Binge Eating in Schizophrenia Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Khazaal Yasser, Frésard Emmanuelle, Borgeat François, Zullino Daniele
Primary Institution: Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Vaud
Hypothesis
Do overweight patients with schizophrenia differ in binge eating symptomatology from non-psychiatric controls?
Conclusion
Overweight patients with schizophrenia have a higher prevalence of binge eating symptoms compared to non-psychiatric controls.
Supporting Evidence
- 60% of patients with schizophrenia and 30% of controls with BMI ≥ 28 have binge eating symptomatology.
- Previous studies indicated high rates of binge eating disorder in psychotic patients treated with certain antipsychotics.
Takeaway
People with schizophrenia who are overweight often eat too much, and this can be a problem when they are taking certain medications.
Methodology
The study assessed BMI and binge eating status in 40 schizophrenic outpatients and 40 non-psychiatric controls using clinical interviews and statistical analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the absence of a diverse control group.
Limitations
Small control group, unknown adherence to antipsychotic drugs, and lack of non-schizophrenic psychiatric controls.
Participant Demographics
40 schizophrenic outpatients (19 female, mean age 33.8) and 40 non-psychiatric controls (21 female, mean age 35.5).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.034
Statistical Significance
p = 0.034
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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