Psychopathological differences between morbidly obese binge eaters and non-binge eaters after bariatric surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the psychological characteristics of a group of morbidly obese patients with binge eating disorders and to investigate whether the psychopathological status of binge eaters is different from that of other morbidly obese patients.


METHODS
We used the Binge Eating Scale, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II (MCMI-II) to interview 140 morbidly obese patients 18 months after bariatric surgery (vertical banded gastroplasty), and compared the results obtained in binge eaters (n = 25) and non-binge eaters (n = 115).


RESULTS
The binge eaters had more eating disturbances (more binge eating, less restriction, more disinhibition, more hunger) and psychopathological characteristics (passive-aggressive traits, aggressive-sadistic traits, manic disorders, alcohol dependence and major depression) than the non-binge eaters. They were also younger and achieved a lower percentage of weight loss.


CONCLUSIONS
After bariatric surgery, our obese binge eaters reported significantly more psychiatric symptoms, especially those relating to eating disorders, depression, alcohol dependence and personality disturbances. Their weight loss was less satisfactory, and they sought bariatric surgery at a younger age.
Guisado Macias
J A
JA
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain. jguisadom@medynet.com
Vaz Leal
F J
FJ
D000328:Adult; D002032:Bulimia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome