethodsA consecutive series of 1,388 male patients with ED was studied.ResultsPsychiatric symptoms resulted differentially associated with SIEDY domains. Depressive and phobic anxiety symptoms were associated with the relational domain, somatization with the organic one, while free-floating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and phobic symptoms were significantly related with higher intrapsychic SIEDYscores. In addition, relevant depressive symptomatology was associated with hypogonadism, the presence of low frequency of intercourse, hypoactive sexual desire (HSD), and conflictual relationships within the couple and the family. Patients with high free-floating anxiety symptoms were younger, and complained of an unsatisfactory work and a conflictual relationship within family. Conversely, subjects with higher phobic anxious symptoms displayed a more robust relational functioning. Similar results were observed in subjects with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, who also reported a lower prevalence of HSD. Finally, subjects with somatization symptoms showed the worst erectile function.ConclusionsThe main value of this study is that it alters various clinicians’ belief that many psychiatric symptoms can be found among ED patients. Systematic testing of patients with ED, through psychiatric questionnaires, is recommended to detect even slight or moderate psychopathological distresses, which specifically associate and exacerbate sexual disturbances.

Correlation Between ED Symptoms and Clinical Outcomes in the Patient with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating neurologic insult often presenting to the emergency department as a headache. Recognition and prompt treatment are important to good outcomes. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the presentation of aSAH patients to the emergency department and determine whether presentation predicts length of stay or death. This is a retrospective review of data gathered from 2 existing studies. Data from patients diagnosed with acute aSAH were reviewed for symptoms, clinical presentation, history, demographics, and laboratory results. Statistical analysis was completed by use of χ(2) and regression analysis. This sample of 193 adult aSAH patients confirmed headache as well as meningeal signs as the most frequent symptom on presentation to the emergency department, and this was cited as the most common reason for seeking medical treatment. Symptom presentation did not appear to affect length of stay; however, survival analysis showed that patients who presented with a Hunt and Hess grade greater than 3 along with bradycardia were 15.6 times more likely to die within the first month of aSAH. Although aSAH presentation remains the same, this analysis did find a correlation between poor clinical grade and bradycardia to be a significant predictor of death at 30 days. Additional study may help to determine whether any intervention could lessen this effect. Although patient diagnosis and referral from the community emergency department to a tertiary center were relatively quick, there was a wide window of time between patient recognition of symptoms and seeking medical treatment.

Clinical Cardiology

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a powerful predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD), especially in men <60 years of age.1 Conversely, a high percentage of men with chronic stable CAD have ED.2 ED usually precedes the onset of angina by 2 to 3 years and adverse cardiovascular events by 3 to 5 years, thus allowing time for risk factor modification to delay or prevent major adverse cardiovascular events.3 Despite the abundance of evidence linking these vascular diseases, application of this knowledge to clinical practice has been limited.3 Here, 2 theoretical cases are described with the goal of illustrating clinical practice guidelines to improve the management of patients with ED and CAD. A 44-year-old previously healthy man presented to primary care complaining that “I haven't had sex in 3 months because I can't get an erection.” The patient did not report any cardiovascular symptoms with exercise but admitted to a sedentary lifestyle. The patient's father suffered his first myocardial infarction at 53 years of age. The patient's blood pressure was 128/84 mm Hg. The patient denied any other cardiovascular symptoms or risk factors. The patient is diagnosed with ED, defined as the persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection adequate for satisfactory sexual intercourse. ED is a cardiac risk factor and independently predicts mortality, primarily as a result of increased cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 1.43).4 ED usually precedes angina by 2 to 3 years and adverse cardiovascular events by 3 to 5 years. A cardiovascular assessment is initiated to define the patient's risk of future cardiovascular events and to guide therapy. Cardiac risk factors are investigated, and risk factor modification is initiated. This patient's body mass index is 24 kg/m2, fasting glucose is 95 mg/dL, and fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is 150 mg/dL. A …

Testosterone replacement therapy by testosterone ointment relieves lower urinary tract symptoms in late onset hypogonadism patients

Introduction. Patients with late onset hypogonadism (LOH) also suffered from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and LOH symptoms. The objects of this study are to evaluate the efficacy of testosterone replace therapy (TRT) by testosterone ointment (Glowmin: GL) for LUTS in LOH patients.Methods. The Aging Male Symptom (AMS) scale, Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were obtained from patients with LOH. A total of 41 patients with LOH have been treated with TRT using 6 mg/day of GL for 3 months. Serum free testosterone levels (FT) and these four scores were compared before and after TRT.Results. Serum FT levels and the scores for the four parameters of AMS, six of eight domains in SF-36, IIEF-5 and total IPSS improved significantly after 3 months TRT. In addition, all IPSS domains also improved significantly, and voiding disturbance seems to have improved more than storage disturbance (P = 0.0280 vs. 0.0483).Conclusion. TRT by administration of GL is considered to be effective in the improvement of not only ED and LOH symptoms, but also LUTS (especially voiding disturbance) of patients with LOH.

Troubles des conduites alimentaires et maternité : analyse de forums sur Internet

Eating disorders affect about 5–7% of women of child-bearing age. Very little is known about the impact of pregnancy on women with anorexia or bulimia nervosa. Some researches reported a generalized feeling of well-being during pregnancy once symptoms have passed. Other researches highlighted the fact that during pregnancy anxiety may worsen, they also found that women did not improve but their symptoms persisted or deteriorated. This lack of consensus is explained by the variety of methodologies used in these studies. Most studies in the literature are difficult to interpret as they rely on small samples, with heterogeneous, poorly described cases, and often use retrospective outcome measures or reports of ED symptoms. In our opinion, a very current tool appears to be missing from that plurality of approaches. Indeed, the use of Internet offers the possibility to women with eating disorders to share their experiences or their thoughts about pregnancy, and motherhood more generally. It is important to underline that not very many women inform their obstetrician or health care professional about their ED and a lot of them minimize or lie about their eating behaviours to family and friends. Aim The aim of this study is to show that those testimonies may constitute a new corpus of knowledge of interest to the psychologist clinician, but also to every researcher preoccupied with this field of research. Method In order to do so we searched websites, using a very often used search engine, by typing keywords such as “anorexia and pregnancy”. Then, we consulted the first five sites put on the front page in which took place this type of group discussions. So, without any choice a priori, we printed the exchanges between the women. Our testimonies correspond to the interventions of 60 Internet users. Sample The sample presents the following characteristics: they are 26 and half years old on average. Among them, approximately 1/3 are already pregnant, 1/3 already have children and 1/3 wish to become pregnant. A lot of them experience fertility problems, and have a hormonal treatment. It is also necessary to note the number of women who say they benefit from a psychological care (16.6%). Methodology We used the methodology of the analysis of contents. It consisted in reading all the corpus of testimonies to analyse what was written, to transcribe it, and to report the main ideas or developed subjects. For that purpose, we elaborated a “thematic scale” to establish the different contents, the facts, the ideas, which are present in the testimonies; literary and theoretical knowledge about the subject was also needed. What we exactly wanted to show was the relevance of the clinical approach of psychoanalytical orientation in the analysis of the forums on Internet. In this article, we wanted to develop the main themes, which appear on the most regular basis in the testimonies of these women. Results In our results, we found and exposed six themes: “For the love of a man”, “The wish to become pregnant”, “The singular relation with my body”, “To contain a baby or kilos too many”, “Pregnancy outcome”, “The intergenerational transmission of the symptoms of the mother to the child”. It was important to connect these testimonies with what we know on the subject through literature and different theories. The results of our investigation show the necessity to consider the richness of its testimonies. It is thus important that the psychologists neither ignore nor disdain this mode of communication, but on the contrary, take it into account in their psychopathologic approach of TCA. We can discuss the benefit of prevention during pregnancy, which is a period of vulnerability but of change too.

Effects of multiple forms of childhood abuse and adult sexual assault on current eating disorder symptoms

The objective of this study is to examine the effect of recent adult sexual assault on current eating disorder symptoms when controlling for the effects of multiple forms of childhood abuse. A total of 489 undergraduate women completed the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, and surveys regarding childhood abuse and sexual assault that had occurred in the previous three months. Approximately 30% of the sample indicated recent unwanted sexual experiences. Childhood emotional abuse contributed unique variance to the prediction of current ED symptoms, but sexual and physical abuse did not. Recent sexual assault contributed additional unique variance to current ED symptoms when controlling for childhood abuse, thus both emotional abuse in childhood and sexual assault in adulthood contributed unique variance to ED symptoms.