The prevalence of eating disorders in infertile women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of eating disorders in a sample of infertile women.


METHODS
A descriptive comparative two-group design in which collected data were compared with a published community sample.


METHODS
Private infertility center.


METHODS
Eighty-two participants beginning their first gonadotropin/intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment cycle completed self-report measures that assessed eating disorder pathology and exercise habits. Each subject was telephone-administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) Module H (Eating Disorders) and a demographic questionnaire.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Past or current diagnosis of an eating disorder.


RESULTS
Seventeen participants (20.7%) met criteria for a past or current eating disorder, which is five times higher than the U.S. lifetime prevalence rate. None of the participants who met the criteria for an eating disorder had disclosed their past or current diagnosis to their reproductive endocrinologist.


CONCLUSIONS
Infertility clinics are likely to be treating women with a past or current eating disorder history. Therefore, an eating disorder screening tool should be included in the initial intake, because these patients may be at a higher risk for negative maternal and fetal outcomes than non-eating disorder patients. Additionally, patients with a past or current eating disorder may not disclose this information to reproductive health care providers, which may limit providers' ability to provide appropriate medical and psychologic referrals.
Freizinger
Melissa
M
Laurel Hill Inn, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA. mfreizin@aol.com
Franko
Debra L
DL
Dacey
Marie
M
Okun
Barbara
B
Domar
Alice D
AD
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015444:Exercise; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006184:Habits; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D007267:Injections; D007315:Insemination, Artificial; D008019:Life Style; D015995:Prevalence; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D012650:Self Disclosure; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone