Abstract
To emphasize the specialization of psychosomatic medicine, I will take up the subject of eating disorders. I will address epidemiological, etiological, patho-physiological, patho-psychological and therapeutic aspects of eating disorders. I will show the studies of Kyushu University, Tokyo University and a research group supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. According to our epidemiological studies, the estimated total number of eating disorders patients who visit Japanese hospital in 1992 is 6,000. The Incidence of eating disorders in hospital patients is 4.9 per 105 general population. But the incidence in school girls is much higher. Diagnostic criteria were established. In etiological research, studies on the effect of neuro-peptides have been performed. As to patho-physiological studies, there are many studies related to eating disorders in endocrinology, gastroenterology and immunology. In patho-psychological research, a Japanese version of EDI (Eating Disorder Inventory) was made. Transcultural studies on the relationship between child abuse and eating disorders were also performed. The research group published a manual on treatments of eating disorders. Among a variety of treatments methods, cognitive behavior therapy and family therapy are currently attracting attention. The effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) on bulimia was studied.
