The spectrum of eating disturbances.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper was to review and summarize the research literature on the spectrum of eating disturbances.

METHOD

Literature was searched using a computer data base to identify recent articles related to the prevalence and occurrence of disturbed eating patterns as well as full and partial syndrome eating disorders (EDs).

RESULTS

This review indicates that the prevalence of partial syndrome EDs in nonclinical populations is at least twice that of full syndrome EDs, and that there is a progression in some individuals from less to more severe disturbances in eating behavior.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest the need for careful, scientific evaluation of risk factors for EDs in both children and adults. A longitudinal research program in progress is described which aims to identify the risk factors for EDs.