Association between dietary patterns and mental disorders in pregnant women in Southern Brazil

Objective: To evaluate the association between dietary patterns and mental disorders among pregnant women in southern Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 712 pregnant women recruited from the Study of Food Intake and Eating Behaviors in Pregnancy (ECCAGe). Food intake assessment was performed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified by cluster analysis. The Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) was used to evaluate participants' mental health. Poisson regression models with robust variance were fitted to estimate prevalence ratios (PR). Results: In the adjusted models, there was a high prevalence of major depressive disorder among women with low fruit intake (43%, PR 1.43, 95%CI 1.04-1.95) and high sweets and sugars intake (91%, PR 1.91, 95%CI 1.19-3.07). Women with a common-Brazilian dietary pattern had higher prevalence of major depressive disorder compared to those with a varied consumption pattern (PR 1.43, 95%CI 1.01-2.02). Low intake of beans was significantly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (PR 1.40, 95%CI 1.01-1.93). Conclusions: Low consumption of fruits and beans and intake of the common-Brazilian dietary pattern during pregnancy were associated with higher prevalence of mental disorders. These results reinforce the importance of an adequate dietary intake to ensure better mental health in pregnancy.

Association between dietary patterns and mental disorders in pregnant women in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the association between dietary patterns and mental disorders among pregnant women in southern Brazil. METHODS:: Cross-sectional study with 712 pregnant women recruited from the Study of Food Intake and Eating Behaviors in Pregnancy (ECCAGe). Food intake assessment was performed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified by cluster analysis. The Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) was used to evaluate participants' mental health. Poisson regression models with robust variance were fitted to estimate prevalence ratios (PR). RESULTS:: In the adjusted models, there was a high prevalence of major depressive disorder among women with low fruit intake (43%, PR 1.43, 95%CI 1.04-1.95) and high sweets and sugars intake (91%, PR 1.91, 95%CI 1.19-3.07). Women with a common-Brazilian dietary pattern had higher prevalence of major depressive disorder compared to those with a varied consumption pattern (PR 1.43, 95%CI 1.01-2.02). Low intake of beans was significantly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (PR 1.40, 95%CI 1.01-1.93). CONCLUSIONS:: Low consumption of fruits and beans and intake of the common-Brazilian dietary pattern during pregnancy were associated with higher prevalence of mental disorders. These results reinforce the importance of an adequate dietary intake to ensure better mental health in pregnancy.

Association of binge eating behavior and psychiatric comorbidity in ELSA-Brasil study: Results from baseline data.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association of binge eating behavior (BE) with common mental disorders (CMD). METHOD: Cross sectional investigation of 14,088 adults, aged 35-74years (ELSA-Brasil study). BE was assessed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID - DSM IV) questions, and psychiatric morbidity with CIS-R (CIS R - Clinical Interview Schedule Revised). Poisson regression was used to estimate the association of BE and psychiatric morbidity. RESULTS: Adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) for CMD and BE were: PR=1.60 (1.34-1.91) for a CIS R score 12-18 (presence of CMD with lower clinical severity); PR=2.40 (2.06-2.80) for a CIS R score≥18 (severe symptom profile likely to require treatment); for psychiatric diagnoses: PR=2.24 (1.84-2.73) for depressive episodes; PR=1.77 (1.53-2.04) for anxiety disorders, and PR=1.42 (1.20-1.67) for mixed depressive-anxiety disorder. CONCLUSION: BE was associated with higher prevalence of common mental disorders. Our findings highlight the need to investigate mechanisms involved in the relationship of BE, obesity and psychopathology in low/middle income countries.

Common mental disorders and sociodemographic characteristics: baseline findings of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) and the association of CMD with sociodemographic characteristics in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) cohort. METHODS: We analyzed data from the cross-sectional baseline assessment of the ELSA-Brasil, a cohort study of 15,105 civil servants from six Brazilian cities. The Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) was used to investigate the presence of CMD, with a score ≥ 12 indicating a current CMD (last week). Specific diagnostic algorithms for each disorder were based on the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. Prevalence ratios (PR) of the association between CMD and sociodemographic characteristics were estimated by Poisson regression. RESULTS: CMD (CIS-R score ≥ 12) was found in 26.8% (95% confidence intervals [95%CI] 26.1-27.5). The highest burden occurred among women (PR 1.9; 95%CI 1.8-2.0), the youngest (PR 1.7; 95%CI 1.5-1.9), non-white individuals, and those without a university degree. The most frequent diagnostic category was anxiety disorders (16.2%), followed by depressive episodes (4.2%). CONCLUSION: The burden of CMD was high, particularly among the more socially vulnerable groups. These findings highlight the need to strengthen public policies aimed to address health inequities related to mental disorders.

Common mental disorders and sociodemographic characteristics: baseline findings of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Objective: To assess the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) and the association of CMD with sociodemographic characteristics in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) cohort. Methods: We analyzed data from the cross-sectional baseline assessment of the ELSA-Brasil, a cohort study of 15,105 civil servants from six Brazilian cities. The Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) was used to investigate the presence of CMD, with a score ≥ 12 indicating a current CMD (last week). Specific diagnostic algorithms for each disorder were based on the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. Prevalence ratios (PR) of the association between CMD and sociodemographic characteristics were estimated by Poisson regression. Results: CMD (CIS-R score ≥ 12) was found in 26.8% (95% confidence intervals [95%CI] 26.1-27.5). The highest burden occurred among women (PR 1.9; 95%CI 1.8-2.0), the youngest (PR 1.7; 95%CI 1.5-1.9), non-white individuals, and those without a university degree. The most frequent diagnostic category was anxiety disorders (16.2%), followed by depressive episodes (4.2%). Conclusion: The burden of CMD was high, particularly among the more socially vulnerable groups. These findings highlight the need to strengthen public policies aimed to address health inequities related to mental disorders.

Eating disorders symptoms in pregnancy and postpartum: a prospective study in a disadvantaged population in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess eating disorder symptoms (EDS) from prepregancy through postpartum. METHOD: Seven hundred and twelve women with gestational age ranging from 16th to 36th week completed the eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE-Q). A shortened version of the EDE-Q was used to assess, retrospectively, EDS during the last 28 days of the pregestational period. Follow up assessment occurred at the 4th-5th month postpartum (n = 427). Generalized structural equation models were used to estimate risk of EDS in pregestation, gestation, and postpartum. RESULTS: Women who did not participate in follow up (n = 285) were not significantly different in sociodemographic characteristics. In postpartum, a higher number of women referred shape (RR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.19-2.30) and weight concerns (RR = 1.64; 95% CI 1.16-2.31) than in pregestation. Binge eating (BE) and self-induced vomiting diminished during pregnancy (RR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.57-0.85; RR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.10-0.44, respectively) and postpartum (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.48-0.80; RR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.19-0.76, respectively) compared with pregestation DISCUSSION: Shape and weight concerns are highly prevalent in postpartum and may confer risk for the development of inappropriate eating behaviors. Health professionals should be trained on how to recognize these symptoms.

Bereavement and common mental disorders in middle-aged adults: results from the Brazilian longitudinal study of adult health (ELSA-Brasil).

BACKGROUND: Although bereavement is accompanied with depression and anxiety symptoms, it is usually not associated with increased rates of mental disorders in North American and European samples. Data from low- and middle-income countries are, however, scarce. We therefore explored the prevalence of mental disorders after bereavement in Brazil. METHODS: The Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) was used for psychiatric assessment of 15,105 participants from the Brazilian Health Longitudinal Study (ELSA-Brasil). We asked whether the participant suffered loss of a first-degree relative/spouse within 6 and 12 months prior to the interview. RESULTS: The prevalence within 6 and 12 months after bereavement for major depressive disorder (MDD, 4.3% for 6 and 12 months) and anxiety disorders (17.4% and 15.9%, respectively) did not differ compared to non-bereaved participants, except for panic disorder. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also similar. Conversely, we found increased 12-month prevalence of bereaved-related (vs. non-related) mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (15.7% vs. 12.5%, respectively) and common mental disorder (30.7% vs. 26.2%); diagnoses that are solely based on the number and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. LIMITATIONS: Although this was a cross-sectional study, the sample size was large. CONCLUSIONS: Bereavement was associated with greater psychopathological burden but not with increased prevalence of MDD and anxiety disorder diagnoses, therefore highlighting the need of carefully monitoring subjects whom recently experienced bereavement. Our findings also support and provide a "cultural validator" for excluding bereavement as an exclusionary criterion for MDD diagnosis.

Dietary patterns during pregnancy and the association with sociodemographic characteristics among women attending general practices in southern Brazil: the ECCAGe Study.

The assessment of the relationship between food intake and sociodemographic factors is crucial for developing effective public health policies. The present study aimed to examine dietary patterns in pregnant women and the association between these patterns and sociodemographic characteristics. Pregnant women attending general practices in southern Brazil (n = 712) answered a questionnaire and a food-frequency questionnaire with 88 items. Three dietary patterns were identified using cluster analysis. The association between the dietary patterns and sociodemographic variables was analyzed using the chi-square test and adjusted standardized residuals (p < 0,05). The restricted pattern was associated with lower maternal age, not living with a partner and being a non-working student. The varied pattern was associated with older maternal age, living with a partner, being employed and higher levels of education and income. The common-Brazilian dietary pattern included traditional Brazilian food items and was associated with lower levels of education and income, being unemployed and being a non-student.

Dietary patterns during pregnancy and the association with sociodemographic characteristics among women attending general practices in southern Brazil: the ECCAGe Study / Padrões alimentares na gestação e associação com características sociodemográficas em mulheres atendidas em unidades básicas de saúde no Sul do Brasil: Estudo ECCAGe / Padrones alimentarios en la gestación y su asociación con características sociodemográficas en mujeres atendidas en unidades básicas de salud en el sur de Brasil: estudio ECCAGe

The assessment of the relationship between food intake and sociodemographic factors is crucial for developing effective public health policies. The present study aimed to examine dietary patterns in pregnant women and the association between these patterns and sociodemographic characteristics. Pregnant women attending general practices in southern Brazil (n = 712) answered a questionnaire and a food-frequency questionnaire with 88 items. Three dietary patterns were identified using cluster analysis. The association between the dietary patterns and sociodemographic variables was analyzed using the chi-square test and adjusted standardized residuals (p < 0,05). The restricted pattern was associated with lower maternal age, not living with a partner and being a non-working student. The varied pattern was associated with older maternal age, living with a partner, being employed and higher levels of education and income. The common-Brazilian dietary pattern included traditional Brazilian food items and was associated with lower levels of education and income, being unemployed and being a non-student.

A avaliação do consumo alimentar e das condições sociodemográficas é crucial para o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas. Este estudo examinou os padrões alimentares em gestantes e sua associação com características sociodemográficas. Gestantes (n = 712) atendidas em unidades básicas de saúde no sul do Brasil, responderam a um questionário sobre as características sociodemográficas e a um outro de frequência alimentar. Foram identificados três padrões alimentares por análise de cluster. Utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado com resíduos ajustado verificou-se a associação dos padrões alimentares com as variáveis sociodemográficas (p < 0,05). O padrão restrito foi associado com gestantes mais jovens, que não moram com o companheiro e só estudam; o padrão variado com mulheres mais velhas que moram com o companheiro, trabalham e têm níveis de escolaridade e renda mais altos. Mulheres que não trabalham nem estudam e possuem níveis de renda e escolaridade mais baixos estiveram associadas ao padrão comum-brasileiro, caracterizado por alimentos tradicionais da população brasileira.

La evaluación del consumo alimentario y de las condiciones sociodemográficas es crucial para el desarrollo de políticas públicas. Este estudio examinó padrones alimentarios en gestantes y su asociación con características sociodemográficas. Las gestantes (n = 712) atendidas en unidades básicas de salud en el sur de Brasil, respondieron a un cuestionario sobre características sociodemográficas y a un cuestionario de frecuencia alimentaria. Se identificaron tres padrones alimentarios por análisis de clúster. A través del test chi-cuadrado ajustado con residuos se verificó la asociación de los padrones alimentarios con las variables sociodemográficas (p < 0,05). El padrón restringido fue asociado con gestantes más jóvenes, que no viven con un compañero y sólo estudian; el padrón variado con mujeres más viejas, que viven con compañero, trabajan y tienen niveles de escolaridad y renta más altos. Mujeres que no trabajan ni estudian, y poseen niveles de renta y escolaridad más bajos, estuvieron asociadas al padrón común-brasileño, caracterizado por alimentos tradicionales de la población brasileña.

