This study examines early familial and behavioral risk factors for eating disorders in a longitudinal community study of young adult women. Sixty-seven women, from a predominately White, working class community, are participants in a 22-year longitudinal study. Their psychosocial development has been traced prospectively from age 5 to age 26. Lifetime DSM-IV diagnoses of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa) were assessed at age 26. A broad range of measures were collected from multiple informants at ages 9 and 15 to assess familial and behavioral risks. Twenty-one participants met criteria for either full-syndrome (N=8) or partial syndrome (N=12) eating disorders and were compared to non-eating disordered participants (N=47). Mothers of young women with eating disorders reported them significantly more depressed and anxious than peers at both ages 9 and 15, and more withdrawn and having more somatic complaints at age 15. In the family domain, women with eating disorders endorsed significantly more negative family life events before age 15. Also, family members of the young women with eating disorders were more likely to have a lifetime history of depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and over ¾ of women with eating disorders reported having an immediate family member with eating problems. This study highlights the high prevalence of eating disorders among this community population. The examination of early behavioral and familial risk factors identifies specific early vulnerabilities for eating disorders. Early prevention and intervention efforts must be designed to target this at risk population.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the individual childhood and adolescent risks for an eating disorder by young adulthood. 2. Understand the family factors that may contribute to the development of an eating disorder. 3. Apply research findings to identify and plan intervention efforts for those at risk for eating disorders
Keywords: Women, Adult and Child Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.