Abstract
Objective: Studies on parental socioeconomic status (SES) and family risk factors for eating disorders (EDs) have yielded inconsistent results; however, several studies have identified high parental educational attainment as a risk factor. The aim was to evaluate associations of parental SES and family composition with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) in the offspring, adjusting for parental age and parental mental health. Methods: The cohort included women born in Denmark between January 1, 1989 and December 31, 2010, derived from Danish national registers. Each person was followed from their sixth birthday until onset of the disorder of interest or to December 31, 2016. Exposure variables were: childhood SES, defined as individually evaluated parental level of income, occupation, and education; sibling status; and family composition. Outcomes were: AN, BN, EDNOS, and major depressive disorder (MDD), included as a psychiatric comparison disorder. Risks were estimated using Cox proportional hazards. Results: High parental SES was associated with increased risk of especially AN, and less so BN and EDNOS, in offspring. In comparison, low SES was associated with a higher risk of MDD. No differences between maternal or paternal socioeconomic risk factors were found. Family composition and sibling status showed limited influence on ED risk. Discussion: SES shows opposite associations with AN than MDD, whereas associations with BN and EDNOS are intermediate. The socioeconomic backdrop of AN differs markedly from that reported in other psychiatric disorders. Whether that is due to genetic and/or environmental factors remains unknown. Public Significance statement: Parental socioeconomic background (SES) may influence eating disorders risk in offspring somewhat differently than other psychiatric disorders. In Denmark, higher parental SES was associated with increased risk of, particularly, anorexia nervosa (AN). Importantly AN does strike across the SES spectrum. We must ensure that individuals of all backgrounds have equal access to care and are equally likely to be detected and treated appropriately for eating disorders.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
---|---|
Tidsskrift | International Journal of Eating Disorders |
Vol/bind | 55 |
Udgave nummer | 8 |
Sider (fra-til) | 1130-1142 |
Antal sider | 13 |
ISSN | 0276-3478 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 2022 |
Bibliografisk note
Funding Information:Helsefonden; Klarman Family Foundation; Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH), Grant/Award Number: R276‐2018‐4581; Mental Health Services, Capital Region, Copenhagen, Denmark; National Institute of Mental Health, Grant/Award Numbers: R01MH120170, R01MH119084, R01MH124871; Vetenskapsrådet, Grant/Award Number: 538‐2013‐8864 Funding information
Funding Information:
The authors thank psychologist Mette Bentz, MSc, PhD, Mental Health Services, Capital Region, Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Copenhagen, Denmark, for critically reviewing the discussion of the manuscript and giving advice about potential psychological mediators between parental education and eating disorder outcome. The funding support for this study are as follows: Mental Health Services, Capital Region, Copenhagen, Denmark (Susanne Vinkel Koch, Kerstin J. Plessen). Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH; Janne Tidselbak Larsen, Liselotte Vogdrup Petersen). Lundbeck Foundation (grant no. R276-2018-4581: Liselotte Vogdrup Petersen). Helsefonden (Janne Tidselbak Larsen). Klarman Family Foundation (Cynthia M. Bulik, Laura M. Thornton, and Janne Tidselbak Larsen). Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet, award: 538-2013-8864: Cynthia M. Bulik). National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH120170; R01MH119084; R01MH124871: Cynthia M. Bulik).
Funding Information:
Cynthia M. Bulik: Shire (grant recipient, Scientific Advisory Board); Pearson (author, royalty recipient); Equip Health Inc. (Clinical Advisory Board). Other authors declare no conflict of interest.
Funding Information:
The authors thank psychologist Mette Bentz, MSc, PhD, Mental Health Services, Capital Region, Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Copenhagen, Denmark, for critically reviewing the discussion of the manuscript and giving advice about potential psychological mediators between parental education and eating disorder outcome. The funding support for this study are as follows: Mental Health Services, Capital Region, Copenhagen, Denmark (Susanne Vinkel Koch, Kerstin J. Plessen). Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research (iPSYCH; Janne Tidselbak Larsen, Liselotte Vogdrup Petersen). Lundbeck Foundation (grant no. R276‐2018‐4581: Liselotte Vogdrup Petersen). Helsefonden (Janne Tidselbak Larsen). Klarman Family Foundation (Cynthia M. Bulik, Laura M. Thornton, and Janne Tidselbak Larsen). Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet, award: 538‐2013‐8864: Cynthia M. Bulik). National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH120170; R01MH119084; R01MH124871: Cynthia M. Bulik).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Eating Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.