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Eating Disorders: Current Epidemiology and Advances in the Diagnosis and...
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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 April 2025 | Viewed by 6339

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Arthur Eumann Mesas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Nutrition and Dietetics, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, Spain
Interests: nutrition; sleep; lifestyle; mental health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

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

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 702 KiB  
Article
Are Sleep Parameters and Chronotype Associated with Eating Disorder Risk? A Cross-Sectional Study of University Students in Spain
by Tomás Olivo Martins-de-Passos, Arthur E. Mesas, Nuria Beneit, Valentina Díaz-Goñi, Fernando Peral-Martinez, Shkelzen Cekrezi, Vicente Martinez-Vizcaino and Estela Jimenez-Lopez
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(18), 5482; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13185482 - 15 Sep 2024
Viewed by 921
Abstract
Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) have emerged as a growing public health concern. However, the role of sleep in this context remains underexplored. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between sleep parameters and chronotype with ED risk in a [...] Read more.
Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) have emerged as a growing public health concern. However, the role of sleep in this context remains underexplored. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between sleep parameters and chronotype with ED risk in a sample of university students in Spain. Methods: ED risk was assessed via the Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food Questionnaire, and sleep quality was assessed via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Other sleep parameters and chronotypes were self-reported. Sociodemographic, body composition, lifestyle, and depressive symptom data were collected. Logistic and linear regression models adjusted for the main confounders were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the study associations. Results: A total of 403 students (70.2% female) aged 18 to 30 years participated in the study. Those reporting poor sleep quality (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.08–3.17, p = 0.025) and ≤6 h of night-time sleep duration (OR = 4.14, 95% CI 2.00–8.57, p < 0.01) were more likely to be at risk of EDs in the adjusted analyses. The association between night-time sleep duration and the risk of ED did not remain significant when we adjusted for sleep quality. In addition, an evening chronotype was associated with an increased risk of EDs (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.07–2.66, p = 0.039) only before adjustment for confounders. Conclusions: Among university students, poorer sleep quality was cross-sectionally associated with EDs. Future prospective studies are needed to examine whether promoting sleep quality may serve as an effective strategy for preventing the risk of EDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Current Epidemiology and Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment)
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Review

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26 pages, 1115 KiB  
Review
Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa (BN): A Review and Insight into Potential Mechanisms of Action
by James Chmiel and Marta Stępień-Słodkowska
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(18), 5364; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13185364 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1201
Abstract
Introduction: Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder primarily affecting adolescent females, characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, including self-induced vomiting and the misuse of diuretics, laxatives, and insulin. The precise etiology of BN [...] Read more.
Introduction: Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder primarily affecting adolescent females, characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, including self-induced vomiting and the misuse of diuretics, laxatives, and insulin. The precise etiology of BN remains unknown, with factors such as genetics, biological influences, emotional disturbances, societal pressures, and other challenges contributing to its prevalence. First-line treatment typically includes pharmacotherapy, which has shown moderate effectiveness. Neuroimaging evidence suggests that altered brain activity may contribute to the development of BN, making interventions that directly target the brain extremely valuable. One such intervention is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive stimulation technique that has been garnering interest in the medical community for many years. Methods: This review explores the use of rTMS in the treatment of BN. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/Medline, ResearchGate, and Cochrane databases. Results: Twelve relevant studies were identified. Analysis of the results from these studies reveals promising findings, particularly regarding key parameters in the pathophysiology of BN. Several studies assessed the impact of rTMS on binge episodes. While some studies did not find significant reductions, most reported decreases in binge eating and purging behaviors, with some cases showing complete remission. Reductions in symptoms of depression and food cravings were also demonstrated. However, results regarding cognitive improvement were mixed. The discussion focused heavily on potential mechanisms of action, including neuromodulation of brain networks, induction of neuroplasticity, impact on serotonergic dysfunction, anti-inflammatory action, and HPA axis modulation. rTMS was found to be a safe intervention with no serious side effects. Conclusions: rTMS in the treatment of BN appears to be a promising intervention that alleviates some symptoms characteristic of the pathophysiology of this disorder. An additional effect is a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. However, despite these findings, further research is required to confirm its effectiveness and elucidate the mechanisms of action. It is also recommended to further investigate the potential mechanisms of action described in this review. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Current Epidemiology and Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment)
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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 3 | Viewed by 3739
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
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Current Epidemiology and Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment)
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