Profile of 50 Women with Midlife-Onset Eating Disorders

Abstract

The aim of this study was to present a detailed profile of 50 women eating disorder (ED) inpatients who reported first ED onset at age 40 or above. We assessed patients' sociodemographics, severity-of-illness, comorbid diagnoses, personality profiles, and short-term treatment outcomes. Compared to patients of more traditional young adult ages, results revealed unique features of midlife-onset ED inpatients, including less severe and less common self-reported ED symptomology measured by the EDI-2; a predominance of pure restricting behaviors and rarity of bulimia; similar rates of co-occurring depression and anxiety but of less severity; fewer substance use disorders with a predominance of sedating/calming substance usage; many fewer Cluster C diagnoses on Axis II; substantially greater histories of sexual abuse; and different MMPI-2 profiles emphasizing much greater denial. The corresponding needs among midlife-onset ED inpatients for specialized assessment and treatment interventions are considered.