Working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

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Key Thinkers Forum: Eating Disorders, Wellbeing and a need for Research

This Forum discussed current and emerging food and eating disorder issues within community and the research and translation gaps and priorities that exist currently. It will help guide the development of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research & Translation Strategy as a key activity of the Australian Eating Disorder Research and Translation Centre.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Co-Production

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eating Disorders Co-Production will contribute Indigenous leadership and innovation to governance and all activities of the Centre and establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eating Disorder Research Strategy, in co-design with community.   
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Have your say on how we turn the The Australian Eating Disorders Research & Translation Strategy 2021-2031 into reality!

We are charged with implementing The Australian Eating Disorders Research & Translation Strategy 2021-2031 which was developed over two years of consultation. It is our intention that the Strategy is a document that is used and is useful, that we respond to the gaps it identifies, bring to life the actions articulated through our consultations, and that it is a live document in so much as we use it as a springboard for the generation of new ideas, activities and strategic priorities as required.
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We're all about the 'co'

Research is an iterative and dynamic process best informed and co-produced at all stages between researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience, families and supports. We are genuinely invested in Collaborating, Codesigning, Coproducing and Communicating to achieve research innovations that change people’s lives.

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Diversity
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IgnitED

The IgnitED Fund provided nine $25,000 grants to Australian residents with great ideas to work in a co-design process, bring their ideas to life, and build new relationships and research skills in eating disorders.
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People with eating disorders come from diverse backgrounds & identities...so should our research teams and the research we conduct!

We're thrilled to be participating in Mardi Gras Fair Day 2023 in collaboration with colleagues from other national eating disorder organisations coming together for the first time under our campaign banner of 'everyBODY welcome'.
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Have your say on how we turn the The Australian Eating Disorders Research & Translation Strategy 2021-2031 into reality!

We are charged with implementing The Australian Eating Disorders Research & Translation Strategy 2021-2031 which was developed over two years of consultation. It is our intention that the Strategy is a document that is used and is useful, that we respond to the gaps it identifies, bring to life the actions articulated through our consultations, and that it is a live document in so much as we use it as a springboard for the generation of new ideas, activities and strategic priorities as required.
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About
Risk Factors
Population prevalence, disease burden and quality of life
Prevention and Early Intervention
Screening, Assessment & Diagnosis
Psychiatric and Medical Comorbidities
Models of Care
Psychotherapies
Pharmacotherapies, alternative and adjunctive therapies
Outcomes

Psychiatric and Medical Comorbidities

Abstract

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) are potentially severe, complex, and life-threatening illnesses. The mortality rate of EDs is significantly elevated compared to other psychiatric conditions, primarily due to medical complications and suicide. The current rapid review aimed to summarise the literature and identify gaps in knowledge relating to any psychiatric and medical comorbidities of eating disorders.

Methods

ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline were searched for studies published between 2009 and mid 2021 in English. High-level evidence such as meta-analyses, large population studies and Randomised Control Trials were prioritised through purposive sampling. Data from selected studies relating to psychiatric and medical comorbidities of eating disorders were synthesised in narrative format and are disseminated in the current review. For more information on the Rapid Review methods, see https://jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40337-022-00556-3

Results

A total of 202 studies were included, with 58% pertaining to psychiatric comorbidities and 42% to medical comorbidities. For EDs in general, the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities were anxiety (up to 62% of people with EDs), mood (up to 54%) and substance use and post-traumatic stress disorders (similar comorbidity rates up to 27%). The review also noted associations between specific EDs and non-suicidal self-injury, personality disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. EDs were complicated by medical comorbidities across the neuroendocrine, skeletal, nutritional, gastrointestinal, dental, and reproductive systems. Medical comorbidities can exist pre-ED, occur alongside of or emerge as a complication of the ED.

Conclusions

This review provides a thorough overview of the comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions co-occurring with EDs. High psychiatric and medical comorbidity rates were observed in people with EDs, with comorbidities contributing to increased ED symptom severity, maintenance of some ED behaviours, and poorer functioning as well as treatment outcomes. Early identification and management of psychiatric and medical comorbidities in people with an ED may improve response to treatment and overall outcomes.

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Evidence Playground

Explore the articles underpinning this Rapid Review.

Research can transform people's lives.

The Australian Eating Disorders Research and Translation Centre is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the National Leadership in Mental Health program.

Lead Agency, InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, is a joint venture between the Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney

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