# Eating disorder risks and psychopathological distress in Italian high school adolescents

## TL;DR

This study found that many Italian high school students show signs of eating disorders and psychological distress, with these issues often linked and more common in girls.

## Contribution

The study identifies a significant prevalence of eating disorder symptoms and psychopathological distress in adolescents, highlighting gender differences and interrelated factors.

## Key findings

- Over half of the adolescents showed interoceptive deficits linked to eating disorders.
- Psychological distress, including anxiety, was reported in up to 23.77% of participants.
- Strong correlations were found between eating disorder symptoms and psychopathological traits like body dissatisfaction and interpersonal problems.

## Abstract

Psychopathological disorders are often comorbid diagnosis in eating disorders (EDs). We aimed to assess the presence of psychopathological traits and symptoms associated with EDs in an Italian high school adolescent population.

A sample of high school adolescents was enrolled, and demographic and clinical data were collected. Two self-report questionnaires, the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Psychopathology in Adolescence (Q-PAD), were administered.

548 adolescents (333 F/215 M; 16.89 ± 0.85 years) were included. Symptoms associated with EDs of clinical or high clinical concern were prevalent in a range of individuals, with percentages varying from 26.82% for body dissatisfaction to 51.83% for Interoceptive Deficits. The findings from the Q-PAD assessment indicated the presence of psychological distress, leading to discomfort or challenging situations requiring potential intervention in a percentage of adolescents ranging from 2.93% for psychosocial risks to 23.77% for anxiety. These percentages showed differences between genders (F > M, p < 0.001). Our study also highlighted an association between symptoms of EDs and lifestyle factors within families. We observed correlations between Q-PAD measures and EDI-3 scores, including a positive correlation between Q-PAD and EDI-3 body dissatisfaction (r = 0.7), Q-PAD interpersonal conflicts and EDI-3 interpersonal problems (r = 0.6) and a negative correlation between Q-PAD self-esteem and well-being and EDI-3 ineffectiveness Composite (r=-0.7).

a substantial prevalence of ED symptoms and psychological distress among high school adolescents were recorded. These conditions are interrelated, suggesting the importance of addressing them comprehensively. Early detection is essential to improve treatment outcomes and to implement preventive strategies.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13052-024-01717-7.