The implications of previous history of anorexia nervosa in patients with current bulimia nervosa: Alterations in daily functioning, decision‐making, and bone status

Objective It is not yet clear what role previous history of anorexia nervosa (AN) plays in the clinical course of bulimia nervosa (BN). We aimed to investigate, using a comprehensive assessment, involving clinical characteristics, daily functioning, cognitive functions, and nutritional and physical...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European eating disorders review 2020-01, Vol.28 (1), p.34-45
Main Authors: Strumila, Robertas, Nobile, Benedicte, Maimoun, Laurent, Jaussent, Isabelle, Seneque, Maude, Thiebaut, Sylvain, Iceta, Sylvain, Dupuis‐Maurin, Kathlyne, Lefebvre, Patrick, Courtet, Philippe, Renard, Eric, Guillaume, Sebastien
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anorexia
anorexia nervosa
bone mineral density
Bulimia
bulimia nervosa
Cognitive science
Decision making
functioning
Human health and pathology
Life Sciences
Neuroscience
Psychiatrics and mental health
Suicides & suicide attempts
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Summary:Objective It is not yet clear what role previous history of anorexia nervosa (AN) plays in the clinical course of bulimia nervosa (BN). We aimed to investigate, using a comprehensive assessment, involving clinical characteristics, daily functioning, cognitive functions, and nutritional and physical markers in BN patients with a history of AN, and compare them with BN patients without a history of AN. Methods Eighty‐five patients with a current episode of BN (35 with a lifetime history of AN) were analysed. Diagnoses were established according to the DSM‐5 criteria. Patients completed neuropsychological tests and filled out validated psychiatric questionnaires. Sociodemographic data and nutritional and somatic illness markers were collected and investigated. Results BN patients with a history of previous lifetime AN had worse decision‐making ability, worse general and specific functioning, decreased bone density, more antecedent of lifetime suicide attempts, more dietary restraint, and more frequent use of laxatives. The multivariate model shows that the history of AN is closely associated with worse decision‐making ability, worse general function, and higher likelihood of lifetime suicide attempts. Discussion Prior history of AN is an important clinical question that should receive proper attention when treating BN patients, as this subgroup of patients may have specific care needs.
ISSN:1072-4133
1099-0968
DOI:10.1002/erv.2712