The Effects of Eating Disorders on the Patient’s Siblings
Eating disorders affect the family of the patient, but the mental state of siblings has yet to be thoroughly examined
The mental state of siblings of people with eating disorders is an important issue that needs to be researched more thoroughly. Yet to date, it has been largely neglected , both in research and in the therapeutic field. A review written by Iris Maon of the BIU Department of Psychology (supervised by Dr. Yari Gvion and Prof. Danny Horesh) regards the perspective of siblings: the family dynamics and possible psychopathological repercussions.
Research shows that eating disorders have distinct implications for family members of those who suffer from it. Iris Maon’s research examines the siblings’ personal experience, their psychopathological indexes and their coping mechanisms. The review encompasses 26 articles from PubMed and PsyNet d – databases that contain academic publications in the fields of medicine and psychology. The review includes various facets: emotional welfare, psychopathology, social ramifications, family dynamics and coping strategies. The review shows that dealing with eating disorders has a distinct influence on the patients’ siblings, for instance in a decrease in quality of life, social seclusion and an increase in family tension. In some research, siblings were found to have increased psychopathology and eating disorder symptoms, however there is significant variation in the character and severity of the symptoms.
The review points to the need for additional studies which thoroughly research the personal and interpersonal factors involved in the impact eating disorders have on siblings. The review also shines a light on the need for effective and innovative interventions, focusing mostly on groups at high risk for developing eating disorders.
For the full article in Frontiers in Psychiatry