Body image dissatisfaction and eating symptoms in mothers of adolescents with eating disorders.

The purpose of the present study was to assess body dissatisfaction and eating symptoms in mothers of eating disorder (ED) female patients and to compare results with those of a control group. The case group consisted of 35 mothers of female adolescents (aged between 10 and 17 yrs) diagnosed with ED who attended the Interdisciplinary Project for Care, Teaching and Research on Eating Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence (PROTAD) at Clínicas Hospital Institute of Psychiatry of the Universidade de São Paulo Medical School. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected. Eating symptoms were assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and body image was assessed by the Body Image Questionnaire (BSQ) and Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS). The case group was compared to a control group consisting of 35 mothers of female adolescents (between 10 and 17 years) who attended a private school in the city of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. With regard to EAT, BSQ and FRS scores, we found no statistically significant differences between the two groups. However, we found a positive correlation between BMI and BSQ scores in the control group (but not in the case group) and a positive correlation between EAT and FRS scores in the case group (but not in the control group). It appears to be advantageous to assess body image by combining more than one scale to evaluate additional components of the construct.

[Adolescent-onset anorexia nervosa] / Anorexia nervosa na adolescência.

OBJECTIVE: This paper is a review on the topic of adolescent-onset anorexia nervosa. According to the literature, this disorder presents high morbidity and mortality, with increasing incidence over the last decades, thus enhancing the importance of scientific investigation on the subject. METHODS: The authors performed a non-systematic review of the related literature and also reported their clinical experience. RESULTS: Age and gender are important risk factors. The peak of incidence occurs in adolescence and the prevalence is 9 times higher in females. It was initially believed that anorexia nervosa manifested itself only in higher socioeconomic levels, which are more highly exposed to the demands of western beauty standards. More recent studies have identified similar incidence of this disorder also in lower socioeconomic levels, rural areas and Asian communities. The clinical features are: refusal to maintain weight at or above a minimal normal weight for age; high, intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight; disturbance in the way of experiencing one s body weight or shape, and amenorrhea. The most common physical complications are similar to those of chronic malnutrition and depression is the main comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment should be multidisciplinary, taking into account the plurality of etiological factors. Family therapy plays an important role, particularly when this disorder manifests itself during adolescence.