Nahrungsvermeidung versus Nahrungsaversion bei restriktiven Essstörungen.

in Zeitschrift für Psychiatrie, Psychologie und Psychotherapie (2019), 67(1), 1-9

The terms food avoidance and food aversion are often used interchangeably in the eating disorders (EDs) literature. However, they represent two different (but closely related) constructs that are the ... [more ▼]

The terms food avoidance and food aversion are often used interchangeably in the eating disorders (EDs) literature. However, they represent two different (but closely related) constructs that are the result of different processes. In patients suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and avoidant / restrictive food intake disorder, food avoidance / restriction is usually assumed to be motivated by fear / anxiety (e. g., “intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat” or “being afraid to eat after a frightening episode of choking”). In contrast, studies show that taste aversion often leads to food avoidance. Unlike fear-motivated avoidance in which the flavour of food becomes a signal for danger, avoidance produced by taste aversions involves a reduction in the amount consumed due to a hedonic downshift. Here the attractiveness of the flavour changes by its association with a nauseogenic event. It is noteworthy that both sources of food avoidance exhibit different behavioural characteristics, contents of learning, and activate different brain regions and neuromodulators. This is especially important for the understanding and treatment of the EDs and their most serious behavioural manifestation: the life-threatening food refusal. Finally, the clinical implications of such a distinction and promising future research directions are discussed. [less ▲]

Variants of early-onset restrictive eating disturbances in middle childhood

in International Journal of Eating Disorders (2015), 49(1), 102-106

Essprobleme im Kindesalter: Screening in der allgemeinen Bevölkerung

in Zeitschrift für Gesundheitspsychologie (2013), 21(2), 91-100

Since eating disorders in childhood and adolescence have increased significantly, their early identification is of importance. Besides the “typical” eating disorders, there are a number of eating ... [more ▼]

Since eating disorders in childhood and adolescence have increased significantly, their early identification is of importance. Besides the “typical” eating disorders, there are a number of eating disturbances that typically present in middle childhood, characterized by avoidance or restriction of intake, that are not currently classified in the DSM-IV system. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the occurrence of these disturbances in a general, school-based population, and to report psychometric properties of a brief self-report screening questionnaire assessing avoidant or restrictive food intake. A total of 730 children aged 8–13 years were assessed with the Eating Disturbances in Childhood – Questionnaire (EDCh-Q). Altogether, 29.8 %of the children reported avoidant or restrictive eating behavior. Item characteristics were overall favourable. The four-factorial solution was replicated, however, with poor internal consistencies of the subscales. Underweight children reported more symptoms of food avoidance emotional disorder (FAED). Avoidant or restrictive eating behavior is common in school-aged children. The EDCh-Q is a diagnostically orientated screening questionnaire to identify these eating disturbances in middle childhood. A larger study is warranted to validate the EDCh-Q in community and clinical samples. [less ▲]

Essstörungen im Kindesalter: Die Vermeidend/Restriktive Essstörung im Selbstbericht

Poster (2012)

Family structure, body mass index and eating behaviour

in International Journal of Eating Disorders (2009), 42

Objective: To explore associations between family structure, children’s body mass index (BMI), and eating behaviors of children and their mothers. Method: Fifty-seven mothers and their children took part ... [more ▼]

Objective: To explore associations between family structure, children’s body mass index (BMI), and eating behaviors of children and their mothers. Method: Fifty-seven mothers and their children took part in an experimental study. BMI of children was measured. Mothers were asked to provide self- report data on sociodemographic back- ground, mental health, and eating behaviors about themselves and their children. Parent-child-dyads represented their family structure using the Family System Test. Results: We found negative associations in typical family situations between family hierarchy and children’s BMI, mothers’ emotional eating and mothers’ restrained eating. Family cohesion and restrained eating of the children were also negatively correlated. We obtained positive associa- tions in typical and conflict family situa- tions between family cohesion and external eating of the children. Discussion: We found indications that family structure is associated with overweight and with eating behavior in children and their mothers. VC 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [less ▲]