Psychiatric disorders among obese binge eaters

Abstract

This study compared the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among obese binge eaters (n = 25) and obese non—binge eaters (n = 25) of similar age and weight. Subjects were interviewed by clinicians who were blind to the patients' binge status using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Sixty percent of bingers met criteria for one or more psychiatric disorders, compared with 28% of nonbingers, with differences most apparent in affective disorder; 32% of obese bingers reported a history of affective disorder versus only 8% of nonbingers. Obese binge eaters also reported significantly more psychiatric symptoms, especially symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.