Comparison of middle-age and young women inpatients with eating disorders.
The aim of the study was to compare clinical presentations of eating disorders (ED) in midlife vs. younger inpatients. The sample consisted of 604 inpatients, 302 admitted to treatment at the age of 40 or older, and 302 admitted between ages 18-25, a more common ED age. Results suggested several unique features of midlife vs. younger ED inpatients: significantly more diagnoses of anorexia nervosa, both subtypes, and fewer diagnoses of bulimia nervosa; greater ED severity but fewer body image issues and less body image distortion; greater emotional and behavioral overcontrol and symptom denial; more bipolar and major depressive disorders, suicidality, and sexual abuse histories; a trend toward greater misuse of calming/sedating substances; and fewer maturation issues. The corresponding needs among midlife ED patients for specialized assessment and treatment interventions are considered.
Cumella
E J
EJ
Department of Research and Education, Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating Disorders, Wickenburg, Arizona 85390, USA. edward.cumella@remudaranch.com
Kally
Z
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D001828:Body Image; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007297:Inpatients; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012107:Research Design; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives