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A latent class analysis to empirically describe eating disorders through developmental stages
Author(s) -
Swanson Sonja A.,
Horton Nicholas J.,
Crosby Ross D.,
Micali Nadia,
Sonneville Kendrin R.,
Eddy Kamryn,
Field Alison E.
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.22308
Subject(s) - latent class model , psychology , developmental psychology , class (philosophy) , cognitive psychology , statistics , mathematics , artificial intelligence , computer science
Objectives The current standards for classifying eating disorders were primarily informed by adult, clinical study populations, while it is unknown whether an empirically based classification system can be supported across preadolescence through young adulthood. Using latent class analyses, we sought to empirically classify disordered eating in females from preadolescence to young adulthood, and assess the association between classes and adverse outcomes. Method Latent class models were fit using observations from the 9,039 girls participating in the growing up today study, an on‐going cohort following participants annually or biennially since 1996 when they were ages 9–14 years. Associations between classes and drug use, binge drinking, and depressive symptoms were assessed using generalized estimating equations. Results Across age groups, there was evidence of six classes: a large asymptomatic class, a class characterized by shape/weight concerns, a class characterized by overeating without loss of control, and three resembling full and subthreshold binge eating disorder, purging disorder, and bulimia nervosa. Relative prevalences of classes varied across developmental stages, with symptomatic classes increasing in prevalence with increasing age. Symptomatic classes were associated with concurrent and incident drug use, binge drinking, and high depressive symptoms. Discussion A classification system resembling broader definitions of DSM‐5 diagnoses along with two further subclinical symptomatic classes may be a useful framework for studying disordered eating among adolescent and young adult females. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int (J Eat Disord 2014; 47:762–772)