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Eating disorders are severe psychiatric illnesses associated with physical and psychological morbidity and mortality. Their incidence has increased, highlighting the emerging public health importance of these conditions and their comorbidities. Oral healthcare professionals may be among the first to observe the signs and symptoms of an eating disorder due to the recognizable links with oral pathology. It is crucial that they are sufficiently informed and confident in diagnosing and treating oral comorbidities. This review describes the oral impacts of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) in the oral cavity, and presents a related case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Psiquiatria is the property of Asociacion Colombiana de Psiquiatria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The most up-to-date information on the secondary prevention of eating disorders (EDs) is systematically and thoughtfully reviewed. Recommendations are given on screening and detection methods in the school population and at-risk populations; successful programs, training of professionals; referral to care and therapeutic resources; and early intervention. Also future lines are pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different investigations on the onset and maintenance of eating disorders have suggested a significant relationship between cognitive schemas and eating behavior pathologies. The aim of this research was to carry out a documentary review on the relationship between eating disorders and early maladaptive schemas; using the thematic review as methodology. The results show that anorexia nervosa can be associated with the schemas of defectiveness-shame and insufficient self-control, while obesity and binge eating are associated with the domains of disconnection-rejection and autonomy and poor performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Through the culture of thinness, increasingly promoted in our society as a beauty canon, it is not surprising that the number of people affected by eating disorders is increasing. Objective: This research aims to study the relationship between non-suicidal self-injuries and nuclear aspects of eating disorders specified along with this article. Methods: The sample consisted of 60 women diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia. Questionnaires assessing impulsivity, body satisfaction, alexithymia, body attitude and self-esteem were administered. Participants with non-suicidal self-harm were compared with those without it, and participants with anorexia with and without self-harm and participants with bulimia with and without self-harm were compared. Results: Differences were found in body dissatisfaction= 5.71; p ≤0.01), body attitudes= 4.80; p ≤0.02), self-esteem= 14.09; p ≤0.00) and impulsivity (t= 3.39; p ≤0.01) between participants with and without non-suicidal self-harm. Conclusions: These are key factors for the clinical area in the treatment of eating disorders to prevent the presence of self-harm, as it allows focusing the treatment target on those aspects such as dissatisfaction and impulsivity, which are key in the development of self-harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Psicoterapia is the property of Revista de Psiquiatria y Psicologia Humanista, S.L. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: the relevance of sociocultural factors with respect to etiology, development and treatment of eating disorders has been supported by many studies.Objectives: the aims of this study were: a) to analyze the different effects of the aesthetic body shape model on adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) vs bulimia nervosa (BN); b) to analyze possible differences, regarding that body shape model, between patients with purging behaviors vs non purging types of patients; and c) to explore the relationship between the influence of the aesthetic body shape model and other clinically relevant variables such as body dissatisfaction, eating attitudes and personality traits.Methods: the sample comprised 104 adolescents suffering from AN and BN. The Questionnaire of Influences on the Aesthetic Body Shape Model (CIMEC-40), the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) and the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) were applied.Results: the aesthetic body shape model of thinness influenced 77.9% of this sample, this influence being higher in the case of BN patients. In addition, that influence was stronger in the purging-type patients than in the non-purging type. Moreover, there was a significant and positive correlation among the influence of the aesthetic body shape model, body dissatisfaction and severity of eating symptoms. Finally, there seems to exist some personality traits more vulnerable to be affected by sociocultural factors.Conclusions: in view of these results, it is necessary that psychotherapeutic approaches take into account the influence of sociocultural factors and body dissatisfaction mainly in the case of adolescents with BN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general knowledge of the population about the eating disorders is scarce. As with other mental pathologies, the misinformation, the prejudices and stereotypes are mixed without paying attention to the roots of the disease. The media are usually a reflection of this attitude, and at the same time they are part of the problem, because