From disparities to equity: striving for more in our treatments for feeding and eating disorders.

Adopting a framework of equity is urgently needed to reduce disparities persistent in feeding and eating disorder (FED) treatment models. This framework must emphasize the exchange of knowledge between relevant stakeholders and implementation strategies to impact practice and embrace a systemic change in the FED field.

Recommendations to encourage participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds in psychiatric genetic studies.

We present innovative research practices in psychiatric genetic studies to ensure representation of individuals from diverse ancestry, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, age, body shape and size, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Due to histories of inappropriate and harmful practices against marginalized groups in both psychiatry and genetics, people of certain identities may be hesitant to participate in research studies. Yet their participation is essential to ensure diverse representation, as it is incorrect to assume that the same genetic and environmental factors influence the risk for various psychiatric disorders across all demographic groups. We present approaches developed as part of the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI), a study that required tailored approaches to recruit diverse populations across many countries. Considerations include research priorities and design, recruitment and study branding, transparency, and community investment and ownership. Ensuring representation in participants is costly and funders need to provide adequate support to achieve diversity in recruitment in prime awards, not just as supplemental afterthoughts. The need for diverse samples in genetic studies is critical to minimize the risk of perpetuating health disparities in psychiatry and other health research. Although the EDGI strategies were designed specifically to attract and enroll individuals with eating disorders, our approach is broadly applicable across psychiatry and other fields.

Promoviendo una Alimentación Saludable (PAS) results: Engaging Latino families in eating disorder treatment.

Latinos/as are underrepresented in eating disorders clinical trials. This study compared results of a culturally adapted individual cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for binge-spectrum eating disorders that included or excluded a family enhanced module (CBT + FE), in a proof-of-principle pilot study with a sample of Latina adults and one family member per patient. Twenty-five patients (Mage = 37 yrs) and 25 family members (Mage = 40 yrs) were randomized to CBT (n = 13) or CBT+ FE (n = 12). DSM-IV eating disorder diagnoses were: 48% (n = 12) bulimia nervosa, 28% (n = 7) binge-eating disorder, and 24% (n = 6) eating disorder not otherwise specified. Effect sizes favored CBT + FE on adherence and retention, and scores on treatment satisfaction and therapeutic alliance were high, indicating treatment acceptability. In spite of the hypothesis that family outcomes such as support, familism, cohesion, pride, family cultural conflict, burden, and marital satisfaction (in couples) would be superior in CBT + FE, the preliminary data were inconclusive and results were mixed. The hypothesis that eating disorder outcomes including global eating psychopathology, binge eating, and purging would improve in CBT + FE was not supported. There was some evidence that patients in CBT improved more particularly on binge eating, otherwise the groups had no differences. In conclusion, the results suggest that CBT + FE could enhance treatment adherence and retention, although this did not automatically translate to better family and symptom outcomes.

Eating disorders' instruments validated and adapted for the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States.

The instruments to explore eating disorders (ED) have been developed and evaluated mainly for the Caucasian population. This situation has limited the availability of instruments validated and adapted for the Latino/Hispanic population. Due to the challenge it represents for researchers in the United States who study ED in Latinos/Hispanics, this article aims to review the instruments in Spanish that have been validated and adapted for the Latino/Hispanic population living in the United States. In addition, psychometric and cultural considerations that should be incorporated when using an instrument that has been constructed and evaluated for a specific population or sub-population will be discussed. Four instruments, two to establish diagnoses of ED (S-EDE and EDE-Q) and two to explore symptoms associated with body dissatisfaction (BSQ and BICI) were identified. The availability of instruments in Spanish for use with Latinos in the United States is very limited and has not been evaluated in all the subgroups of Latinos / Hispanics that comprise the population in the United States. This is a challenge for clinicians and researchers working with the Latino / Hispanic community with ED in the United States. (Words count: 186).

Los instrumentos para explorar los trastornos alimentarios han sido desarrollados y evaluados principalmente para la población Caucásica. Esta realidad ha limitado la disponibilidad de instrumentos validados y adaptados para la población latina/hispana. Debido al reto que representa para los investigadores en los Estados Unidos que estudian TA en latinos/hispanos, este artículo tiene como propósito revisar los instrumentos en español que hayan sido validados y adaptados para la población latina/hispana que vive en los Estados Unidos. También, se discutirán consideraciones psicométricas y culturales que tienen que incorporarse al utilizar un instrumento que haya sido construido y evaluado para una población o sub población en específico. Cuatro instrumentos, dos para establecer diagnósticos de TA (S-EDE y EDE-Q) y dos para explorar síntomas asociados a la insatisfacción corporal (BSQ y BICI) fueron identificados. La disponibilidad de instrumentos en español para el uso con latinos en los Estados Unidos es muy limitada y no han sido evaluados en todos los sub-grupos de latinos/hispanos que comprenden la población en los Estados Unidos. Esto constituye un reto para los clínicos e investigadores que trabajan con la comunidad latinos/hispanos con TA en los Estados Unidos. (palabras: 188).

Can Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Be Optimized With Parent Psychoeducation? A Randomized Effectiveness Trial of Adolescents With Major Depression in Puerto Rico.

This is a longitudinal randomized control trial on the impact of adding a parent psychoeducation intervention (TEPSI) as part of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in a Puerto Rican sample. We tested the efficacy of adding 8 group sessions of TEPSI to 12 sessions of individual CBT on reducing depressive symptoms, MDD diagnosis, and improving family functioning. Participants (n = 121) were randomized to individual CBT with or without TEPSI. No main group effects were found for most patient domains including depression symptoms, as well as presence of adolescent's MDD diagnosis at posttreatment. Results did show a main effect of CBT over time for depression symptoms, suicide ideation, family criticism, and the presence of MDD diagnosis decreasing from pre- to postintervention. A year post treatment, almost 70% of adolescents in both conditions (CBT and CBT + TEPSI) remained in remission. A main effect was obtained for treatment in the adolescent's perception of familism and family emotional involvement. The primary hypothesis that family psychoeducation would optimize CBT for depression in adolescents was not supported. Both conditions yielded similar clinical end points. The culturally adapted CBT was found effective with Latino/a adolescents showing clinically significant improvements from pretreatment to posttreatment and remained stable at a 1-year follow-up. Regarding family outcomes, adolescents in CBT + TEPSI remained stable from pretreatment to posttreatment on family emotional involvement, while adolescents in CBT-alone showed an increase. The implication of these findings is discussed.

Este es un ensayo clínico longitudinal aleatorizado y controlado sobre el efecto de agregar una intervención psicoeducativa para los padres (TEPSI, en inglés) como parte de la terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC) para adolescentes con trastorno depresivo mayor (TDM) en una muestra puertorriqueña. Evaluamos la eficacia de agregar 8 sesiones grupales de TEPSI a 12 sesiones de TCC individual en la reducción de síntomas depresivos, en el diagnóstico de TDM y en la mejora del funcionamiento familiar. Los participantes (n = 121) fueron distribuidos al azar a la TCC individual con o sin TEPSI. No se encontraron efectos grupales principales en la mayoría de las áreas de los pacientes, como en los síntomas de depresión ni en la presencia de un diagnóstico de TDM en los adolescentes después del tratamiento. Los resultados sí demostraron un efecto principal de la TCC con el tiempo para los síntomas de depresión, las ideas suicidas, la crítica familiar y la presencia de un diagnóstico de TDM que disminuye desde antes hasta después de la intervención. Un año después del final del tratamiento, casi el 70 % de los adolescentes en ambas condiciones (TCC y TCC + TEPSI) se mantuvo en remisión. Se obtuvo un efecto principal del tratamiento en la percepción de los adolescentes del familismo y la implicación emocional familiar. No se respaldó la hipótesis principal de que la psicoeducación familiar optimizaría la TCC para la depresión en los adolescentes. Ambas condiciones dieron variables clínicas similares. Se descubrió que la TCC culturalmente adaptada fue eficaz con los adolescentes latinos, ya que demostró mejoras clínicas considerables desde antes del tratamiento hasta después del tratamiento y permaneció estable un año después al momento del seguimiento. Con respecto a los resultados familiares, los adolescentes de la TCC + TEPSI se mantuvieron estables desde antes del tratamiento hasta después del tratamiento en la implicación emocional familiar, mientras que los adolescentes de la TCC sola demostraron un aumento. Se debaten las implicancias de estos resultados.

