This study aimed to explore the prevalence and types of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in patients with eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). It also sought to identify predictors of these disorders. A total of 101 female patients, with a mean age of 21 years, completed the Rome II modular questionnaire and other validated self-reported assessments. The results showed that 98% of participants met the criteria for at least one FGID, with the most common being irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional heartburn, functional abdominal bloating, and functional constipation. Over half of the sample had at least three coexisting FGIDs.

Psychological factors, including somatization, neuroticism, and anxiety, as well as age and binge eating, were significant predictors of specific FGID types and the presence of multiple coexisting FGIDs. Interestingly, other disordered eating factors, such as body mass index, were not predictive. The study concluded that specific psychological traits play a key role in the development of certain FGIDs in patients with eating disorders, suggesting that addressing these psychological factors may help in managing gastrointestinal symptoms in this population.

Reference: Boyd C, Abraham S, Kellow J. Psychological features are important predictors of functional gastrointestinal disorders in patients with eating disorders. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2005 Aug;40(8):929-35. doi: 10.1080/00365520510015836. PMID: 16170899.