Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa in a sample of italian young adults
V. 175 N. 2 (2024), Observational Study
V. 175 N. 2 (2024)

Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa in a sample of italian young adults: doi: 10.7417/CT.2024.5044

Observational Study
Pubblicato 2024-04-02
M. Lupi
NHS, Mental Health Department, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, “Madonna Del Soccorso” Hospital- San Benedetto del Tronto, AST Ascoli Piceno, Italy
A. Carano
NHS, Mental Health Department, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, “Madonna del Soccorso” Hospital, San Benedetto del Tronto, AST Ascoli Piceno, Italy
M. Carlucci
Studi Cognitivi, Cognitive Psychotherapy School and Research Center, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
T. Acciavatti
NHS, Mental Health Department, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, “Santo Spirito” Hospital, ASL Pescara, Italy
M. Pettorruso
Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
E. Cinosi
Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Clinical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Herts, UK
D. De Berardis
Head of Mental Health Department, ASL Teramo, Italy
G. Martinotti
Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy - Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Clinical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Herts, UK
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Parole chiave

Orthorexia
prevalence
young adults
eating disorders

Abstract

There is only limited epidemiological information on Orthorexia Nervosa; the aim of the present study is, therefore, to assess the prevalence of ON in a population of young adults and to identify possible specific features and eventual psychopatological dimensions.

1317 participants completed a battery containing the orthorexia measure (ORTHO-15), statements about demographic characteristics as well as physiological parameters.

Our results showed a 11.9% prevalence of ON; analyzing the characteristics of the orthorexic group, the prevalence in females compared to males appears to be statistically very significant; moreover shows higher and statistically significant scores in each of the 15 items of the reference test compared to the comparison group.

Our data confirming that ON might be a relevant and potentially underestimate phenomenon in the community. Further studies are warranted in order to explore the diagnostic boundaries of this syndrome, its course and outcome, and the possible therapeutic strategies

 

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