Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine which physical and psychological factors influence the autonomic nervous system (ANS) of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Methods: The subjects were 14 AN patients and 12 healthy controls. Beat to beat heart rate variability recorded in a supine position with a controlled respiratory rate of 15/min, was analyzed using power spectral analysis. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by State and Trait Anxiety Inventory and Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale respectively. Results: Anxiety had a significant negative correlation with the ANS of AN patients. The illness duration times body mass index (BMI), a measure of sustained extreme loss of weight, was also significantly associated with changes in the ANS of AN patients. Conclusion: Although the ANS is influenced by various factors, sustained extreme loss of weight seems to be more influential factor in AN patients.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 296-299 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Eating and Weight Disorders |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health