Comparison of middle-age and young women inpatients with eating disorders

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare clinical presentations of eating disorders (ED) in midlife vs. younger inpatients. The sample consisted of 604 inpatients, 302 admitted to treatment at the age of 40 or older, and 302 admitted between ages 18-25, a more common ED age. Results suggested several unique features of midlife vs. younger ED inpatients: significantly more diagnoses of anorexia nervosa, both subtypes, and fewer diagnoses of bulimia nervosa; greater ED severity but fewer body image issues and less body image distortion; greater emotional and behavioral overcontrol and symptom denial; more bipolar and major depressive disorders, suicidality, and sexual abuse histories; a trend toward greater misuse of calming/sedating substances; and fewer maturation issues. The corresponding needs among midlife ED patients for specialized assessment and treatment interventions are considered.