Stress and eating disorder behavior in anorexia nervosa as a function of menstrual cycle status.
OBJECTIVE
Fluctuations in ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle and psychosocial stress contribute to eating disorder (ED) behavior.


METHODS
Using ecological momentary assessment techniques, this study examined relationships between stress and binge eating, self-induced vomiting, and dietary restriction based on menstrual cycle status in anorexia nervosa (AN). One hundred nine females with full and subthreshold AN (17-45 years old) recorded ED behavior and stress ratings over 2 weeks. Using hierarchical linear modeling, individuals with eumenorrhea and those with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea were compared.


RESULTS
Following episodes of meal skipping, momentary stress decreased in individuals with normal menstrual cycles and increased in those with irregular menstrual cycles.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that changes in stress severity in response to food restriction may differ based on ovarian hormonal status and may be a mechanism by which AN is maintained in individuals without menstrual disturbance.
Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Leah M
LM
Jappe
Li
L
Cao
Ross D
RD
Crosby
Scott J
SJ
Crow
Carol B
CB
Peterson
Daniel
D
Le Grange
Scott G
SG
Engel
Stephen A
SA
Wonderlich
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000523:psychology; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D055815:Young Adult
anorexia nervosa; ecological momentary assessment; menstrual cycle; stress