Psychiatry Research EG

Background Clinical and subclinical eating disorders (EDs) are common in adolescents with type I diabetes. Diabetes is associated with a high prevalence of risk factors for EDs such as high BMI, depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Aim This work aimed to study the prevalence of abnormal eating behaviors in adolescent patients with type I diabetes mellitus, and its association with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Patients and methods Seventy-five patients were recruited from the Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic at Kasr Al Ainy Hospital. Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire and Diabetes Eating Problem Survey were used to screen for abnormal eating behaviors. The diagnosis was checked using the criteria for EDs according to the fifth ed. of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Subsequent assessments for depression and anxiety were performed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, respectively. Results Disordered eating behaviors (DEB) were found in 34.7% of the study group; all were diagnosed with EDs not otherwise specified. Fifty percent of the participants had depressive symptoms and 54% had anxiety symptoms. Conclusion DEBs were found in adolescent patients with type I diabetes. Depression and anxiety were found in nearly half of the patients with DEBs.