title: Eating disorders and women's health: an update.
abstract: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorders not otherwise specified have a significant impact on the health care and childbearing outcomes of the female population. Primary care contact for gynecologic care, childbearing, or infertility can serve as a critical entry point for the initial recognition of potentially devastating disorders that may result in permanent impairment and/or chronic debilitation. This review addresses the nature and prevalence of eating disorders and the management of pregnancy complicated by an active eating disorder or a history of an eating disorder. Genetic influences and intergenerational transmission of eating disorders are discussed. Finally, the increased risk for postpartum depression among women with a current or past eating disorder is examined. Factors critical to improving pregnancy outcome and reducing the risk for exacerbation or relapse in the postpartum period are identified.
authors.affiliation: William Beaumont Hospital, Troy, MI, USA. Mitchell@oakland.edu
authors.forename: Anne Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Cynthia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Bulik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D015984:Causality; D015897:Comorbidity; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013177:Sports / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health