Fatores de risco associados ao início precoce das perturbações do comportamento alimentar

Abstract

Eating disorders (ED) have been consensually described as a serious problem, which affects, mostly teenagers and younger women (Stice, 2002). There etiology is multifactorial (Cooper, 1995), and until now we can't distinguish between early onset risk factors from typical onset risk factors. Aim: the present study had as purpose to understand if there are ED Risk Factors (RF) which distinguishes early onset from typical onset . To do so, attempts were made to understand if there’s RF’s associated to the early onset of ED in premature ages and if it exists RF related to the beginning of ED in typical ages. Method: In this study, 42 women participate with an up-to-date ED diagnostic (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder), in which, diagnostic confirmation was realized through Eating Disorders Examination (Fairburn & Cooper, 2000). After definition of 15 years cut of Index age (initial age of first eating symptoms), two groups were established, one corresponding to ED in Early Onset (<15 years) and another which corresponds to ED in Typical Onset (≥15 years). Data collection concerning RF was performed using Risk Factors for Eating Disorders: Interview Schedule (Fairburn & Welch, 1990). Results: Three RF related to the beginning of ED in Typical Onset were identified (being tall or short with preoccupation; being teased, threatening and comparison with physical form of the sisters). Concerning ED in Early Onset, ten related RF were identified (growing in rural areas; pair groups diet; “feeling huge”; breast growth at an early age; family problems not solved; being tall or short, compared to the pair group, with concerning associated; family diet realization; family with low weight; negative comments from family members concerning meals and negative comments performed by others than family concerning weight and body shape).

Date of Award	24 Jul 2014
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Bárbara César Machado (Supervisor)