Risk factors, correlates, and markers in early-onset bulimia nervosa and EDNOS

Int J Eat Disord. 2011 May;44(4):287-94. doi: 10.1002/eat.20803.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the specific risk factors, correlates, and markers associated with the development of symptomatology of early-onset BN and subclinical BN.

Method: Two semi-structured interviews were used to examine symptomatology and antecedent factors of bulimic symptoms in a sample of British adolescents.

Results: Adolescents with early-onset eating pathology were significantly more likely to report an earlier age of menarche than those developing the disorder at the typical age, and were found to have a different pathway of symptom development.

Discussion: Increased awareness of this may help identify those particularly at risk for developing an early-onset of eating pathology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age of Onset
  • Bulimia Nervosa / diagnosis*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Menarche / physiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult