Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and physical activity in patients with anorexia nervosa - possible relationships.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to find relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and level and characteristic of physical activity among patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). METHODS: Material and methods. 76 female patients, aged 14.8 +/ - 1.8 years with AN completed the Polish version of the Leyton Obsessional Inventory-Child Version (LOI-CV). In order to assess the level and type of physical activity, Physical Activity Questionnaire was developed. RESULTS: 35 (46%) subjects were qualified to HR group (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder "High-risk group") (25 or more points on the Interference Score of LOI-CV) and 41 (54%) to nHR group (no "High-risk group"). nHR patients spent less studying in a standing position, significantly more often used elevators rather than stairs and, according to their parents, devote less time for physical activity. Positive correlation between the caregiver's perception of patient's weekly activity and the number of "YES" answers in LOI-CV, positive trend between Patient's Activity Index or summarised Activity Index and the number of "YES" answers in LOI-CV were found. We also found negative correlation between the time spent studying at school and the number of "YES" answers in LOI-CV. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that there is a connection between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and the hyperactivity in AN patients.

[The influence of obsessive compulsive symptoms on the course of anorexia nervosa]. / Wplyw objawów obsesyjno-kompulsyjnych na przebieg jadlowstretu psychicznego.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or OC symptoms in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to find a possible relationship between the presence of OC symptoms and the course of AN. METHOD: 137 adolescent female patients with AN, aged 14.8 +/- 1.8 years, completed the Polish version of the LOI-CV. Two groups, High-risk (HR) and no High-risk (nHR), were defined according to the cut-off score of LOI-CV. The diagnosis of OCD was confirmed with the Polish version of K-SADS-PL. The relationship between the number and intensity of OC symptoms and the following data were analyzed: age of onset and on admittance to a psychiatric facility, weight loss, BMI on admittance and its changes, age of first menstruation, time of amenorrhea and of restitution of menses, length of treatment and number of relapses. RESULTS: OCD was not diagnosed in any subject, but 25% of the examined patients had OC symptoms which qualified them to High-risk group. Differences in HR and nHR groups were found between duration of AN before hospitalization, age and body mass after release from hospital. Negative correlation was found between "Yes" Score and Interference Score in LOI-CV and the age of patient at the time of release from hospital. CONCLUSIONS: the results of our study do not support the observations about a high co-occurrence of AN and OCD, but indicate the frequent co-occurrence of OK symptoms.

[Comorbidity and characteristic of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in anorexia nervosa]. / Wspólwystepowanie i charakter objawów obsesyjno-kompulsyjnych w jadlowstrecie psychicznym.

There is constant interest in possible relations between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa (AN). The comorbidity rate for OCD and AN is reported to be between 10% and even 40%. There is also an increased incidence of prior AN in OCD patients and high number of anorectic patients with obsessional premorbid personality. Similarities between AN and OCD lie in the symptoms of the disorders: intrusive, fearful thoughts, a compulsive need to perform rituals aimed at reducing the level of anxiety and obsessions maintaining these rituals. In case of AN, these behaviours revolve around food and thinness, whereas in OCD they are of more general and differential in type. Research on AN-OCD relations provides interesting insights, but also presents some limitations. The purpose of this review is to analyse and discuss the specificity of relations between symptoms of AN and OCD.

[Parental corporal punishment in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity syndrome]. / Karanie fizyczne dzieci z zespolem nadpobudliwosci psychoruchowej przez ich rodziców.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and causes of corporal punishment in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in comparison with the general population and to evaluate methods of prevention applied in The Department of Child Psychiatry in Warsaw. METHOD: 82 parents of children with ADHD participating in the Parental Training Programme were asked to fill in an anonymous questionnaire concerning corporal punishment. RESULTS: 95% parents abuse their children physically. ADHD in parents and co-occurrence of ADHD symptoms in children influence punishment frequency. Parents with ADHD, in comparison with parents without ADHD use more serious types of physical punishment. After the Parental Training Programme 72% parents used other kinds of punishment. CONCLUSIONS: Parental corporal punishment in children with ADHD is not uncommon. The efficacy of psychoeducation in the examined area seems to be very promising.