THE SPECTRUM OF EATING DISTURBANCES

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to review and summarize the r esearch literature on the spectrum of eating disturbances, Method: Lit erature was searched using a computer data base to identify recent art icles related to the prevalence and occurrence of disturbed eating pat terns as well as full and partial syndrome eating disorders (EDs). Res ults: This review indicates that the prevalence of partial syndrome ED s in nonclinical populations is at least twice that of full syndrome E Ds, and that there is a progression in some individuals from less to m ore severe disturbances in eating behavior. Discussion: These findings suggest the need for careful, scientific evaluation of risk factors f or EDs in both children and adults. A longitudinal research program in progress is described which aims to identify the risk factors for EDs . (C) 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.