Prenatal stress exposure as a risk factor for anorexia nervosa: A controlled study

Abstract

Introduction

Prenatal risk factors, such as gestational complications and exposure to stress during pregnancy, may have a role in the development of many psychiatric disorders including eating disorders.

Aim

To investigate the impact of prenatal stress exposure on the development and clinical features of anorexia nervosa.

Methods

One hundred and nine patients with a lifetime diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and 118 healthy controls underwent a clinical assessment, which included interviews, questionnaires and a neuropsychological battery. The mothers of the patients and controls underwent a specific interview focused on stressful life events, which occurred during pregnancy. Obstetric and neonatal records were consulted.

Results

The mothers of patients experienced more severe stressful episodes during pregnancy than the mothers of controls and the perceived distress showed significant positive correlation with both total number of obstetrical complications and placental weight. In patients, the severity of stressful events was strongly associated to cognitive rigidity and perseverance.

Conclusions

Prenatal stress exposure might be a risk factor for the development of anorexia nervosa and it is associated with cognitive traits of rigidity and perseverance.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.