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Stress and eating disorder behavior in anorexia nervosa as a function of menstrual cycle status
Author(s) -
Jappe Leah M.,
Cao Li,
Crosby Ross D.,
Crow Scott J.,
Peterson Carol B.,
Grange Daniel,
Engel Scott G.,
Wonderlich Stephen A.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.22211
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , menstrual cycle , binge eating , amenorrhea , psychology , eating disorders , bulimia nervosa , anorexia , luteal phase , hormone , medicine , endocrinology , clinical psychology , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Objective Fluctuations in ovarian hormones during the menstrual cycle and psychosocial stress contribute to eating disorder (ED) behavior. Method Using ecological momentary assessment techniques, this study examined relationships between stress and binge eating, self‐induced vomiting, and dietary restriction based on menstrual cycle status in anorexia nervosa (AN). One hundred nine females with full and subthreshold AN (17–45 years old) recorded ED behavior and stress ratings over 2 weeks. Using hierarchical linear modeling, individuals with eumenorrhea and those with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea were compared. Results Following episodes of meal skipping, momentary stress decreased in individuals with normal menstrual cycles and increased in those with irregular menstrual cycles. Discussion Results suggest that changes in stress severity in response to food restriction may differ based on ovarian hormonal status and may be a mechanism by which AN is maintained in individuals without menstrual disturbance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:181–188)