Dataset Information

Analysis of symptom clusters amongst adults with anorexia nervosa: Key severity indicators.

ABSTRACT: This study used cluster analysis to explore clinically relevant subgroups of adult patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Patients were clustered based on their body mass index (BMI), eating disorder symptomatology, anxiety and depression symptoms and autistic characteristics. The difference between clusters in work and social functioning, duration of illness, bingeing and purging behaviour, previous hospitalisations and number of comorbidities was also investigated. Two meaningful clusters emerged: a higher symptoms cluster with more severe eating pathology, anxiety, depression, and more autistic traits, and a second cluster with lower symptoms. BMI did not make major contributions to cluster formation. The higher symptoms cluster also reported lower self-efficacy to change, more previous hospitalisations, comorbid diagnoses, binge eating and purging behaviours and use of psychotropic medication. Our findings suggest that weight alone may not be a significant severity indicator amongst inpatients with AN, and targeted treatment of AN should consider a broader range of symptom severity indicators.

SUBMITTER: Li Z

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10790244 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Analysis of symptom clusters amongst adults with anorexia nervosa: Key severity indicators.

Li Zhuo Z Leppanen Jenni J Webb Jessica J Croft Philippa P Byford Sarah S Tchanturia Kate K

Psychiatry research 20230529

This study used cluster analysis to explore clinically relevant subgroups of adult patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Patients were clustered based on their body mass index (BMI), eating disorder symptomatology, anxiety and depression symptoms and autistic characteristics. The difference between clusters in work and social functioning, duration of illness, bingeing and purging behaviour, previous hospitalisations and number of comorbidities was also investigated. Two meaningful clusters emerge ...[more]

PMID: 37276647

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundAnorexia nervosa is a severe, biologically based brain disorder with significant medical complications. It is critical that new, effective treatments are developed to interrupt the persistent course of the illness due to the medical and psychological sequelae. Several psychosocial, behavioral and pharmacologic interventions have been investigated in adult anorexia nervosa; however, evidence shows that their impact is weak and treatment effects are generally small.MethodThis paper describes a new neurobiological anorexia nervosa model that shifts focus from solely external influences, such as social and family, to include internal influences that integrate genetic and neurobiological contributions, across the age span. The model serves as a theoretical structure for a new, five-day treatment, outlined in this paper, targeting anorexia nervosa temperament, which integrates neurobiological dimensions into evidence-based treatment interventions. The treatment is in two phases. Phase I is a five day, 40 hour treatment for anorexia nervosa adults. Phase II is the follow-up and is currently being developed.ResultsPreliminary qualitative acceptability data on 37 adults with anorexia nervosa and 60 supports (e.g., spouses, parents, aunts, friends, partners, children of anorexia nervosa adults) are promising from Phase I. Clients with anorexia nervosa and their supports report that learning neurobiological facts improved their understanding of the illness and helped equip them with better tools to manage anorexia nervosa traits and symptoms. In addition, nutritional knowledge changed significantly.ConclusionsThis is the first neurobiologically based, five-day treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa and their supports. It is a new model that outlines underlying genetic and neurobiological contributions to anorexia nervosa that serves as a foundation to treat both traits and symptoms. Preliminary qualitative findings are promising, with both clients and supports reporting that the neurobiological treatment approach helped them better understand the illness, while better conceptualizing how to respond to their traits and manage their symptoms. Data in Phase I shows promise as a neurobiologically based intervention for anorexia nervosa, and it serves as a foundation for the development of Phase II. Evidence of ongoing program efficacy will be described as data are reported on Phase II.Trial registrationNCT NCT02852538 Registered 1 August 2016.

Dataset Information

Analysis of symptom clusters amongst adults with anorexia nervosa: Key severity indicators.

Publications

Analysis of symptom clusters amongst adults with anorexia nervosa: Key severity indicators.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets