Marked Body Shape Concerns in Female Patients Suffering from Eating Disorders: Relevance of a Clinical Sub-Group

Abstract

Concerns about body shape and weight are core diagnostic criteria for eating disorders although intensity varies between patients. Few studies have focused on the clinical differences relative to the intensity of these concerns. Nonetheless, they might have a prognostic value. This study was aimed at identifying the characteristics associated with marked body shape concerns in patients with an eating disorder. Data was collected from a systematic and standardized clinical assessment of outpatients seeking treatment in our department for eating disorders. Only female patients, suffering from anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, and with “no / mild” or “marked” body shape concerns according to the Body Shape Questionnaire, were included for the present study. We focused on sociodemographic characteristics, eating disorder characteristics, axis 1 disorders, types of attachment, self-esteem and dissociation. A multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors related to “marked” body shape concerns. In our sample (123 participants, with a mean age of 24.3 years [range 16–61]), 56.9% had marked concerns with body shape. Marked body shape concerns were associated with a major depressive episode (OR = 100.3), the use of laxatives (OR = 49.8), a high score on the item “body dissatisfaction” of the Eating Disorders Inventory scale (OR = 1.7), a higher minimum body mass index (OR = 1.73), and a high score on the item “loss of control over behavior, thoughts and emotions” from the dissociation questionnaire (OR = 10.74). These results are consistent with previous studies, and highlight the importance of denial.

Spanish Validation of the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale: Factorial Invariance and Latent Means Differences across Sex and Age

“…Perfectionism is “a personality disposition characterized by striving for flawlessness and setting exceedingly high standards of performance accompanied by overly critical evaluations of one’s behavior” [1]. It has given rise to interest growing in research, possibly due to the substantial evidence of its positive relation with psychopathology [2,3], acting as a factor of resistance to change and hindering the treatment efficacy of multiple disorders [4,5]. However, research on perfectionism during childhood and the adolescence is an incipient field [6], although it would provide knowledge about the situations that promote its maintenance and development [7,8].…”

Nutritional status of the student nurses of a tertiary health-care center – A mixed-method study

“…[333435] Negative body image is unswervingly related to low self-esteem which further contribute to the trailing weight loss strategies and development of eating disorders. [36] Wrong perception of body image is a significant barrier for any behavioral change amongst the students because unless student nurses identify their weight as a consequence of the improper nutrition and lifestyle, it is less likely to motivate them and take preventive and curative measures. Although latest studies have proved that less calorie intake may not be helpful in losing weight,[37] nevertheless due to inadequate knowledge, these habits are followed consistently.…”

Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa: Enduring Wrong Assumptions?

“…The blogger criticized the findings of two studies in which the evidence of the absence of BID was not considered to be a lack of BID evidence, but evidence of patient denial. In the first case the study by Gailledrat et al ( 148 ) reported, “ a significant proportion of patients seeking treatment for ED had no or only mild concerns with body shape. This could be of surprise as body shape concerns are core symptoms of ED ” (p. 7).…”