Citation

Skårderud F, Sommerfeldt B. Tidsskr. Nor. Laegeforen. 2009; 129(9): 877-881.

Vernacular Title

Selvskading og spiseforstyrrelser.

Affiliation

finns@online.no Avdeling for helse- og sosialfag Hogskolen i Lillehammer 2626 Lillehammer.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Norske Laegeforening)

DOI

10.4045/tidsskr.08.0509

PMID

19415089

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this article is to give an overview over the associations between self-harm and eating disorders, and to present theoretical models to interpret such associations. Common phenomenological characteristics between these conditions are emphasized. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The article is based on a non-systematic literature search of Medline, PsychInfo and EMBASE (1985 - 2008) and the authors' own archive. RESULTS: Empirical studies confirm a strong association between self-harm and eating disorders. Reported prevalence of self-harm among patients with eating disorders vary between 13 and 68 %. A higher prevalence has been reported for patients with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa binge-type than among patients with anorexia nervosa restrictive type. Possible common factors are impulsivity, obsessive-compulsive traits, dissociation, negative self-evaluation, trauma, high conflict level in the family environment and sensitivity for cultural trends. INTERPRETATION: Self-harm and eating disorder represent disturbed regulation of affects, and both practices can be interpreted as attempts of active coping.

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