Risk factors, correlates, and markers in early-onset bulimia nervosa and EDNOS.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the specific risk factors, correlates, and markers associated with the development of symptomatology of early-onset BN and subclinical BN.

METHOD: Two semi-structured interviews were used to examine symptomatology and antecedent factors of bulimic symptoms in a sample of British adolescents.

RESULTS

Adolescents with early-onset eating pathology were significantly more likely to report an earlier age of menarche than those developing the disorder at the typical age, and were found to have a different pathway of symptom development.

DISCUSSION: Increased awareness of this may help identify those particularly at risk for developing an early-onset of eating pathology.