Family involvement in eating disorder treatment among Latinas.

Latinos are less likely to seek health care for eating disorders and more likely to drop out of treatment than members of other ethnic groups, highlighting existing challenges to engagement in traditional mental health care. This study explored the role of family in the treatment of adult Latinas with eating disorders through content analysis of family sessions adjunctive to cognitive behavioral therapy. This study yielded insight into the experiences of 10 Latinas with eating disorders (M age = 39.90 years) and 10 relatives (M age = 39.50) from the Promoviendo una Alimentación Saludable trial who were randomly selected to receive six family enhancement sessions. Data from 53 sessions were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Family intervention might serve as a valuable adjunct to conventional treatment by positively influencing social, family, and emotional support for Latinas with eating disorders.

[Development of fotonovelas to raise awareness of eating disorders in Latinos in the United States]. / Desarrollo de fotonovelas para concienciar sobre trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en latinos en los Estados Unidos.

The aim of this study was to develop fotonovelas, a popular type of graphic novel in the Latino population, to raise awareness and educate about eating disorders (EDs). Four illustrated cartoons and scripts tailored for adults and adolescents of both sexes were presented in focus groups and an in-depth interview. Seventeen Latino adults (14 females; 3 males) and 10 adolescents (9 females; 1 male) participated in the study. Participants found the fotonovelas interesting, and eye-catching than traditional brochures. The use of Spanglish and clarification of differences across EDs were suggested by adolescent females. Male adults suggested changing the title to focus on the health consequences of EDs in order to catch the male attention in reading the story. Based on the receptivity we found in this study, fotonovela could be a promising avenue to raise awareness and to educate the Latino community in the United States about EDs.

Development of fotonovelas to raise awareness of eating disorders in Latinos in the United States / Desarrollo de fotonovelas para concienciar sobre trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en latinos en los Estados Unidos

Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop fotonovelas , a popular type of graphic novel in the Latino population, to raise awareness and educate about eating disorders (EDs). Four illustrated cartoons and scripts tailored for adults and adolescents of both sexes were presented in focus groups and an in-depth interview. Seventeen Latino adults (14 females; 3 males) and 10 adolescents (9 females; 1 male) participated in the study. Participants found the fotonovelas interesting, and eye-catching than traditional brochures. The use of Spanglish and clarification of differences across EDs were suggested by adolescent females. Male adults suggested changing the title to focus on the health consequences of EDs in order to catch the male attention in reading the story. Based on the receptivity we found in this study, fotonovela could be a promising avenue to raise awareness and to educate the Latino community in the United States about EDs.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar fotonovelas, un tipo de novela gráfica popular en la población latina, para crear conciencia y educar sobre los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA). Cuatro caricaturas ilustradas y guiones adaptados para adultos y adolescentes de ambos sexos fueron presentados en discusiones focales y en una entrevista de profundidad. Diecisiete latinos adultos (14 mujeres; 3 hombres) y 10 adolescentes (9 féminas; 1 varón) participaron en el estudio. Los participantes encontraron las fotonovelas interesantes y que captaban más la atención que los folletos tradicionales. El uso del espanglish y la clarificación de las diferencias entre los TCA fueron sugeridos por las adolescentes femeninas. Los adultos varones sugirieron cambiar el título, que se enfocara en las consecuencias en la salud de los TCA para que llame la atención en los hombres a leer la historia. Basado en la aceptación encontrada en este estudio, la fotonovela pudiera ser una avenida prometedora para crear conciencia y educar a la comunidad latina sobre los TCA en los Estados Unidos.

"Las penas con pan duelen menos": The role of food and culture in Latinas with disordered eating behaviors.

This study elucidated the experiences of eighteen Latina adults (mean age = 38.5 years) from "Promoviendo una Alimentación Saludable" Project who received nutritional intervention as part of the clinical trial. Half of the participants were first generation immigrants from Mexico (50%), followed by U.S. born with 16.7%. Remaining nationalities represented were Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, and Venezuela with 33.3% combined. The average duration of living in the U.S. was 11.1 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) at baseline was 36.59 kg/m(2) (SD = 7.72). Based on the DSM-IV, 28% (n = 5) participants were diagnosed with binge-eating disorder, 33% (n = 6) with bulimia nervosa purging type and 39% (n = 7) with eating disorder not otherwise specified. Participants received up to three nutritional sessions; a bilingual dietitian conducted 97.8% of sessions in Spanish. In total, fifty nutritional sessions were included in the qualitative analysis. A three step qualitative analysis was conducted. First, a bilingual research team documented each topic discussed by patients and all interventions conducted by the dietitian. Second, all topics were classified into specific categories and the frequency was documented. Third, a consensus with the dietitian was performed to validate the categories identified by the research team. Six categories (describing eating patterns, emotional distress, Latino culture values, family conflicts associated with disturbed eating behaviors, lack of knowledge of healthy eating, and treatment progress) emerged from patients across all nutritional sessions. Considering the background of immigration and trauma (60%, n = 15) in this sample; the appropriate steps of nutritional intervention appear to be: 1) elucidating the connection between food and emotional distress, 2) providing psychoeducation of healthy eating patterns using the plate method, and 3) developing a meal plan.

Culturally Sensitive Intervention for Latina Women with Eating Disorders: A Case Study / Intervención sensible culturalmente para mujeres latinas con Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria: Un estudio de caso

Objective: We describe cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa (CBT-BN) with a Latina woman that incorporates culturally relevant topics. Method: A single case report of a 31-year-old monolingual Latina woman with BN describes the application of a couple-based intervention adjunctive to CBT-BN. Results: The patient reported no binge and purge episodes by session 20 and remained symptom free until the end of treatment (session 26). Improvement was observed in the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE) comparing baseline (EDE=5.74) with post treatment (EDE=1.25). Conclusions: The case illustrates how cultural adaptations such as including a family member, being flexible on topics and scheduling, and providing culturally relevant interventions can lead to successful completion of a course of therapy and facilitate ongoing interventions to ensure continued recovery.

Objetivo: Describimos la terapia cognitiva conductual para la bulimia nerviosa (TCC-BN) con una mujer latina incorporando tópicos que son culturalmente relevantes. Método: Un estudio de caso de una mujer latina monolingüe de 31 años con BN en el que se describe la incorporación de una intervención de pareja adjunta al TCC-BN. Resultados: Para la sesión 20, la paciente no reportó atracones ni conductas purgativas y continuó libre de síntomas hasta el final del tratamiento (sesión 26). La mejoría se observó en el Eating Disorders Examination (EDE) al comparar la evaluación de base (EDE=5.74) con la evaluación post tratamiento (EDE=1.25). Conclusión: El caso ilustra como adaptaciones culturales como incluir a un miembro familiar, ser flexible en los tópicos y en la agenda de trabajo, y proveer intervenciones culturalmente relevantes pueden llevar a una exitosa culminación de un proceso terapéutico y facilita las intervenciones que se llevan a cabo para asegurar un continuo proceso de recuperación.

Eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, and psychosocial resources.

The frequency of traumatic events and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women with eating disorders (ED) was assessed. Also, patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) were compared; post-traumatic symptomatology and the role of psychosocial resources were analyzed. One hundred three ED patients (29.1±10.5 years) were studied through the use of standardized questionnaires. We found that 23.1% of AN and 25.5% of BN patients fulfilled the study definition for a current diagnosis of PTSD. Cumulative traumatization led to more severe symptomatology. Psychosocial resources were found to have strong associations with symptomatology. These findings provide additional support for the association between traumatization and ED. Clinical interventions for traumatized ED patients may benefit from a focus on post-traumatic stress symptomatology and personal resources.

Culturally Sensitive Intervention for Latina Women with Eating Disorders: A Case Study.

OBJECTIVE: We describe cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa (CBT-BN) with a Latina woman that incorporates culturally relevant topics. METHOD: A single case report of a 31-year-old monolingual Latina woman with BN describes the application of a couple-based intervention adjunctive to CBT-BN. RESULTS: The patient reported no binge and purge episodes by session 20 and remained symptom free until the end of treatment (session 26). Improvement was observed in the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE) comparing baseline (EDE=5.74) with post treatment (EDE=1.25). CONCLUSIONS: The case illustrates how cultural adaptations such as including a family member, being flexible on topics and scheduling, and providing culturally relevant interventions can lead to successful completion of a course of therapy and facilitate ongoing interventions to ensure continued recovery.

