Eating disorders: A hidden phenomenon in outpatient mental health?. Issue 4 (17th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fursland, Anthea; Watson, Hunna J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of eating disorders. Volume 47:Issue 4(2014:May)
• Page Start: 422
• Page End: 425
• Publication Date: 2013-10-17
• Subjects: Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Ingestion disorders -- Periodicals; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1002/eat.22205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0276-3478

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="eat22205-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Eating disorders are common but underdiagnosed illnesses. Help‐seeking for co‐occurring issues, such as anxiety and depression, are common.</p> </sec> <sec id="eat22205-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>To identify the prevalence of eating problems, using the SCOFF, and eating disorders when screening positive on the SCOFF (i.e., ≥2), among patients seeking help for anxiety and depression at a community‐based mental health service.</p> </sec> <sec id="eat22205-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Method</title> <p>Patients (<italic>N</italic> = 260) consecutively referred and assessed for anxiety and depression treatment were administered the SCOFF screening questionnaire and a semi‐structured standardized diagnostic interview during routine intake.</p> </sec> <sec id="eat22205-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>18.5% (48/260) scored ≥2 on the SCOFF, indicating eating problems. Of these, 41% (19/48) met criteria for an eating disorder. Thus, overall, 7.3% (19/260) of the sample met criteria for a <italic>DSM‐IV</italic> eating disorder. Those scoring ≥2 on the SCOFF were more likely to: be female (<italic>p</italic> = 0.001), younger (<italic>p</italic> = 0.003), and have a history of self‐harm (<italic>p</italic> < 0.001).</p> </sec> <sec id="eat22205-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Discussion</title> <p>This study confirms that eating disorders are a hidden phenomenon in general outpatient mental health. By using a standardized diagnostic interview to establish diagnosis rather than self‐ or staff‐report, the study builds on limited previous findings. The naturalistic study setting shows that screening for eating disorders can be easily built into routine intake practice, and successfully identifies treatment need. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:422–425)</p> </sec> </abstract>