reproducing the same concepts they end up reinforcing identical ideas to those expected by the spectators. In this article, we study the dominant trends of thought in the commercial cinema of the last 20 years, analyzing films whose plot focuses on eating disorders, to confirm if this hypothesis is correct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders (EDs) of complex and multifactorial etiology. Adolescents are the population most affected by these disorders, indicating severe cases and with high morbidity. With the globalization and the change of the aesthetic standard in force, a lean and longline body image has been advocated. In order to feel themselves belonging to the social environment and to perceive a positive self-image, they choose to change their eating behavior drastically. This article proposes a narrative review of the literature, seeking to discuss issues related to the media, the current aesthetic pattern and how these may influence the development of EDs in adolescents. It was found that social networks and communities on the Internet can influence the emergence or aggravate the EDs. Interventions based on cognitive-behavioral therapy demonstrated high efficacy. It is observed the importance of the multidisciplinary work in the treatment of this population, with cohesive and assertive interventions, as well as the fundamental role of the family. Further empirical research for the development of evidence-based intervention techniques is needed. It also stimulates reflection on how the media can positively influence the demystification of the current aesthetic pattern, as well as on the importance of encouraging the critical thinking of adolescents about what they observe propagated in the media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous studies provide relevant information about the relationship between personality and eating disorders (ED). The involvement of personality factors in the etiology and maintenance of ED indicates the need of emphasizing the study of the adolescent's personality when diagnosed of ED.Objectives: The aims of this study were to analyze the adolescent's personality profiles that differ significantly in anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), and to explore the most common profiles and their associations with those subtypes of eating disorders (ED).Methods: A total of 104 patients with AN and BN were studied by means of the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI).Results: The personality profiles that differ significantly in both AN and BN were submissive, egotistic, unruly, forceful, conforming, oppositional, self-demeaning and borderline. The most frequent profiles in AN were conforming (33.33%), egotistic (22.72%) and dramatizing (18.18%) while in the case of BN those profiles were unruly (18.42%), submissive (18.42%) and borderline (15.78%). We did not find any associations between the diagnostic subgroup (AN, BN) and the fact of having personality profiles that could become dysfunctional.Conclusions: Bearing in mind these results, it may be concluded that there are relevant differences between personality profiles associated with AN and BN during adolescence, so tailoring therapeutic interventions for this specific population would be important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poucos espaços são oferecidos para escuta de como pacientes diagnosticados com transtornos alimentares entendem o discurso que preconiza a necessidade de distanciamento afetivo entre profissional e paciente. Buscamos compreender de que modo o pedido dos pacientes por maior proximidade afetiva em relação ao profissional de saúde pode participar da construção do bom relacionamento com médicos, psicólogos e nutricionistas. Pacientes de um serviço de assistência em transtornos alimentares foram entrevistados. A análise do material baseou-se na proposta teórico-metodológica das práticas discursivas e produção de sentidos sustentada pelo discurso construcionista social. Foram destacados os sentidos e discursos e os jogos de posicionamentos implicados nessas produções discursivas. As participantes construíram a proximidade com o profissional como ingrediente fundamental para uma possível superação do transtorno. Os argumentos a favor de um contato mais íntimo com os profissionais e o uso do discurso da neutralidade pelo profissional foram problematizados em seu contexto de produção.

Acolhimento e vínculo são dispositivos técnicos e políticos que visam a garantir uma assistência qualificada em saúde. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o acolhimento e o vínculo entre profissionais e usuários de um serviço de assistência multidisciplinar para pessoas diagnosticadas com transtornos alimentares. Foram entrevistados 16 usuários e sete profissionais. Foi utilizada avaliação qualitativa de quarta geração. Os resultados foram agrupados em três unidades temáticas: postura, técnica e acesso. A análise dos dados, a partir das dimensões mencionadas, evidenciou alguns elementos necessários para que o acolhimento e o vínculo no serviço se estabelecessem: integralidade no serviço, intersetorialidade, interdisciplinaridade, formação profissional e humanização da assistência. Concluiu-se que, na perspectiva de usuários e profissionais, o serviço busca oferecer um atendimento usuário-centrado por meio de procedimentos que priorizam a dimensão humana do sujeito atendido, com considerável efetividade em suas ações, apesar de algumas limitações e deficiências.

