Intolerância à incerteza nos transtornos alimentares

Abstract

Uncertainty intolerance (UI) refers to cognitive, behavioral and emotional responses to events experienced as uncertain, regardless of the probability of the results. In eating disorders (ED), it remains to be clarified whether intolerance to uncertainty is specific to the disorder, or related to a personality trait; and, also, whether symptoms of the pathology are associated with the uncertainty itself, or with the emotional consequences associated with it. The aim of the study is to characterize the influence of uncertainty intolerance in ED. In the narrative review, studies published between 2018 and 2021 in the PsychINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched. Period established due to a recent survey covering the previous period. The analysis of the 15 articles indicated an association between UI and food restriction; feeling of “loss of control”, changes in body image and emotional dysregulation. There is no association with symptoms related to exercise, binge eating or purging. Personality traits related to UI are: “desire for predictability”; rigidity; neuroticism; obsessive-compulsive; maladaptive perfectionism and avoidant style of social problem solving. It is suggested that the specific therapeutic approach for UI has an impact on ED risk conditions; in the control of the emotional response that intensifies symptoms of the existing pathology and in clinical improvement in comorbid conditions with personality disorders.