Eating Disorders: Current Epidemiology and Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 October 2024 | Viewed by 1214

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Eating disorders represent a multifaceted challenge affecting individuals across various sociocultural contexts and age groups, primarily impacting adolescents and young adults, and carrying significant implications for both physical and mental health, as well as broader societal impacts. Eating disorders consist of a spectrum of conditions, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and related eating behaviors and symptoms.

Understanding the prevalence and distribution of eating disorders is essential for developing strategies to address them in public health and clinical settings. Therefore, we encourage research that delves into the epidemiology of eating disorders and their social and lifestyle determinants, aiming to characterize their prevalence and related factors across diverse sociocultural contexts and age groups. Large-scale investigations of the consequences of eating disorders on affected individuals, their families and society are also crucial.

Moreover, we seek contributions that emphasize a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. This includes systematic reviews and studies focusing on screening methods to enhance early detection and intervention by healthcare providers. Additionally, we welcome research proposing and evaluating non-pharmacological strategies for prevention, alongside alternative pharmacological treatments, to broaden the spectrum of the therapeutic options available.

Prof. Dr. Arthur Eumann Mesas
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • eating disorder
  • bulimia nervosa
  • anorexia nervosa
  • binge eating disorder
  • sociocultural context
  • epidemiology
  • diagnosis
  • treatment
  • prevention

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

43 pages, 679 KiB  
Review
Clinical Intervention Strategies and Family Dynamics in Adolescent Eating Disorders: A Scoping Review for Enhancing Early Detection and Outcomes
by Evgenia Gkintoni, Elias Kourkoutas, Stephanos P. Vassilopoulos and Maria Mousi
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(14), 4084; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13144084 - 12 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 999
Abstract
Background: This systematic review investigated the impact of familial factors on individuals aged 10–17 who have clinical signs or symptoms of eating disorders. Simultaneously, it scrutinized the involvement of the family in therapy, as well as other forms of intervention. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: This systematic review investigated the impact of familial factors on individuals aged 10–17 who have clinical signs or symptoms of eating disorders. Simultaneously, it scrutinized the involvement of the family in therapy, as well as other forms of intervention. Methods: The PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases were used to search for research material comprehensively. After applying specific criteria, 46 articles were deemed suitable and included in the systematic review. The study comprised a cohort of 4794 adolescents who received a diagnosis of either Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), or Binge-Eating Disorder (BED). In addition, controls were utilized for 1187 adolescents, 1563 parents, 1809 siblings, and 11 other relatives. Results: The connection between family factors and eating disorders is primarily determined by the families’ level of functioning, satisfaction with the family dynamic, parents’ attitudes toward their children, and the role of food within the family system. Family Therapy was the most used psychotherapeutic approach in the treatment of AN. The incidence of reports in BN closely paralleled that of Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy (CBT) models. Articles about (Enhanced) CBT were exclusively associated with BED. Conclusions: Family-based approaches are crucial in comprehending, preventing, and addressing eating disorders in adolescents. Incorporating the study of family dynamics and actively engaging families in the treatment process can significantly enhance recovery rates and decrease the occurrence of relapses. Full article
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