2 research outputs found
Psychiatric and medical comorbidities of eating disorders : findings from a rapid review of the literature
Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are potentially severe, complex, and life-threatening illnesses. The mortality rate
of EDs is signifcantly elevated compared to other psychiatric conditions, primarily due to medical complications and
suicide. The current rapid review aimed to summarise the literature and identify gaps in knowledge relating to any
psychiatric and medical comorbidities of eating disorders.
Methods: This paper forms part of a rapid review) series scoping the evidence base for the feld of EDs, conducted
to inform the Australian National Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021–2031, funded and released
by the Australian Government. ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline were searched for English-language studies
focused on the psychiatric and medical comorbidities of EDs, published between 2009 and 2021. High-level evidence
such as meta-analyses, large population studies and Randomised Control Trials were prioritised.
Results: A total of 202 studies were included in this review, with 58% pertaining to psychiatric comorbidities and
42% to medical comorbidities. For EDs in general, the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities were anxiety (up
to 62%), mood (up to 54%) and substance use and post-traumatic stress disorders (similar comorbidity rates up to
27%). The review also noted associations between specifc EDs and non-suicidal self-injury, personality disorders, and
neurodevelopmental disorders. EDs were complicated by medical comorbidities across the neuroendocrine, skeletal,
nutritional, gastrointestinal, dental, and reproductive systems. Medical comorbidities can precede, occur alongside or
emerge as a complication of the ED.
Conclusions: This review provides a thorough overview of the comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions cooccurring with EDs. High psychiatric and medical comorbidity rates were observed in people with EDs, with comorbidities contributing to increased ED symptom severity, maintenance of some ED behaviours, and poorer functioning
as well as treatment outcomes. Early identifcation and management of psychiatric and medical comorbidities in
people with an ED may improve response to treatment and overall outcomes