Testing a cognitive model of generalized anxiety disorder in the eating disorders

TY - JOUR

T1 - Testing a cognitive model of generalized anxiety disorder in the eating disorders

AU - Konstantellou, Anna

AU - Campbell, Mari

AU - Eisler, Ivan

AU - Simic, Mima

AU - Treasure, Janet

PY - 2011/10

Y1 - 2011/10

N2 - Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common comorbid disorders found in individuals with eating disorders. Despite this, little is known of shared vulnerability factors between the two disorders. The aim of the present study was to examine the four main components of a cognitive model for GAD in the eating disorders. One hundred and sixty-two females took part. Three groups were formed comprising of 19 participants with an eating disorder and GAD, 70 with an eating disorder without GAD and 73 healthy controls. All completed self-report questionnaires that measured eating attitudes, levels of GAD, intolerance of uncertainty, positive beliefs about worry, negative problem orientation, and cognitive avoidance. Participants with an eating disorder and GAD scored the highest on all four components when compared to healthy individuals and on most components when compared to those with an eating disorder. Participants with an eating disorder without GAD scored higher on all components compared to healthy controls. Findings extend our understanding of shared vulnerability factors between the eating disorders and GAD. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

AB - Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common comorbid disorders found in individuals with eating disorders. Despite this, little is known of shared vulnerability factors between the two disorders. The aim of the present study was to examine the four main components of a cognitive model for GAD in the eating disorders. One hundred and sixty-two females took part. Three groups were formed comprising of 19 participants with an eating disorder and GAD, 70 with an eating disorder without GAD and 73 healthy controls. All completed self-report questionnaires that measured eating attitudes, levels of GAD, intolerance of uncertainty, positive beliefs about worry, negative problem orientation, and cognitive avoidance. Participants with an eating disorder and GAD scored the highest on all four components when compared to healthy individuals and on most components when compared to those with an eating disorder. Participants with an eating disorder without GAD scored higher on all components compared to healthy controls. Findings extend our understanding of shared vulnerability factors between the eating disorders and GAD. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

U2 - 10.1016/j.janxdis.2011.04.005

DO - 10.1016/j.janxdis.2011.04.005

M3 - Article

VL - 25

SP - 864

EP - 869

JO - Journal of Anxiety Disorders

JF - Journal of Anxiety Disorders

IS - 7

ER -