Race, ethnicity, and eating disorder recognition by peers.

We investigated racial/ethnic stereotyping in the recognition and referral of eating disorders with 663 university students. We explored responses to problem and eating disorder recognition and health care referrals after subjects read a vignette concerning a patient of a different race/ethnic background presenting with eating disorders. A series of three 4 × 3 ANOVAs revealed significant main effects for eating disorders across all three outcome variables. There were no significant main effects across the four different race/ethnicity conditions and no significant race by condition interactions. Lack of general eating disorder recognition and health care referrals by student participants were found. [Supplemental files are available for this article. Go to the publishers's online edition of Eating Disorders for the following free supplemental resource: online appendix containing vignettes 1-3, as described in the "Methods" section].

Promoviendo una Alimentación Saludable (PAS) design and methods: engaging Latino families in eating disorder treatment.

The use of culturally sensitive intervention could improve mental health care for the eating disorder (ED) treatment in the Latino population. The aim of this report is to describe the rationale, design, and methods of the ongoing study entitled "Engaging Latino families in eating disorders treatment." The primary aim of the study is to compare (a) the combined effect of individual cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa (CBT-BN) that has been previously adapted for the Latino population plus Family Enhanced (FE) modules, with (b) the standard adapted individual CBT-BN in a proof-of-principle study with 40 Latina adults with eating disorders and one relative or significant other per patient. We hypothesize that 1) the feasibility, acceptability, and adherence of participants in CBT-BN+FE will be superior to individual CBT-BN only; 2) relatives in CBT-BN+FE will report greater treatment satisfaction, greater reduction in family conflict, and greater decreases in caregiver burden than relatives in the individual CBT-BN only condition; and 3) patients who participate in CBT-BN+FE will show trends towards greater decreases in ED symptoms compared with patients in CBT-BN only; although power will be limited to detect this difference. However, we predict that they will show greater retention in treatment, greater treatment satisfaction, and greater decreases in family conflict than patients in CBT-BN only. The completion of this investigation will yield important information regarding the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally sensitive evidence-based treatment model for Latinos with eating disorders.

Depression symptoms and stressful life events among college students in Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: The transition from adolescence to adulthood is associated with stressful adaptation experiences that may increase symptoms of depression. We explored the prevalence and sex differences of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in freshmen Latino college students in Puerto Rico, and identified stressful life events that could contribute to symptoms of depression. METHODS: Two thousand one hundred sixty-three freshmen college students from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) public education system were assessed for depression symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and stressful life events using open questions. RESULTS: Nine percent of the sample reported depression symptoms at a moderate or severe level (BDI>20). Chi square analyses revealed a significantly higher prevalence for three of the stressful life events in females than males: relocation (10.2% females vs. 7.3% males; X(2) (1)=4.13, p=.042), break-up of a significant relationship (25.3% females vs. 17.8% males; X(2) (1)=13.76, p<.001), and illness (11.2% females vs. 7.3% males; X(2) (1)=7.23, p=.007). The model that best explained the variance of BDI scores among females was the presence of suicide risk, relationship break-up, illness, and relocation for college, whereas for males a similar model without the relationship break-up variable resulted in a better fit. CONCLUSIONS: Freshmen college students present a broad range of depression symptoms and certain stressful life events are associated with an increased prevalence of depression symptoms. Early detection of depression and tailored prevention programs should be developed to improve both mental health and academic performance among the college population.

Exploring barriers and facilitators in eating disorders treatment among Latinas in the United States.

