Psychiatry Research Communications (Jun 2022)
Examining predictors of menstrual irregularity among women receiving outpatient treatment for an eating disorder: Psychiatric diagnosis, age of onset, physical, and psychological symptoms
Abstract
Menstrual irregularities have been documented in patients with an eating disorder. The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of menstrual irregularities in women who presented for outpatient treatment of an eating disorder, whether these differed across eating disorder diagnoses, and whether age of onset of the illness, body mass index (BMI), or psychological symptoms of the eating disorder were predictors of menstrual irregularity. A retrospective chart review of the files of 87 adults who presented for outpatient care for an eating disorder was conducted. Over half (58.3%) of women presenting for outpatient treatment had menstrual irregularities. Women with a diagnosis of other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) were more likely to experience menstrual irregularities. Age of onset of the illness and Drive for Thinness were significant predictors of experiencing menstrual irregularities. Menstrual irregularities are common in women presenting for outpatient treatment of an eating disorder. Age of onset of the illness and psychological symptoms may play a role in the development of menstrual irregularities in women with an eating disorder. There is a need for eating disorder clinicians to regularly follow-up with women about their reproductive health, regardless of their physical health status or eating disorder diagnosis.
