Healio highlights Eating Disorders Awareness Week

This year, Eating Disorders Awareness Week is being recognized from Feb. 27 to March 5.

The most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, all of which present differently, according to Mayo Clinic. However, these and other eating disorders share characteristics, namely eating behaviors that deteriorate your physical health, emotional health and ability to function.

Here, we highlight the most-read articles about eating disorders on Healio during the past year.

APA releases new guidelines for assessment, treatment of eating disorders

The American Psychiatric Association plans to align treatment of eating disorders with a focus on risk-benefit analysis of physical and psychosocial factors, according to new guidelines published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Read more.

Eating behavior, emotional regulation impact CV health

There is an association between emotional eating and CV damage in adults that can be mediated by stress levels, according to a study published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Read more.

Body dissatisfaction associated with eating disorders in midlife women

Similar to younger women, midlife women’s dissatisfaction with their body was linked to eating disorder pathology, according to the findings of a small study published in Menopause. Read more.

Q&A: Tool helps PCPs screen for eating disorders during routine visits

A tool that screens for eating disorders and helps providers counsel patients is now available for primary care clinicians in the United States. Read more.

Q&A: Study introduces comprehensive guidelines for managing anorexia nervosa in pregnancy

Researchers developed the first comprehensive set of guidelines for managing anorexia nervosa in pregnancy through a systematic review. Read more.

Treatment for genetic eating disorder receives orphan drug designation

The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to an intranasal potentiated oxytocin treatment for a rare genetic disorder that causes pathological eating disorders in adults and newborns. Read more.

Children, older adults are underrepresented in eating disorder trials

Children, adolescents and older adults were underrepresented in U.S. clinical trials investigating eating disorders, despite federal guidance urging increased participation of individuals of all ages, according to researchers. Read more.

APA receives $100K grant to improve diagnosis of eating disorders

The American Psychiatric Association announced it has received a $100,000 grant from the Council of Medical Specialty Societies to promote the early and proper diagnosis of eating disorders. Read more.

Eating disorder admissions increased after start of pandemic

Inpatient and outpatient volume increased for pediatric patients with an eating disorder following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Read more.

Phase 2 clinical trial to examine efficacy of psilocybin for anorexia nervosa

COMPASS Pathways PLC has announced the launch of a multi-center, double-blind randomized controlled phase 2 clinical trial investigating the efficacy of COMP360 psilocybin, along with psychological support, in those with anorexia nervosa. Read more.

Reference:

• Eating disorders. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603. Published Feb. 22, 2018. Accessed March 1, 2023.