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Sexual function and dysfunction among women with anorexia nervosa: A systematic scoping review
Tom Price1,2, Martin Zebitz3, Annamaria Giraldi4,5
1Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|May 26, 2020
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is common in women with anorexia nervosa (AN), influenced by low body mass index (BMI) and other biological and psychosocial factors. More research is needed to develop effective interventions for sexual health in AN.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with various biological and psychosocial factors impacting sexual health.
- Sexual function and dysfunction in women with AN is a complex issue requiring comprehensive understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize current literature on sexual function and dysfunction in women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN).
- To identify gaps in research and inform clinical practice and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic scoping review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Searched PubMed, EMBASE, and PsychInfo databases for relevant literature published up to April 2020.
- Included studies focusing on sexual function/dysfunction in women with AN, excluding those solely on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Main Results:
- Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, primarily from Western countries using cohort or cross-sectional designs.
- While libido may correlate with body mass index (BMI), other sexual functioning aspects may not be weight-dependent.
- Limited data exists on evidence-based interventions for sexual dysfunction in women with AN.
Conclusions:
- Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in women with AN, influenced by low BMI, physiological sequelae, and psychosocial factors.
- Clinicians should address sexual function during eating disorder assessments.
- Further research with robust designs and validated measures is crucial to understand causal pathways and develop targeted therapies.
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