Binge eating during pregnancy and birth outcomes: a cohort study in a disadvantaged population in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of binge eating behavior (BE) during pregnancy on birth outcomes among 697 Brazilian women who attended primary care. METHOD: Pregnant women answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, obstetric history, and The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Perinatal outcomes were obtained from birth records. Birth weight, prematurity, caesarean delivery, being small or large for gestational age were compared among women reporting BE (N = 119) and those without BE (N = 578). Poisson regression was used to estimate the association between BE during pregnancy and birth outcomes. RESULTS: BE during pregnancy was not significantly associated with the birth outcomes analyzed. Gestational weight gain was significantly higher among those who reported BE. DISCUSSION: Binge eating behavior during pregnancy may not influence birth outcomes as binge eating disorder does but affects gestational weight gain. Women reporting binge eating during pregnancy should undergo a diagnostic assessment for eating disorders.

[Mental disorders in a sample of pregnant women receiving primary health care in Southern Brazil]. / Transtornos mentais em uma amostra de gestantes da rede de atenção básica de saúde no Sul do Brasil.

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of probable psychiatric disorders diagnosed during pregnancy and related sociodemographic causative factors among 712 women between the 16th and 36th week of pregnancy receiving prenatal care in 18 basic health units in Porto Alegre and Bento Gonçalves in southern Brazil. PRIME-MD was used to assess mental disorders. The prevalence of probable mental disorder occurred in 41.7% of the women. The most prevalent diagnosis was major depressive disorder (21.6%), followed by generalized anxiety disorder (19.8%). A multivariate analysis showed that the factors most significantly associated with a probable psychiatric disorder were: the fact that the pregnant woman did not work or study: PR = 1.25 (95%CI: 1.04-1.51);the fact that the pregnant woman did not live with her spouse: PR = 1.24 (95%CI: 1.01-1.52);the fact that the pregnant woman had two or more children: PR = 1.21 (95%CI: 1.01-1.46). A high prevalence of probable mental disorder was observed. The increased search for health care by pregnant women provides an opportunity for screening, diagnosing and treating these disorders under the primary health care system.

Transtornos mentais em uma amostra de gestantes da rede de atenção básica de saúde no Sul do Brasil / Mental disorders in a sample of pregnant women receiving primary health care in Southern Brazil

Para determinar a prevalência de prováveis transtornos psiquiátricos durante a gravidez e os fatores sociodemográficos associados, utilizou-se o instrumento PRIME-MD, em 712 gestantes (16º a 36º semanas), de 18 unidades básicas de saúde no sul do Brasil. A prevalência de um provável transtorno mental foi de 41,7 por cento. O transtorno depressivo maior (21,6 por cento) foi o mais prevalente, seguido pelo Transtorno de Ansiedade Generalizada (19,8 por cento). Os fatores que mostraram significância com um provável transtorno mental foram: não trabalhar nem estudar RP = 1,25 (IC95 por cento: 1,04-1,51), não morar com o companheiro RP = 1,24 (IC95 por cento: 1,01-1,52), e ter dois ou mais filhos RP = 1,21 (IC95 por cento: 1,01-1,46). Houve uma alta prevalência de provável transtorno mental. No período de pré-natal ocorre uma maior frequência de consultas que pode propiciar o rastreamento, o diagnóstico e as abordagens terapêuticas adequadas dos transtornos mentais na rede básica de saúde.

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of probable psychiatric disorders diagnosed during pregnancy and related sociodemographic causative factors among 712 women between the 16th and 36th week of pregnancy receiving prenatal care in 18 basic health units in Porto Alegre and Bento Gonçalves in southern Brazil. PRIME-MD was used to assess mental disorders. The prevalence of probable mental disorder occurred in 41.7 percent of the women. The most prevalent diagnosis was major depressive disorder (21.6 percent), followed by generalized anxiety disorder (19.8 percent). A multivariate analysis showed that the factors most significantly associated with a probable psychiatric disorder were: the fact that the pregnant woman did not work or study: PR = 1.25 (95 percentCI: 1.04-1.51);the fact that the pregnant woman did not live with her spouse: PR = 1.24 (95 percentCI: 1.01-1.52);the fact that the pregnant woman had two or more children: PR = 1.21 (95 percentCI: 1.01-1.46). A high prevalence of probable mental disorder was observed. The increased search for health care by pregnant women provides an opportunity for screening, diagnosing and treating these disorders under the primary health care system.

Association of candidate genes with phenotypic traits relevant to anorexia nervosa.

This analysis is a follow-up to an earlier investigation of 182 genes selected as likely candidate genetic variations conferring susceptibility to anorexia nervosa (AN). As those initial case-control results revealed no statistically significant differences in single nucleotide polymorphisms, herein, we investigate alternative phenotypes associated with AN. In 1762 females, using regression analyses, we examined the following: (i) lowest illness-related attained body mass index; (ii) age at menarche; (iii) drive for thinness; (iv) body dissatisfaction; (v) trait anxiety; (vi) concern over mistakes; and (vii) the anticipatory worry and pessimism versus uninhibited optimism subscale of the harm avoidance scale. After controlling for multiple comparisons, no statistically significant results emerged. Although results must be viewed in the context of limitations of statistical power, the approach illustrates a means of potentially identifying genetic variants conferring susceptibility to AN because less complex phenotypes associated with AN are more proximal to the genotype and may be influenced by fewer genes.

Life beyond the eating disorder: education, relationships, and reproduction.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the sociodemographic characteristics in women with and without lifetime eating disorders. METHOD: Participants were from a multisite international study of eating disorders (N = 2,096). Education level, relationship status, and reproductive status were examined across eating disorder subtypes and compared with a healthy control group. RESULTS: Overall, women with eating disorders were less educated than controls, and duration of illness and age of onset were associated with educational attainment. Menstrual status was associated with both relationship and reproductive status, but eating disorder subtypes did not differ significantly from each other or from healthy controls on these dimensions. DISCUSSION: Differences in educational attainment, relationships, and reproduction do exist in individuals with eating disorders and are differentially associated with various eating disorder symptoms and characteristics. These data could assist in educating patients and family members about long-term consequences of eating disorders.

Association study of 182 candidate genes in anorexia nervosa.

We performed association studies with 5,151 SNPs that were judged as likely candidate genetic variations conferring susceptibility to anorexia nervosa (AN) based on location under reported linkage peaks, previous results in the literature (182 candidate genes), brain expression, biological plausibility, and estrogen responsivity. We employed a case-control design that tested each SNP individually as well as haplotypes derived from these SNPs in 1,085 case individuals with AN diagnoses and 677 control individuals. We also performed separate association analyses using three increasingly restrictive case definitions for AN: all individuals with any subtype of AN (All AN: n = 1,085); individuals with AN with no binge eating behavior (AN with No Binge Eating: n = 687); and individuals with the restricting subtype of AN (Restricting AN: n = 421). After accounting for multiple comparisons, there were no statistically significant associations for any individual SNP or haplotype block with any definition of illness. These results underscore the importance of large samples to yield appropriate power to detect genotypic differences in individuals with AN and also motivate complementary approaches involving Genome-Wide Association (GWA) studies, Copy Number Variation (CNV) analyses, sequencing-based rare variant discovery assays, and pathway-based analysis in order to make up for deficiencies in traditional candidate gene approaches to AN.

Sexual functioning in women with eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To describe sexual functioning in women with eating disorders. METHOD: We assessed physical intimacy, libido, sexual anxiety, partner status, and sexual relationships in 242 women from the International Price Foundation Genetic Studies relative to normative data. RESULTS: Intercourse (55.3%), having a partner (52.7%), decreased sexual desire (66.9%), and increased sexual anxiety (59.2%) were common. Women with restricting and purging anorexia nervosa had a higher prevalence of loss of libido than women with bulimia nervosa and eating disorder not otherwise specified (75%, 74.6%, 39%, and 45.4%, respectively). Absence of sexual relationships was associated with lower minimum lifetime body mass index (BMI) and earlier age of onset; loss of libido with lower lifetime BMI, higher interoceptive awareness and trait anxiety; and sexual anxiety with lower lifetime BMI, higher harm avoidance and ineffectiveness. Sexual dysfunction in eating disorders was higher than in the normative sample. DISCUSSION: Sexual dysfunction is common across eating disorders subtypes. Low BMI is associated with loss of libido, sexual anxiety, and avoidance of sexual relationships.

Substance use disorders in women with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: We examined prevalence of substance use disorders (SUD) in women with: (1) anorexia nervosa (AN) restricting type (RAN); (2) AN with purging only (PAN); (3) AN with binge eating only (BAN); and (4) lifetime AN and bulimia nervosa (ANBN). Secondary analyses examined SUD related to lifetime purging behavior and lifetime binge eating. METHOD: Participants (N = 731) were drawn from the International Price Foundation Genetic Studies. RESULTS: The prevalence of SUD differed across AN subtypes, with more in the ANBN group reporting SUD than those in the RAN and PAN groups. Individuals who purged were more likely to report substance use than those who did not purge. Prevalence of SUD differed across lifetime binge eating status. DISCUSSION: SUD are common in AN and are associated with bulimic symptomatology. Results underscore the heterogeneity in AN, highlighting the importance of screening for SUD across AN subtypes.

Violence and depressive symptoms during pregnancy: a primary care study in Brazil.

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of violence, depressive symptoms, and associated factors during pregnancy in women attending antenatal care in Brazil. METHODS: Violence was assessed using a modified version of the abuse assessment screen (ASS), and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the primary care evaluation of mental disorders (PRIME-MD). Participants were pregnant women attending 18 primary care units in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between June 2006 and April 2007. A total of 712 pregnant women participated, but only 627 of them responded the ASS. RESULTS: Experience of any lifetime violence was reported by 273 (43.4%) women and 114 (18.2%) reported violence during the current pregnancy. One-third of them (n = 211) reported lifetime domestic violence and 100 (15.9%) women reported this type of violence during the current pregnancy. Experience of domestic violence during pregnancy was more common in unemployed women, among those with two or more children, with a higher consumption of alcohol, and who had not planned their current pregnancy. Of the total of sample (n = 712), 198 (27.8%) women reported six or more depressive symptoms. The presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy was associated with low educational levels, living in a household with five or more people, and with higher consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women attending primary care are exposed to high rates of domestic violence, and many have clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Appropriate interventions to avoid or minimize the effects of violence and mental disorders to the well-being of the mothers and their babies are urgently required. Primary care services play an important role in identifying and supporting women at risk.

Lifetime substance abuse, family history of alcohol abuse/dependence and novelty seeking in eating disorders: comparison study of eating disorder subgroups.

AIM: To assess lifetime substance abuse, family history of alcohol abuse/dependence, and novelty seeking in three different eating disorder groups (anorexia nervosa-restrictive; anorexia nervosa-binge eating/purging; anorexia nervosa to bulimia nervosa). METHOD: A total sample of 371 eating disorder patients participated in the current study. Assessment measures included the prevalence of substance abuse and family history of alcohol abuse/dependence as well as the novelty-seeking subscale of the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised. RESULTS: Significant differences across groups were detected for lifetime substance abuse, with anorexia nervosa-restrictive individuals exhibiting a significant lower prevalence than the anorexia nervosa to bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa-binge eating/ purging patients (P < 0.01). For family history of alcohol abuse/dependence the same pattern was observed (P = 0.04). Novelty seeking was associated with substance abuse (P = 0.002), with the anorexia nervosa to bulimia nervosa group exhibiting significantly higher scores on the novelty-seeking scale than the other two groups (P < 0.001). But family history of alcohol abuse/dependence was not related to novelty seeking (P = 0.092). CONCLUSION: Lifetime substance abuse appears to be more prevalent in anorexia nervosa patients with bulimic features. Higher novelty-seeking scores may be associated with diagnosis cross-over.