The Ohio State University College of Medicine Columbus, OH
Introduction: Complaints of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as postprandial fullness, abdominal distention, abdominal pain, gastric distention, early satiety, constipation, vomiting, flatulence, decreased appetite, borborygmi, and nausea, are frequent among patient with eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In addition, there is a significant correlation between GI symptoms and hypochondriasis. Despite potential overlap of eating disorders and gastrointestinal disorders, it is unknown how many of these patients have restrictive eating habits and hence may benefit from further therapy including counseling by a specialist in eating disorders. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of restrictive eating habits in the patients seen an Ohio State University Gastroenterology clinic by conducting a retrospective review of the electronic medical records of patients in clinic.
Methods: This is an observational and retrospective IRB approved chart review study. Patients seen in Ohio State University Gastroenterology clinic between August 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022 were screened for eligibility. Those who have completed the SCOFF questionnaire, are 18 years an older, speak English, and attended an appointment during the study time frame were included. Chart review included demographic information, past medical history, current medication use, eating habits, digestive symptoms, stress, and quality of life. Data was entered in RedCap and analyzed using t-tests.
Results: A preliminary analysis of 20 patients found 20% screened positive for eating disorder using the SCOFF questionnaire, despite none having a prior established eating disorder diagnosis. Those with positive SCOFF screening had a diagnosis of anxiety more commonly than those with a negative SCOFF (p=0.02). All patients with a positive SCOFF had gastroesophageal reflux, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and prescription for a non-SSRI antidepressant. No significant difference in quality of life, perceived stress, dysphagia, or swallowing was identified in this group.
Discussion: The prevalence of positive eating disorder screen in patients with gastrointestinal disease is more than double the prevalence of eating disorders in the United States. Screening for eating disorders in gastrointestinal patients may be an important, previously unrecognized aspect of care for these patients.
