Search results for ‘Subject term:"eating disorders"’ Sort:
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A qualitative analysis of perceptions of self-harm in members of the general public
- Authors:
- NEWTON Claira, BALE Chris
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 11(3), 2012, pp.106-116.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The aim of this preliminary investigation was to explore perceptions of self-harm in the general public. First, it aimed to investigate public perceptions of what behaviours constitute self-harm. Secondly, it aimed to identify whether attitudes towards individuals who self-harm in the general public were similar to the sometimes negative and unsympathetic perceptions of health care professionals demonstrated in previous studies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 participants, none of whom had any professional or academic experience or knowledge of self-harm. A matrix-based thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data collected. The findings showed that eating disorders were generally perceived as forms of self-harm while body modification was not. The participants generally showed sympathy towards individuals who self-harm, especially when they perceived the behaviour to be associated with mental illness. Developing a greater understanding of public perceptions of self-harm could have important implications for understanding mental health professionals' perceptions of the phenomenon.
Co-occurrence of self-reported disordered eating and self-harm in UK university students
- Authors:
- WRIGHT Fiona, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 48(4), November 2009, pp.397-410.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The authors state that students are reported to have more symptoms of mental health problems than other young people. Their study aimed to examine disordered eating and self-harm, looking at their co-occurrence, onset timing and the help-seeking of UK university students. Surveys including questions about disordered eating, self-harm thoughts and behaviours, and psychological well-being were administered to undergraduate students at the University of Leeds. The study found that there was a strong relationship between reports of disordered eating and self-harm, that these often predated university entrance, that a younger age of onset of disordered eating behaviours was reported in those with co-occurring disordered eating and self-harm, and that help-seeking rates were low.
Religion, spirituality and mental health: results from a national study of English households
- Authors:
- KING Michael, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 202(1), 2013, pp.68-73.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Data collected from interviews with 7403 people who participated in the third National Psychiatric Morbidity Study in England were analysed to examine associations between a spiritual or religious understanding of life and psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses. Of the participants 35% had a religious understanding of life, 19% were spiritual but not religious and 46% were neither religious nor spiritual. Religious people were similar to those who were neither religious nor spiritual with regard to the prevalence of mental disorders, except that the former were less likely to have ever used drugs or be a hazardous drinker. Spiritual people were more likely than those who were neither religious nor spiritual to have ever used or be dependent on drugs, and to have abnormal eating attitudes, generalised anxiety disorder, any phobia or any neurotic disorder. They were also more likely to be taking psychotropic medication. The study concludes that people who have a spiritual understanding of life in the absence of a religious framework are vulnerable to mental disorder. (Edited publisher abstract)
Out-patient psychological therapies for adults with anorexia nervosa: randomised controlled trial
- Authors:
- SCHMIDT Ulrike, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 201(5), November 2012, pp.392-399.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Psychotherapy is the treatment of choice for anorexia nervosa but outcomes are often poor and drop-out rates high. This randomised controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and acceptability of a novel psychological therapy, the Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults, (MANTRA) and compared it with specialist supportive clinical management (SSCM). Seventy-two adult out-patients with anorexia nervosa (or other non-specified eating disorder) were recruited from a specialist centre in London. Participants were allocated to 20 weekly sessions of MANTRA or SSCM and optional additional sessions depending on clinical need. Primary outcomes were body mass index, weight and global score on the Eating Disorders Examination at end of treatment (6 months) and follow-up (12 months). Secondary outcomes included: depression, anxiety and clinical impairment; neuropsychological outcomes; recovery rates; and additional service utilisation. At baseline, patients randomised to MANTRA were significantly less likely to be in a partner relationship than those receiving SSCM. Patients in both group improved equally in terms of eating disorder and other outcomes. Strictly defined recovery rates were low. MANTRA patients were significantly more likely to require additional in-patient or day-care treatment. The imbalance between groups in partner relationships may explain differences in service utilisation. The study confirms SSCM as a useful treatment for out-patients with anorexia nervosa but suggests that MANTRA may need adaptations to fully exploit its potential.
Social emotional functioning and cognitive styles in eating disorders
- Authors:
- HARRISON Amy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 51(3), September 2012, pp.261-279.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Models of eating disorders (EDs) argue that both cognitive style and social emotional difficulties are involved in the maintenance of EDs. This study investigated the factor structure of cognitive and social emotional functioning and investigated whether a particular cognitive or social emotional profile was associated with a more severe and chronic form of illness. Two hundred twenty-five participants were assessed using a battery of set shifting, coherence, and social emotional measures. Findings indicated that there were no significant correlations between the cognitive or social emotional variables. Analysis identified three components: a fragmented perseverative cognitive style (worry and rumination), for which the ED group scored highly; a global flexible cognitive style, for which HCs scored highly; and a social emotional difficulties profile, for which those with EDs scored highly. Individuals in recovery from an ED did not differ from the acute group, suggesting this cognitive and social emotional profile may be a trait associated with EDs. The authors concluded that the findings provided empirical support for Schmidt and Treasure's (2006) maintenance model of EDs. Implications for practice are discussed.
A simple, and potentially low-cost method for measuring the prevalence of childhood obesity
- Authors:
- ROUTH K., RAO J. N., DENLEY J.