The purpose of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers that may contribute to, or prevent, the engagement and retention of Latinos in eating disorders (EDs) treatment. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this investigation was to explore more fully the facilitators and barriers that may contribute to or prevent the engagement and retention of Latinos/as in EDs treatment. METHODS: A qualitative design based on grounded theory was used to guide in-depth interviews with 5 Latinas (mean age 31.2 years) with history of EDs and with 5 Latino mental health providers (mean age 36.4 years). RESULTS: Six main themes were found in the discussion with patients and mental health providers: immigration stress, treatment experience in the U.S., facilitators of help seeking, barriers to help seeking, treatment needs, and facilitators of treatment retention. For patients, lack of information about EDs and lack of bilingual treatment were identified as practical barriers. Other emotional factors such as stigma, fear of not being understood, family privacy and not being ready to change were identified as barriers to seeking help. Among facilitator factors that encouraged patients to seek help, the most salient were the perception of the severity of the ED and emotional distress. For treatment retention, family support was a key element among patients. For providers, offering short-term treatment and directive treatment were seen as relevant factors for treatment retention in Latinos. CONCLUSIONS: A culturally sensitive intervention model for Latinas with EDs in the U.S. is discussed addressing four levels: patient; family; providers; and system.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVES: Comorbidity among eating disorders, traumatic events, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been reported in several studies. The main objectives of this study were to describe the nature of traumatic events experienced and to explore the relationship between PTSD and anorexia nervosa (AN) in a sample of women. METHODS: Eight hundred twenty-four participants from the National Institutes of Health-funded Genetics of Anorexia Nervosa Collaborative Study were assessed for eating disorders, PTSD, and personality characteristics. RESULTS: From a final sample of 753 women with AN, 13.7% (n = 103) met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria for PTSD. The sample mean age was 29.5 (standard deviation = 11.1) years. In pairwise comparisons across AN subtypes, the odds of having a PTSD diagnosis were significantly lower in individuals with restricting AN than individuals with purging AN without binge eating (odds ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval = 0.30-0.80). Most participants with PTSD reported the first traumatic event before the onset of AN (64.1%, n = 66). The most common traumatic events reported by those with a PTSD diagnosis were sexually related traumas during childhood (40.8%) and during adulthood (35.0%). CONCLUSIONS: AN and PTSD do co-occur, and traumatic events tend to occur before the onset of AN. Clinically, these results underscore the importance of assessing trauma history and PTSD in individuals with AN and raise the question of whether specific modifications or augmentations to standard treatment for AN should be considered in a subgroup to address PTSD-related psychopathology.

Diet and physical activity in women recovered from anorexia nervosa: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: After recovery, women with anorexia nervosa (AN) tend to maintain lower body mass indices (BMI) than women in the general population. Reasons for this are unknown as little is known about diet, food choices, physical activity levels (PAL), and reasons for exercise in women recovered from AN. METHOD: Diet, reasons for food choice, PAL, and reasons for exercise were measured in an exploratory study of 15 women recovered from AN and 22 women with no eating disorder history. RESULTS: In these hypotheses generating analyses, mean BMI in recovered women was numerically lower than control women [21.4 kg/m(2) (2.0) and 23.6 kg/m(2) (4.4); respectively (p < .06)]. Recovered women were more likely to base food choice on health benefits (p < .04) compared with control women. DISCUSSION: Pathological behaviors that are pathognomonic of AN may resolve into healthy food and activity choices that help maintain BMIs lower in the healthy range in recovered individuals.

A description of disordered eating behaviors in Latino males.

OBJECTIVE: To explore disordered eating and eating disorders (EDs) in Latino males. PARTICIPANTS: Participants are 722 male college students from a larger prevalence study conducted in the University of Puerto Rico system. METHODS: Participants were selected from a list of sections of required courses for first-year students on each campus. Self-report instruments were used to explore ED symptoms (the Eating Attitudes Test [EAT-26] and the Bulimia Test-Revised [BULIT-26-R] and the Beck Depression Inventory depression (BDI). RESULTS: Overall, 2.26% scored above the cut-off point on the BULIT-R and 5.08% score above the cut-off point on the EAT-26. Of the males, 4.43% reported sufficient frequency and severity to approximate DSM-IV criteria for bulimia nervosa. Depression symptomatology was found in those who scored above the cut-off point on both instruments of EDs. CONCLUSION: College health practitioners should be aware of disordered eating in Latino males and include them in efforts to detect disordered eating behaviors in college students.

Exploratory study of the role of family in the treatment of eating disorders among Puerto Ricans.

In Latino culture, the family is a major source of social support. We explored the needs and the role of the Puerto Rican eating disorders patient's family in the treatment process by conducting a focus group with five close relatives of youth with eating disorders. Qualitative analyses indicated the need to integrate the family into treatment and to provide management guidelines to assist with the resolution of situations that emerge frequently during recovery. These results underscored the importance of developing and incorporating psychosocial interventions that include family support and guidance for relatives of Puerto Rican youth patients with eating disorders.