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar aspectos da imagem corporal em uma amostra de pessoas com anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa e transtorno alimentar não-especificado. A amostra foi composta por 14 voluntárias atendidas pelo Ambulatório de Transtornos Alimentares da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. O Software de Avaliação Perceptiva foi utilizado para avaliar a insatisfação com o corpo. A preocupação com o corpo, checagem e evitação corporal foram avaliadas pelo Body Shape Questionnaire, Body Checking Questionnaire e Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire, respectivamente. A análise descritiva e as correlações entre as medidas mostraram elevados níveis de insatisfação, checagem, evitação e preocupação com o corpo, com associações significantes. Estes achados evidenciaram a importância dos parâmetros investigados na dinâmica dos transtornos alimentares. Conhecer esses componentes da imagem corporal favorece a ampliação das possibilidades de melhor compreender como se organiza a representação mental do corpo dessas pacientes e planejar mais cuidadosamente as intervenções no decurso do tratamento.

Antecedentes: En relación al impacto de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) sobre el embarazo, la mayoría de la evidencia advierte sobre consecuencias negativas prenatales y postnatales para la madre y el feto. Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de comportamientos alimentarios anormales en gestantes controladas en atención primaria, y analizar descriptiva y comparativamente las pacientes con estas actitudes en relación con variables maternas, del embarazo, rasgos psicológicos y conductuales. Método: 141 pacientes embarazadas fueron encuestadas con el test de actitudes alimentarias (EAT-40) y el inventario de trastornos alimentarios (EDI), a los cuales se añadieron preguntas relativas al embarazo e historia de TCA. Resultados: 23,4% de las encuestadas obtuvieron puntajes en rango patológico de EAT-40, donde la historia previa de TCA emerge como un factor de riesgo importante para el desarrollo de un desorden alimentario en estas pacientes. Otras diferencias se observaron en los puntajes del EAT-40, el EDI y todas sus subescalas. Conclusión: La cifra alcanzada para conductas anormales de alimentación supera ampliamente a la planteada para TCA clínicos, los que además reflejan tendencia a la cronicidad aun en el embarazo. Se requieren estudios adicionales que orienten a los profesionales de salud en la prevención, detección y tratamiento de los TCA en el embarazo.Background: According to the impact of eating disorders on pregnant women, most evidence shows nega-tive pre and post natal consequences for the mother and the fetus. Objective: To determine the presence of abnormal eating behaviors in pregnant women controlled in primary care, and to describe and compare eating disordered patients in relation to the pregnancy, maternal, psychological and behavioral characteris-tics. Method: The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) and a questionnaire about demographic and pregnancy data and previous history of eating disorders were administered to 141 pregnant women. Results: 23.4% of the polled women scored within the pathological range of EAT-40, in whom the prior history of eating disorders emerged as the most important factor of risk to develop an eating disorder in these patients. Furthermore, considerable differences were seen in the average of EAT-40 scores and in the EDI and its all subscales. Conclusión: The percentage of pregnant women who displayed abnormal eating behaviors exceeds the rate described in literature for clinical eating disorders. Besides, it reflect tendency to be a chronic disease even in pregnancy. Additional studies are required to help health personnel to prevent, detect and treat women with eating disorders in pregnancy.

OBJETIVO: Explorar el control personal de la conducta en sus tres aspectos: control objetivo, control subjetivo y creencias de control en mujeres con trastornos alimentarios, en riesgo de padecer trastornos alimentarios y normales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Es un estudio transversal que se llevó a cabo en Caracas, Venezuela, en 1997. Se trabajó con una muestra de 87 mujeres, 21 con trastornos alimentarios subclínicos, 33 en riesgo y 33 normales. Se utilizaron los siguientes instrumentos: Test de actitudes hacia la alimentación, Entrevista diagnóstica internacional compuesta, Inventario de autocontrol, Inventario de autoeficacia percibida para el autocontrol de la conducta e Inventario de locus de control. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el análisis de varianza y para las comparaciones post hoc se utilizó la prueba Student-Neuman-Keuls. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que las personas con trastornos alimentarios presentan dificultad en la emisión de conductas de autocontrol, menor sentimiento de eficacia personal para autorregular la conducta y mayor creencia en el control de otros poderosos sobre sus actos y consecuencias. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados encontrados constituyen una primera aproximación para entender el papel que juega la variable psicológica "control personal de la conducta" como factor protector o de riesgo en el desarrollo de la anorexia o bulimia nerviosa. El texto completo en inglés de este artículo está disponible en: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.htmlOBJECTIVE: To explore the three components of personal behavioral control: Objective control, subjective control and control beliefs among normal women, women at risk of anorexia or bulimia and women with sub-clinical eating disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 1997, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Caracas, Venezuela. The study population consisted of 87 women: 21 with sub-clinical eating disorders, 33 at risk of having an eating disorder, and 33 normal women. Measurement instruments used were: Eating Attitude Test, Composite International Diagnostic Interview, Self-control Inventory, Inventory for Perceived Self-efficacy for Self-control, and the Locus of Control Inventory. Data analysis consisted of analysis of variance, and post hoc comparisons were done with the Student-Neuman-Keuls test. RESULTS: Women with sub-clinical eating disorders were found to have difficulty for behavior self-control, lower self-efficacy to regulate their behavior, and beliefs of control by powerful others over their behavior and its consequences. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study are a first attempt to understand the role of the psychological variable "personal control of behavior", as a protective or risk factor for developing sub-clinical anorexia or bulimia. The English version of this paper is available at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html

OBJETIVO: Explorar el control personal de la conducta en sus tres aspectos: control objetivo, control subjetivo y creencias de control en mujeres con trastornos alimentarios, en riesgo de padecer trastornos alimentarios y normales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Es un estudio transversal que se llevó a cabo en Caracas, Venezuela, en 1997. Se trabajó con una muestra de 87 mujeres, 21 con trastornos alimentarios subclínicos, 33 en riesgo y 33 normales. Se utilizaron los siguientes instrumentos: Test de actitudes hacia la alimentación, Entrevista diagnóstica internacional compuesta, Inventario de autocontrol, Inventario de autoeficacia percibida para el autocontrol de la conducta e Inventario de locus de control. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el análisis de varianza y para las comparaciones post hoc se utilizó la prueba Student-Neuman-Keuls. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que las personas con trastornos alimentarios presentan dificultad en la emisión de conductas de autocontrol, menor sentimiento de eficacia personal para autorregular la conducta y mayor creencia en el control de otros poderosos sobre sus actos y consecuencias. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados encontrados constituyen una primera aproximación para entender el papel que juega la variable psicológica "control personal de la conducta" como factor protector o de riesgo en el desarrollo de la anorexia o bulimia nerviosa. El texto completo en inglés de este artículo está disponible en: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html

Introduction. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between perceived rearing styles and the clinical expression of Eating Disorders (ED). Methods. One hundred and ninety-six patients diagnosed of an ED and 127 healthy student as controls selected from the Nursing College were evaluated for general psychopathology (STAI, BDI II, RSE), and for abnormal eating attitudes (EAT, EDI-II, BITE). The EMBU (‘my memories of upbringing') was administered for the assessment of perceived parental rearing styles and we used a questionnaire to assess familial variables. Results. In relation to the control group, patients with ED perceived greater rejection, overprotection and less warmth than the controls. Patients who perceived greater paternal favoritism, maternal overprotection and low paternal emotional warmth, showed higher levels of anxiety. Paternal affection and maternal attitudes of rejection, overprotection and favoritism were related with lower selfesteem. Regarding abnormal eating attitudes, body dissatisfaction inversely correlated with paternal emotional care and maternal favoritism. The EDI subscales: ineffectiveness, perfectionism and ascetism were associated with parental rejection. Maternal rejection also related with drive for thinness, interoceptive awareness and impulse