Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Pain severity in eating disorders predicts longer inpatient hospitalization
Janelle W Coughlin1, Robert R Edwards, Graham W Redgrave
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA. jwilder3@jhmi.edu
Objective:
This study examined pain intensity (PI) in eating disorders.
Method:
Comparisons between inpatients (N = 208) reporting moderate to severe pain (HiP) and no pain or mild pain (LoP) at admission were made, and the relationship between PI and treatment response was examined.
Results:
Patients with HiP were older, had a greater likelihood of having a bingeing and/or purging diagnosis, and reported greater body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, depressive symptomatology, and neuroticism in comparison to those with LoP. They were also more likely to report widespread pain, to catastrophize about pain and to use praying and hoping to cope with pain. PI was associated with longer length of inpatient hospitalization, even after controlling for degree of underweight, depressive symptomatology, and neurotic personality features.
Discussion:
This is the first observation of a relationship between pain and health care utilization in eating disorders. The results imply that pain management is an important component of treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorders
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications