Adherence
The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Anorexia Nervosa, specifically the removal of amenorrhea as a required criterion and the shift from '85% of ideal body weight' to 'significantly low weight', improve diagnostic accuracy for athletes, particularly females, males, and adolescents.
Do not use BMI or menstrual status to rule out Anorexia Nervosa in athletes. If an athlete exhibits significantly low weight, intense fear of weight gain, and body image disturbance, they may have AN even if their periods are regular or their BMI is 'normal'. Use the DSM-5 criteria which focus on health impact rather than rigid weight numbers.
Removing amenorrhoea as a diagnostic requirement also facilitates the diagnosis of anorexia in men, postmenopausal women and adolescents with delayed menarche.
Why this rating
Based on the paper's review of DSM-5 changes and cited studies showing reduced EDNOS diagnoses.
Source
2016 update on eating disorders in athletes: A comprehensive narrative review with a focus on clinical assessment and management
Elizabeth A. Joy et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2016
DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095735
More from this paper
- Female athletes with Anorexia Nervosa (BMI <16.5) or severe Bulimia Nervosa (purging >4 times/week) should be categorically restricted from sports participation due to high mortality and morbidity risks.Strong
- Athletes participating in sports that emphasize leanness, weight classes, or aesthetic evaluation have a significantly higher prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors compared to non-athletes and athletes in other sports.Good
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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