regulation. Perceived emotional warmth was related with perfectionism. Bulimia subscale and BITE scores were inversely associated with paternal overprotection and affection, and scored significantly higher in paternal favoritism and rejection from both parents. Conclusions. Perceived parental bonding is different in the various subtypes of EDs. Patients diagnosed of Bulimia Nervosa or Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified perceived greater rejection, less affection and a greater overprotection than Anorexia Nervosa patients and controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study performed with the aim of characterizing the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients suffering from eating disorders and the use of alcohol and other drugs. This is a descriptive research, developed with patients treated between from July 1997 and July 2013 in a Psychosocial Care Center type III in the Midwest region of Minas Gerais. The sample comprised 780 patients and the main results were the greater proportion of females (59%); the age group 10-20 years (49.9%), the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (47.6%) and bulimia nervosa (21.8%) and the most used drug was alcohol (42.8%). This data indicates an alarming situation and of significant epidemiological importance, notably for the local population, and may provide subsidies for proposing actions related to prevention and control, especially in regard to the group of women with anorexia with drug abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En la actualidad no se conoce la frecuencia de los trastornos de alimentación en pacientes de cirugía estética, pero se sospecha que sea mayor a la población general. Hay diferentes pruebas o cuestionarios para detectar aquellos en riesgo, siendo el examen mental el que comprueba presencia de psicopatología aplicando criterios DSM IV y CIE 10. La prevalencia de trastornos del comportamiento alimentario ha venido en aumento en la población adolescente y no está claro si es un hecho real o que se ha mejorado la capacidad para detectarlos. No se puede descartar que los estereotipos de belleza actuales hacia una figura corporal más delgada, estén jugando un papel clave en la epidemiología. El conocimiento de los factores de riesgo es de vital importancia para su detección temprana y la toma de medidas preventivas que aseguren mejores resultados terapéuticos. Así se podrían identificar los casos con problemas en el posoperatorio o que no son candidatos para procedimientos quirúrgicos. El tratamiento multidisciplinario es fundamental para corregir las alteraciones nutricionales y mentales en forma paralela.

Introduction. The modern way of life, characterized by the cult of individualism, discredited authority, and a proliferation of points of view about reality, has modified family structure. This social structure imbues families and the way that its members become ill, in such a way that eating behavior disorders (EDs) have become a typically postmodern way of becoming ill. Methodology. The aim is to understand the systemic structure and vulnerability of families by comparing 108 families with members who have ED to 108 families without pathology. A questionnaire administered by an interview with trained personnel was used. Results. Families with ED have a different structure from the families in the control group. They have more psychiatric history and poor coping skills. The family hierarchy is not clearly defined and the leadership is diffuse, with strict and unpredictable rules, more intergenerational coalitions, and fewer alliances. The relationship between the parents is distant or confrontational, and their attitudes towards their children are complacent and selfish, with ambivalent and unaffectionate bonds. In the case of mothers, this is manifested by separation anxiety and dyadic dependence. Their expectations concerning their offspring are either very demanding and unrealistic, or indifferent, and there is less control of their behavior, in addition to poor organization of the family meals. Conclusions. The structural differences between the two groups of families seem to be important for the occurrence and maintenance of EDs, although they may not be the only cause. The results suggest strategies for clinical intervention in EDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of eating disorders (ED) in the population has been increasing steadily. Among the different issues related to food, the highlights are Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN). The objective of this research is to investigate how patients treated at an outpatient mental health experienced the onset of symptoms of ED. Ten patients in care at the 'Hospital das Clínicas' of the West of São Paulo City were invited to participate, voluntarily in this study. Six of them agreed to participate. For data collection, we used the semi-structured interview. Reports reveal two factors that favored the appearance of ED, according to the interviewees: conflicts in interpersonal relationships and social pressure for slimming/stigmatization. Possibly, sociocultural influences permeate the meanings attributed by patients to their mirror image, contributing to the emergence of distortions in the perception of body weight and shape. The results of this study also suggest that often the awareness of the problem has a delay to happen. Thus, the involvement of family members and the provision of information and guidance on the nature of the disorder are essential in the scope of interventions for treating the problem. It is assumed that preventive programs aimed at improving interpersonal functioning of adolescents, could minimize the risk of developing ED. This study aims to contribute to such actions, in addition to supporting multiprofessional teams in patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely recognized the influence of emotional