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Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics and the frequency of medical consultations in the year prior to the diagnosis and the intervention onset of the Eating Disorder, as well as the different prodromal symptoms. The final aim was to understand the origin of all referrals and their possible influence on the duration of untreated illness. Methods: We selected 99 young patients (15–25 years) and 61 healthy controls. Their primary and specialized care medical records were both studied retrospectively. Results: 87.6% of patients attended different consultations (primary care, specialized care and emergency department) the year prior compared to 67.2% of the controls (p =.002). The average number of consultations was 3.59 in the case group and 1.57 in the control group (p <.001). These consultations were related to prodromal symptoms in 57.4% compared to 16.4% for the controls (p <.001). They ranged from 29.8% of unspecific digestive symptoms, 22.8% of psychological symptoms, 19.3% of gynaecologic symptoms, 11.9% of weight variation, 8.8% of analytical changes, to 5.3% of malnutrition symptoms. Patients were mainly referred by Primary Care (42.7%). Overall, the mean of the Duration of Untreated Illness was of 7.45 months. Conclusions: The majority of reasons for consultation were related to symptoms that could be prodromal symptoms, but the patients were not diagnosed with an eating disorder. These findings highlight the importance of professionals understanding how to identify the warning signs of an eating disorder, so they can refer patients to a specialized unit to establish an early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the authors in this study were two-fold: (1) to explore the role of resilience in recovery from eating disorders (EDs), and (2) to develop a model of resilience in women with EDs. Semi-structured interviews with ten women were conducted in April 2011, along with two focus groups with women who had recovered from EDs (n = 5 women each; conducted in April 2012 at the University of Deusto, Spain), one focus group with clinical experts (n = 8; conducted in April 2012 at the Foundation Against EDs of Biskay, Spain), and six narratives from primary caregivers of ED patients living in Biskay, Spain (conducted in November 2012). All data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. All female participants acknowledged experiencing resilience in their recovery. The analysis resulted in a conceptual model of resilience composed of the following categories: deep dissatisfaction with life, turning point, acceptance, hope, determination to change, accountability for the ED, active coping, getting social support, gaining self-knowledge, getting information about EDs, increase well-being, trait resilience, initiating new projects and living in the here and now. According to the model presented, resilience preceded the experience of recovery in women with EDs in this sample and could be a useful asset for future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction. High comorbidity between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorders (ED) shows the necessity of developing transdiagnostic models, where impulsivity could play a relevant role in the manifestations of self-injurious behaviour. Objectives: 1) To compare the levels of impulsivity and self-injurious behaviour among people with BPD, people with ED and controls. 2) To predict the presence of self-injurious behaviour based on impulsivity and other relevant clinical variables, such as the experience of traumatic events and sensitivity to rejection. Methods. 108 women (23 controls; 29 with a diagnosis of restrictive ACT (rED); 21 with a diagnosis of purgative ACT (pED); and 35 with a diagnosis of BPD) were assessed using the Barratt Impulsivity Scale, the Traumatic Experiences Questionnaire and the Sensitivity to Rejection Questionnaire. Information about self-injurious behaviour was collected through interview and clinical history. Results. Differences in impulsivity and self-injurious behaviour scores were found between the groups, with higher impulsivity in the BPD and pED groups, and higher rates of self-injurious behaviour in the BPD group followed by both ED groups. On the other hand, impulsivity predicted suicide attempts, and together with sensitivity to interpersonal rejection predicted nonsuicidal self-harm (NSSH). Conclusion. Impulsivity is a dimensional variable in BPD and ED, which in turn plays a relevant role in the prediction of self-injurious behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High comorbidity between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorders (ED) shows the necessity of developing transdiagnostic models, where impulsivity could play a relevant role in the manifestations of self-injurious behaviour.

Objective: Eating disorders, particularly bulimia nervosa, have long been associated with alcohol and illicit drug abuse. Impulsivity has been linked to substance abuse, but there are other explanations for this association. This comorbidity could be very harmful, even deadly, because of the medical consequences of drug abuse., Method: This article reports on the case of a 23-year-old woman with bulimia nervosa, severe alcohol and illicit drug abuse, and impulsive behavior who developed rhabdomyolysis. One of the reasons for her drug addiction was the effect of these substances in appetite suppression., Results: The patient successfully recovered after medical and psychological treatment., Conclusion: This article presents the case of a patient with bulimia nervosa and a serious medical complication of illicit drug abuse. It is important to be aware of the increased risk of morbidity and mortality for this patient group., (2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)