Longitudinal Patterns of Disordered Eating Behaviors in Children and Adolescents from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort Study for Mental Conditions.

Objective: Disordered Eating Behaviors (DEB) are associated with dysfunctional changes in eating behavior, not meeting diagnostic criteria for eating disorders. DEB affects a significant percentage of individuals, yet it remains under-researched. The current study investigates the developmental trajectory and psychopathological correlates of DEB in children and adolescents in Brazil.

Methods: The sample included 1,583 participants from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort, assessed across three waves between 2010 (age 6-12 years) and 2019 (age 12-21 years). Psychopathology diagnoses were evaluated using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) and DEB was assessed through the DAWBA eating disorders screening. Dimensional psychopathology was measured with the Child Behavior Checklist.

Results: Participants were divided into dysfunctional and non-dysfunctional eating groups. DEB showed significant variability, with few maintaining persistent patterns. DEB was strongly linked to higher internalizing symptoms, especially in girls, but less to externalizing behaviors. DEB increased the likelihood of Eating Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, and higher BMI.

Conclusions: This study reveals that DEB are frequent among Brazilian children and adolescents and linked to psychopathology, especially internalizing symptoms, and BMI. Future research should investigate the underlying mechanisms of DEB and develop strategies for early detection and effective interventions.