A study on the prevalence, demography and phenomenology of night eating syndrome in patients attending a tertiary general hospital psychiatric clinic
Journal Title: INDIAN JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH - Year 2016, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Night Eating syndrome (NES) is characterised by morning aphagia, evening hyperphagia and sleep disturbances for a period of at least three months. The exact pathophysiology of NES remains elusive in spite of behavioural and neuroendocrine studies pointing to a combination of a sleep disorder, eating disorder and/or disorder of circadian rhythm. The disorder is associated with stress, abstinence from substance or smoking and many other psychiatric manifestations, apart from significant weight gain and associated metabolic problems. The current research aimed to study the prevalence, phenomenology and demographic profile of NES in patients attending tertiary general hospital psychiatry clinic in medical college attached general hospital. Methods: 459 serial patients aged 18-59 visiting the outpatient department were screened using a standardised questionnaire for NES. A complete demographic profile of patients was recorded and a record of their height, weight, diagnosis and medication history was made. Patients diagnosed with NES were further interviewed in regards to complete phenomenology of the disease, for example duration of symptoms, number of awakenings etc. in them. The prevalence of NES in the sample was calculated and phenomenology was described. Results: In our study, prevalence of NES among patients attending psychiatric OPD was found to be 5.66% (26 patients in sample of 459). Majority of the patients were middle aged between 35-50 years of age. Majority were females. 14 out of the 26 patients were either obese ( BMI>30), or overweight (BMI 2530) and even those with normal weight had BMI in upper ranges of normal (23-25). No positive family history was noted. Complete morning anorexia was noted by all cases. Evening dysphoria, craving for snacks following dinner was found in all cases. Average number of awakenings per night was 2-3 associated with food consumption to get back to sleep. This occurred three-four times a week. Average duration of symptoms was for 1.5-2 years, ranging from 10 months to 10 years. Conclusions: The study assessed NES among a particularly vulnerable group of psychiatric patients and showed prevalence of 5.66%. It is important that we routinely enquire about NES to view of significant prevalence and apparent predisposition to weight gain in psychiatric patients. Larger studies in this direction are warranted.
Authors and Affiliations
Suresh Sathe, Nilesh Shah, Sushma Sonavane, Karishma Rupani, Avinash De Sousa
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP249910
- DOI 10.30877/IJMH.3.2.2016.192-196
- Views 114
- Downloads 0
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