- Journal article citation:
- Child: Care, Health and Development, 32(2), March 2006, pp.239-245.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Recent official publications have highlighted obesity as one of the biggest threats to public health and the prevalence of obesity in children is widely believed to be rising rapidly. However, there are no data on the prevalence of childhood obesity at a local level. We have developed a simple low-cost method of gaining such data by working with local schools. The authors designed a method on the observation that numeracy and data handling skills are often taught in schools by getting children to measure their height and weight. They recruited seven schools and offered them a numeracy lesson plan suitable for year 5 (aged 9–10) children together with healthcare staff to attend the lesson. As part of the lesson, each child's height and weight was measured and recorded anonymously. Parental consent was obtained on an 'opt out' basis. The method was evaluated by questionnaire. The authors gained data on body mass index for 252 children. In total, 20% of the children were overweight, and 7% obese. The brief questionnaire survey indicated that both teachers and school nurses were happy with the method and would repeat it. Weighing was carried out sensitively. Findings were in line with national studies of the prevalence of childhood obesity. The method was simple, low-cost and acceptable to schools and school nurses. There seems no reason why this project cannot be used more widely across the Primary Care Trust (PCT) and beyond. It is proposed that the method should be rolled out across all primary schools in Birmingham.
Childhood trauma, dissociation, and the internal eating disorder ‘voice’
- Authors:
- PUGH Matthew, WALLER Glenn, ESPOSITO Mirko
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 86, 2018, pp.197-205.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Many individuals diagnosed with eating disorders describe their disorder as being represented by an internal ‘voice’. In line with cognitive models of voice-hearing, previous research has identified associations between voice appraisals and eating psychopathology in anorexia nervosa. Whether these findings generalise to other eating disorder subtypes remains unknown. The aetiology of the internal eating disorder voice also remains unclear. Traumatic-dissociative models of voice-hearing, which link such experiences to decontexualised material arising from early traumatic events, might also be relevant to eating disorder groups. To determine whether cognitive models of trauma and voice-hearing apply across eating disorder subtypes, 85 individuals fulfilling ICD-10 criteria for an eating disorder completed self-report measures regarding eating disorder cognitions, voice-related appraisals, childhood trauma, and dissociation. The relative power of the eating disorder voice was found to be positively associated with experiences of childhood emotional abuse, and this relationship was partly mediated by dissociation. In addition, eating disorder voices appraised as powerful and benevolent predicted more negative attitudes towards eating across diagnostic groups, but were unrelated to disordered eating behaviours or weight. These findings suggest that the eating disorder voice plays a meaningful role in eating pathology across diagnoses and that this experience might be related, in part, to experiences of childhood maltreatment. Therapeutic implications are discussed. (Publisher abstract)
Exploring barriers to South Asian help-seeking for eating disorders
- Authors:
- WALES Jackie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Review Journal, 22(1), 2017, pp.40-50.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Referrals to specialist eating disorder (ED) services from the South Asian (SA) community are under-represented, despite research suggesting that disordered eating attitudes and behaviours of SA people are similar to the population in general. The purpose of this paper is to identify the reasons for this and sought to inform ways to encourage help-seeking. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative methodology was used to investigate barriers to help-seeking for EDs among the SA community. A key informant focus group was conducted with clinicians working within the local specialist ED service (participants n=16, 12 female, 4 male). Six focus groups were conducted with members of the SA community in Leicester, UK (participants n=28, 23 female, 5 male), recruited from a local university, two charities and Children, Young People and Family Centres. Findings: A number of themes emerged as possible factors for delaying early access to help: lack of knowledge about EDs and their potential seriousness, ideals regarding body shape, family living circumstances and the role of food in the community. Participants acknowledged stigma among their community associated with mental health issues, including EDs and concerns about confidentiality when approaching services, particularly primary care. Originality/value: General practitioners and specialist services need to be aware of the potential barriers to help-seeking for EDs as early specialist help is recommended for effective treatment. An educational campaign around EDs specifically designed with the SA community in mind may improve awareness, reduce stigma and promote early help-seeking. (Edited publisher abstract)
Take note of the fuss: selective eating and autistic spectrum disorders
- Authors:
- CHATER Angel, STEIN Samuel, CHOWDHURY Uttom
- Journal article citation:
- Community Practitioner, 85(12), December 2012, pp.37-39.
- Publisher:
- Community Practitioners' and Health Visitors' Association
The authors begin with a discussion of various types of selective eating in children and the concern this can cause. Clinical practice within a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) does not normally assess mealtime and eating behaviour. The issue is usually only raised when there is clear evidence of failure to thrive or social avoidance. In most cases the problem is self-limiting and it can be associated with a developmental disorder. The authors present two case studies (eleven and seven year-old boys) from a CAMHS in the south east of England that link selective eating with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Although both children had had problems with selective eating for a number of years they were only taken to their GP and referred to CAMHS when the problem became unmanageable and interfered with peer relationships and social situations. Both boys received a diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome, along with ADHD in one case. The discussion concludes by recommending that ASD is considered, alongside dietetic advice, when a child is presenting with selective eating.
Influences on diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders among minority ethnic people in the UK
- Authors:
- CHOWBEY Punita, SALWAY Sarah, ISMAIL Mubarak
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 11(2), 2012, pp.54-64.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Noting research suggesting that UK minority ethnic populations have lower rates of referral for eating disorders than their white counterparts, this paper uses data from an exploratory study to examine individual, cultural and contextual influences on early detection and treatment of eating disorders among black and minority ethnic people. The study took place in Sheffield in 2008 and included interviews with key informants from community-based organisations and relatives of people with eating disorders, and focus groups with community members aged 18 to 24 years. The authors report on the findings from their analysis, with examples from study participants, covering factors that can affect diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders: low awareness, dietary patterns, body shape ideals, family structures and functioning, religious influences, and poor experiences with services. They conclude that a number of key areas require investigation by health professionals in order to identify signs and symptoms early and to provide appropriate support to people from minority ethnic groups with eating disorders and their family members.