(PS7-28) Eating Disorder Comorbidity Across the Age Spectrum

Saturday, November 16, 2024

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM EST

Location: Franklin Hall, Level 4, Marriott Downtown

Author(s)

JB

Jessica Baker, Ph.D.

Research Manager
Equip Health
Carlsbad, California, United States

Co-Author(s)

MF

Maddie Friedman, LCSW

Therapist Lead
Equip Health
Carlsbad, California, United States
KC

Kelly Cai, M.S.

Data Analyst
Equip Health
Carlsbad, California, United States
DS

Dori Steinberg, Ph.D.

VP of Research
Equip Health
Carlsbad, California, United States

Abstract Text: Feeding and eating disorders can affect up to 20% of the population and include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). People with an eating disorder are at increased risk for experiencing comorbid psychiatric conditions such that up to 97% of patients diagnosed with an eating disorder receive an additional diagnosis of at least one psychiatric disorder. The most common comorbidities vary based on the specific eating disorder but, in general, depressive and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders are some of the most common. The presence of a comorbid condition has been shown to impact severity, treatment outcome, and relapse. To date, most of this research has examined comorbidities in young adults. We know less about comorbidities observed at older ages. Here, we completed an in-depth evaluation of the frequency of comorbid psychiatric disorders in a virtual outpatient eating disorder treatment setting for all ages. The sample included N=1,335 patients receiving care. Charts were reviewed for secondary/comorbid psychiatric and medical diagnoses self-identified at intake for admission to treatment. The most common psychiatric comorbidity observed was generalized anxiety disorder with 64% of patients receiving this diagnosis. This was followed by major depression (39.9%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (19.2%), obsessive compulsive disorder (16.4%), and post traumatic stress disorder (8.3%). Examining comorbidities by age showed that the number of comorbidities increased as age increased such that older patients tended to be more likely to have a medical and/or psychiatric comorbidity as well as have a higher number of comorbid diagnoses. Approximately 80% of patients 17 or younger had at least 1 medical and/or psychiatric comorbid diagnosis whereas 95% of patients age 25+ did. Similarly, 35% of patients 17 or younger had 3 or more comorbid diagnoses whereas 65% of patients age 25+ did. The most common psychiatric comorbidities are similar across age groups (generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder). However, a higher proportion of patients 25+ had post traumatic stress disorder. Findings corroborate the high frequency of medical and psychiatric comorbidities observed in patients with eating disorders. We also expand these findings by showing that patients at older ages are more likely to have multiple comorbidities. This is an important consideration for treatment given that comorbidities can have a significant impact on treatment outcome and recovery.