Eating Disorders in Adolescents with Celiac Disease: Influence of Personality Characteristics and Coping

Objectives: Patients suffering from celiac disease (CD) have a higher risk of developing disturbed eating behaviour.

Method: In a multi-centre study, 259 female adolescents with CD and without a chronic condition were analysed regarding their eating disorder (ED) status, depression, personality, coping strategies and quality of life.

Results: Patients with CD and comorbid EDs were older and more often non-compliant with their diet and had a higher body mass index (BMI) and higher levels of depression. Differences in personality features disappear when controlling for age and depression. Higher ill-being and lower joy in life were reported by patients with CD and ED compared with patients without EDs, even when controlling for age and depression levels. No differences between patients (with CD) with and without EDs in coping strategies were found. BMI and lower self-directedness predicted ED status.

Conclusions: Early identification of EDs in patients with CD is suggested and should include BMI and personality factors.