factors in the genesis and maintenance of eating disorders (ED). This study was aimed at analyzing the logical and affective functioning of ED patients. Study participants were 27 patients (23 women, mean age 17.5 years, most with bulimia nervosa). The instrument used was the Pfister's Color Pyramid Test. The data were rated according to literature recommendations. The results showed that rational aspects display a pattern of good organizational skills. As regards emotional aspects it was observed a deregulation of efficient control mechanisms for affections and impulses. As they cannot bear the states of anxiety deriving from the lack of control over affections, the participants deny their impulses, creating precarious emotional stability, which makes it difficult to elaborate conflicts. It was evidenced in the research group and, consequently, the need to provide psychological assistance in combination with nutritional rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate dietary patterns, physical activity and body image dissatisfaction degree among women who practice physical activity. 30 women participated in the study. The instruments used were: Eating Attitudes Test (EAT- 26), Bulimic Investigatory Edimburgo Test (BITE), Body Image Questionnaire (BSQ), Inventory of Feelings about Physical Activity (ISAF, in portuguese) and the Body Mass Index. In terms of results, 40% of participants had negative results in BMI measurement, 9,9% showed risk behavior to the development of eating disorders, 57,7% showed body image distortion and 30% showed a very positive attitude towards physical activity. Women aged 26 to 33 years had more pathological eating attitudes than the others. Further studies with focus on health promotion practices considering women who does physical activity and has eating disorders high-risk behavior is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Médicas UIS is the property of Universidad Industrial de Santander and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study is to know how health professionals consider anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and obesity, specifically, their perception of the severity of these disorders and their perceived causes. Five hundred and eight physicians, nurses and psychologists in practice, of both sexes, responded anonymously and voluntarily to a questionnaire about severity and perceived causes of eating disorders. We analyze differences between the disorders, and among the participants (on their degrees, age, sex and professional experience with these patients). Participants consider eating disorders as very severe, with different causal factors, more related to biological aspects and lifestyle on obesity, and to emotional difficulties and social influences in anorexia and bulimia nervosas. In bulimia they give more importance to lifestyle and endocrine factors, while in anorexia they highlight self-discipline, the social ideal of thinness, peer influence, and vanity. Participants attribute to these patients significant control and responsibility for their problem (even more to obese patients). Some of the results suggest that obesity, anorexia and bulimia nervosas could be linked to certain negative valuations for health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pro-Ana and Pro-Mia blogs are websites antirecovering where participants promote eating disorders, they interchange experiences and provide emotional support to others. There are few research about these sites in Spanish, whereby present study aimed to describe social function of Pro- Ana and Pro-Mia blogs. For this purpose, messages posted in 12 of these sites where analyzed through Grounded Theory method. Results, organized in two main categories - 1) "Being Ana" and 2) "Blog as a virtual shelter", showed that eating disorders are experienced as a painful but worthy decision, whose difficulties are coped by the support provided in these sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Currently, there is a higher occurrence of biopsychosocial diseases, especially eating disorders, involving different body systems and aspects related to the individual and their social relations. Objective: Addressing current and relevant issues about the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for anorexia and bulimia nervosa in adolescence. Methods: Search the databases: MEDLINE, SciELO and LILACS for studies published on the epidemiology and risk factors for eating disorders in adolescence. Results: The highest incidence of anorexia and bulimia nervosa among girls in the middle and final phase of adolescence. Factors that increase the risk for the onset of eating disorders in adolescents are: genetics, body changes during puberty, the vulnerability of adolescents to the ideals of thinness, social pressures to be thin, body image dissatisfaction, restrictive diet, depression and low self-esteem. However, it is suggested that in different cultures, eating disorders may come from a number of conditions unrelated to compensatory behaviors or weight, but the shape of the body. Conclusions: Several factors determine the occurrence of anorexia and bulimia nervosa in adolescence, however, there is no consensus how these factors interact in this complex process, which indicates the need for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difficulties encountered in regards to defining the diagnosis of patients with an Eating Behavior Disorder (EBD) have favored the use of multidimensional models. This study has aimed to identify which psychopathological and neurobiological variables could have a discriminating capacity regarding the different EBD diagnostic subtypes. A total of 42 patients with an EBD diagnosis (11 Restrictive Anorexia (R-AN), 10 Purgative Anorexia (P-AN), 7 Non-purgative Bulimia (NP-BN), 14 Purgative Bulimia (P-BN)), according to DSM-IV criteria, were selected from those who came for treatment in the Ciudad Real General Hospital Eating Disorder Unit. Twelve healthy controls were also included. All of the subjects underwent a brain SPECT to measure regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in baseline situation (rest). A second one was performed after a visual neutral stimulus (sight of a calm sea) and another one after confronting them with their own corporal image, filmed two weeks before. A battery of questionnaires was administered to evaluate general and eating psychopathology. Patients with NP-BN showed less eating and general psychopathology. Furthermore, unlike patients with R-AN and P-BN, they did not experience an increase of the rCBF when confronted with their own body image. Discriminant variables were body dissatisfaction measured with the BSQ, BMI; BITE scores, ideal silhouette scores, and temporal right hyperactivation when they were shown their own body image. The subgroup of patients diagnosed with NP-BN showed less emotional alteration and less emotional response when they were shown their own body image than the rest of patients with EBD. These differences might have implications from the therapeutic, prognostic or even taxonomic viewpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eating behavior disorders (EBD) constitute a serious somatic and psychiatric condition that occurs mainly in adolescent and young adult women and is characterized by a persistent desire to be extremely thin, pathologic fear of gaining weight and distortion of body perception. From a neurobiological vantage point, it has been suggested that alterations in some neural systems of these patients may exist, either as a cause or effect of their condition. In recent years various research studies have been conducted with the aim of identifying underlying brain disorders in EBD. The purpose of this article was to review the main findings obtained in neuroimaging studies, including PET, SPECT, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), focusing mainly on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Some alterations and changes in metabolism and blood perfusion that accompany the neuroimaging findings will be reviewed, as well as studies designed to determine whether these alterations persist after recovery from the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We analyzed the elements of the family functioning that explain the risk and protection of the ED: Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Eating Disorder Non-Specific (EDNOS). Method: Seventy patients with ED (16 AN, 24 BN and 30 EDNOS) and 30 female students were interviewed and completed three questionnaires: FES, EAT and BULIT. Results: The ED patients (AN, BN and EDNOS) perceived the expression was a risk factor and the intellectual-cultural activities were protection factor. In the group of ED Specific (AN and BN) the organization was a risk factor and actuation was protector factor. Conclusion: The results confirmed differences in the family functioning between types of ED Specific and Non-Specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this study ex post facto we have analyzed the presence of dysthymia in 155 women. Ninety three met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for some of the eating disorder (ED) types: 31 with restrictive anorexia nervosa (ANr), 31 with purging/bulimic anorexia nervosa (ANp) and 31 with purging bulimia nervosa (BNp); and 62 conformed the two comparisons groups: 31 women with high risk of eating disorder (symptomatic comparative group: S-GC) and another 31 without known pathology (non symptomatic comparative group: NS-CG). All of them completed the Spanish version of the MCMI-II. The results indicated that ED patients scored significantly higher on possible dysthymic syndrome [Base Rate (BR) scores > 741, of them, 50% with ANr, 60% with ANp and 63.35% with BNp. However, only 16.70% of women in high risk and 5.70% of non-pathology women showed it. These findings support that the dysthymic syndrome is frequent in women with ED, and those with purging behaviour show a slight increase in the severity of such syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are few studies about eating disorders (ED) in adolescents and young adults in Latin America. Moreover, socio-demographic characteristics of university students suggest they may experience cases of ED in a percentage greater than general population's one. Objective: To determine the percentage of students with high risk of developing altered eating behaviours, and to estimate the prevalence of ED in that population. Additionally, to examine factors associated with a positive outcome in a screening test for ED. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 174 students of first and second year of Medicine at Universidad del Valle (Cali, Colombia), who completed a self-reported questionnaire with the test for Evaluation of Eating Behaviour (EEV). Results: The 39.7% of students had positive scores in the EEV (≥24), which is indicative of high risk of suffering an Eating Disorder (ED); with a 2/1 woman/man ratio and an estimated prevalence of ED of 44.1% in women and of 9.6% in men. The associated factors for positive outcomes in the EEV are female gender (OR: 2.74 CI95%: 1.29-5.85), desire for losing more than 10% of body weight (OR: 24.65 CI95%: 1.92-316.91), and interaction between the last factor and the desired percentage of weight loss (OR: 0.81 CI95%: 0.66-0.98). There is a qualitative interaction between the direction of desired weight loss and other variables in the model. Discussion and conclusions: The EEV identifies different kinds of ED which should be differentiated by additional questions. The estimated prevalence of ED shows that it is an important problem in the university community, which should be tackled by means of different prevention, early detection and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]