Clinical Practice Guidelines for Assessment, Management, and Treatment of Eating Disorders During Perinatal Period

Recent research paper aims to identify and synthesize clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) related to the assessment, management, and treatment of eating disorders (EDs) during the perinatal period. Eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED), and others, significantly impact physical and mental health, with AN having the highest mortality rate among mental health disorders. ED prevalence during pregnancy is around 5%, and there's elevated risk for EDs during the perinatal period due to concerns about weight gain and societal pressure.

Maternal and Fetal Health Risks

The study found that maternal EDs pose various risks to both maternal and fetal health. Women with EDs are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, pregnancy complications, and adverse birth outcomes. Maternal AN and BN are associated with fetal growth restrictions, preterm delivery, and other complications, while maternal BED is linked to infants with large-for-gestational-age. Additionally, children of mothers with EDs are at higher risk of developing ED symptoms and other emotional and behavioral problems.

The systematic review methodology included searching various databases and grey literature sources to identify CPGs on perinatal EDs. 17 CPGs were included, highlighting the importance of early detection, comprehensive assessment, educating and supporting the mother, cross-system collaboration, psychological and medical treatments tailored to individual needs, and continued monitoring throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Evaluation of methodological quality was conducted using the AGREE-II tool, and the quality varied among the included CPGs. Recommendations from the review emphasize the need for early detection, comprehensive assessment, and tailored treatment for perinatal EDs. The review identified potential barriers to implementing these recommendations, including shame and secrecy around EDs, lack of specificity in responsibilities for HCPs, and limited knowledge and training among healthcare professionals. Collaboration between systems and referral to specialized services were also highlighted for effective management of perinatal EDs.

Study Limitations and Implications

The study recognized limitations, such as language restrictions and lack of cultural considerations in the CPGs. The strength of the study lies in synthesizing recommendations from various countries and providing a framework for improving care for women with perinatal EDs. The implications of the study suggest improved health outcomes for women and babies by following the synthesized recommendations and further research to refine these recommendations. In conclusion, the review findings can help enhance the care provided to women with EDs during the perinatal period, contributing to better health outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Key Points

- The research paper aims to identify and synthesize clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) related to the assessment, management, and treatment of eating disorders (EDs) during the perinatal period, including Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), and Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

- Maternal EDs pose risks to both maternal and fetal health, with mothers at higher risk of depression, anxiety, pregnancy complications, adverse birth outcomes, fetal growth restrictions, preterm delivery, and offspring developing ED symptoms and other behavioral problems.

- The systematic review methodology involved searching databases and grey literature to identify 17 CPGs on perinatal EDs. Key recommendations included early detection, comprehensive assessment, tailored treatments, education, support, collaboration, and ongoing monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum.

- Barriers to implementing recommendations for perinatal EDs were identified, such as shame, secrecy, lack of specificity in healthcare professionals' responsibilities, and limited training. Collaboration and referral to specialized services were highlighted for effective management. - Study limitations included language restrictions and lack of cultural considerations in CPGs. The strength of the study lies in synthesizing recommendations from various countries to improve care for women with perinatal EDs and suggests further research to refine recommendations.

- The review findings aim to enhance care for women with EDs during the perinatal period, improving health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Recommendations emphasize early detection, comprehensive assessment, tailored treatment, collaboration, and ongoing monitoring to address perinatal EDs effectively.

Reference –

Chantelle Ecob et al. (2025). A Systematic Review Of The Clinical Practice Guidelines For The Assessment, Management And Treatment Of Eating Disorders During The Perinatal Period. *BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth*, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06995-x