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Predictive factors of social disability in anorexic and bulimic patients

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Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether subjects suffering from anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN) would demonstrate more severe social disability than a control group; and whether social disability could be best explained as a function of the eating disorder itself or as a function of comorbid anxiety or depressive disorders. Method: Subjects were166 AN subjects, 105 BN subjects and 271 control subjects matched for age, sex and socio-economic status. Prevalence of anxiety or depressive disorders was assessed (through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), and social functioning was measured (through the Groningen scale). Results: The majority of AN and BN subjects demonstrated social disability in the “social role” (leisure time, time spent with friends) and the “occupational role” (work or educational activities). A regression analysis was employed to uncover predictive factors of social disability. Eating disorders (AN and BN), anxiety disorders and depression accounted for a large portion of social disability. Discussion: Anxiety and depressive disorders appear to play an important role in the type of social disability demonstrated in eating disorder patients. Therapeutic implications are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychiatry Department, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, 42, Boulevard Jourdan, 75014, Paris, France

    N. T. Godart, F. Perdereau, F. Curt, M. Corcos & Ph. Jeammet

  2. Psychiatric Services, University Hospital Center of Saint Etienne, Saint Etienne, France

    F. Lang

  3. Addictions Unit, Saint Jacques Hospital, Nantes, France

    J. L. Venisse

  4. SUPEA Department of Research, University Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services, Geneva, Switzerland

    O. Halfon

  5. University of Besançon Hospital Center, Besançon, France

    P. Bizouard

  6. CHS P. Pinel, University Hospital Sector, Amiens, France

    G. Loas

  7. La Salpêtrière Hospital, INSERM/CNRS UMR 7593, Paris, France

    M. F. Flament

Authors
  1. N. T. Godart
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  2. F. Perdereau
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  3. F. Curt
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  4. F. Lang
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  5. J. L. Venisse
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  6. O. Halfon
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  7. P. Bizouard
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  8. G. Loas
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  9. M. Corcos
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  10. Ph. Jeammet
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  11. M. F. Flament
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Correspondence to N. T. Godart.

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Godart, N.T., Perdereau, F., Curt, F. et al. Predictive factors of social disability in anorexic and bulimic patients. Eat Weight Disord 9, 249–257 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03325078

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03325078

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