Anid Cortes-Morales

We examined associations between potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and lifetime eating disorders (EDs) in the Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative-Mexico [EDGI-MX; N = 298; 174 cases, 124 controls, ages 13-78 years (M = 28.9 SD = 11.3), 81% cisgender women]. ED diagnoses and symptoms were from an online questionnaire capturing DSM-5 diagnoses via algorithm; PTEs were assessed with the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5; and depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms with validated self-report measures. Logistic regressions and analyses of covariance were adjusted for age and gender. PTEs were reported by 75% of cases and 53% of controls (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.04, 6.62), including fire/explosions (13.6; 1.30, 141.76), transportation accident (2.1; 1.13, 4.06), serious accidents (10.0; 2.03, 49.64), sexual assault (5.9; 2.57, 13.91), other uncomfortable sexual experiences (3.2; 1.68, 6.41), and other stressful event (4.3; 1.95, 9.76). Although PTEs were not significantly associated with greater depression, anxiety, or OC symptoms in cases, these co-occurring symptoms may still be relevant clinically. Results highlight the importance of assessing PTEs in Mexican individuals with EDs and encourage exploration of timing of PTE exposure to clarify their role in ED development and course.

Eating Disorders (EDs) in Mexicans have been associated with an elevated psychiatric comorbidity, highlighting the necessity for a reliable assessment tool. However, previous validations of the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) in Mexico yielded diverse results regarding its underlying factor structure, leading to uncertainty and complexity in understanding its latent models. This study will evaluate multiple previously proposed EDE-Q models in a sample of 173 patients with EDs undergoing various standard-of-care programs in Monterrey, Mexico. Through Confirmatory Factor Analysis, eight models were scrutinized. Different coefficients were considered to assess the internal consistency of the retained model. Concurrent and convergent validity were assessed using measures of EDs, body image, and clinical parameters. A brief 7-item 3-factor model demonstrated the optimal fit to the data. Internal consistency indices, including Cronbach's alpha, Omega and Spearman-Brown coefficients, exhibited adequate values. Concurrent and convergent validity were supported by significant associations with measures of ED, body appreciation, body dissatisfaction, clinical impairment, and depression. This study comprehensively assessed multiple EDE-Q models, identifying a brief 7-item 3-factor model, consistent with previous findings among Mexicans. The establishment of a robust EDE-Q model holds promise for enhancing EDs prevention, treatment, and research efforts in Mexico.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of psychiatric disorders have focused primarily on individuals of European ancestry, excluding other ancestries, including Latin American populations. We explore representation of Latin American populations in psychiatric genetics, with a focus on eating disorders. Latin America is “admixed,” representing the rich migration history from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Early GWAS technology and analytic strategies performed best in European-ancestry populations. New technology and statistical methods are designed to be inclusive of the genetic richness of admixed populations. Failure to include Latin American and other underrepresented ancestries in genetic studies could lead to incomplete or faulty conclusions about genetic and environmental contributions to psychiatric disease. This raises ethical questions and has critical scientific repercussions, as GWAS findings may not fully replicate across ancestries, ultimately exacerbating health disparities. We review efforts to accelerate genetic research by the Latin American Genetics Consortium (LAGC); highlight strategies to increase transparency and willingness of Latin American individuals to participate in research; and efforts to build capacity throughout Latin America. Achieving these goals advance etiological understanding of psychiatric disorders and assure that future treatments will serve people across all ancestries.