The legacy of hope summit: a consensus-based initiative and report on eating disorders in the U.S. and recommendations for the path forward.

Background: Several unsuccessful attempts have been made to reach a cross-disciplinary consensus on issues fundamental to the field of eating disorders in the United States (U.S.).

A prevalence study and description of alli use by patients with eating disorders.

Objective: This study examined the frequency and characteristics of alli use among patients in eating disorder treatment facilities.

Method: Patients from five treatment centers completed the Survey of Eating and Related Behaviors. Diagnoses were determined from survey responses.

Influence of stress in the onset of eating disorders: data from a two-stage epidemiologic controlled study.

Background: We explore the role of stress in the onset of eating disorders (EDs) in a community sample of adolescents, the mediating role of psychiatric comorbidity and the quantitative evolution of stress in the year preceding the onset of an ED.

Methods: The Life Events and Difficulties Schedule interview was applied to a sample with 32 cases and 32 controls selected from a two-phase epidemiologic study among a representative population of adolescents, followed by a decay model to assess acute and chronic stress in the year preceding the onset of ED. Psychiatric comorbidity was assessed using the SCAN interview.

How should the clinician evaluate and manage the cardiovascular complications of anorexia nervosa?

Five to twenty percent of patients with anorexia nervosa die from their illness. One half of those patients die of medical complications (Steinhavsen, 2002). Malnutrition, dehydration, and electrolyte abnormalities may precipitate death by inducing heart failure or fatal arrhythmias.

Case series: outbreak of conversion disorder among amish adolescent girls.

Objective: Outbreak investigations are challenging in a cross-cultural context, and outbreaks of psychiatric disease are rare in any community. We investigated a cluster of unexplained debilitating illness among Amish girls.

Method: We reviewed the medical records of cases, consulted with health care providers, performed active case finding, administered open-ended and structured interviews, and met with Amish community members.