PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 9603723

Eating disorders: progress and problems.

B T Walsh·M J Devlin
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Recent research on Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa has yielded an increasingly detailed understanding of the range of biological and psychological abnormalities associated with these eating disorders. Inherited vulnerabilities, cultural pressures, and adverse individual and family experiences all appear to contribute to the onset of extreme dieting, binge eating, and purging. Once initiated, these behaviors give rise to multiple physiological disturbances, some of which may serve to perpetuate the illness. Although there have been substantial advances in the management of Bulimia Nervosa, the goal of offering effective treatment to all individuals with eating disorders remains elusive. This article reviews current thinking on the etiology and treatment of the two major eating disorders and a related syndrome, Binge Eating Disorder.

Explore related subjects

Anorexia NervosaAntidepressive AgentsBody ImageBulimiaCognitive Behavioral TherapyFeeding and Eating DisordersFemaleHumansMaleObesityRisk FactorsSerotoninJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Review

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

B T Walsh, M J Devlin. 1998-05-29. Eating disorders: progress and problems.. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.280.5368.1387

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2003

Eating disorders.

Eating disorders are an important cause of physical and psychosocial morbidity in adolescent girls and young adult women. They are much less frequent in men. Eating disorders are divided into three diagnostic categories: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and the atypical eating disorders. However, the disorders have many features in common and patients frequently move between them, so for the purposes of this Seminar we have adopted a transdiagnostic perspective. The cause of eating disorders is complex and badly understood. There is a genetic predisposition, and certain specific environmental risk factors have been implicated. Research into treatment has focused on bulimia nervosa, and evidence-based management of this disorder is possible. A specific form of cognitive behaviour therapy is the most effective treatment, although few patients seem to receive it in practice. Treatment of anorexia nervosa and atypical eating disorders has received remarkably little research attention.

Anorexia Nervosa↗
PubMed2003

Diagnosis of eating disorders in primary care.

Eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are significant causes of morbidity and mortality among adolescent females and young women. Eating disorders are associated with devastating medical and psychologic consequences, including death, osteoporosis, growth delay, and developmental delay. Prompt diagnosis is linked to better outcomes. A good medical history is the most powerful tool. Simple screening questions, such as "Do you think you should be dieting?" can be integrated into routine visits. Physical findings such as low body mass index, amenorrhea, bradycardia, gastrointestinal disturbances, skin changes, and changes in dentition can help detect eating disorders. Laboratory studies can help diagnose these conditions and exclude underlying medical conditions. The family physician can play an important role in diagnosing these illnesses and can coordinate the multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nutritionists, and other professionals to successfully treat patients with eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa↗
PubMed2003

Olanzapine use as an adjunctive treatment for hospitalized children with anorexia nervosa: case reports.

OBJECTIVE: A recent case report suggested that olanzapine resulted in improved weight gain and maintenance, as well as decreased anxiety and agitation, for two hospitalized inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, a subsequent larger case study did not show a relationship between the use of olanzapine and rate of weight gain among a primarily adult population. The aim of this case report was to clinically examine the therapeutic benefit and tolerability of olanzapine as an adjunctive treatment for four children with AN in a pediatric inpatient setting. RESULTS: Olanzapine use was associated with considerable weight gain and maintenance, with an average rate of weight gain during hospitalization of 0.99 kg per week. In addition to weight gain, olanzapine was associated with a clinically notable decrease in levels of agitation and premeal anxiety and almost immediate improvement in sleep, general functioning, and overall compliance with treatment. Olanzapine was also well tolerated in these young patients. DISCUSSION: These case report findings warrant more controlled research, including randomized controlled studies, to better determine the therapeutic benefits and safety of olanzapine use in children with AN.

Anorexia Nervosa↗