Obesity and psychopathology. A study of psychiatric comorbidity among patients attending a specialist obesity unit.
OBJECTIVE
The study aims to evaluate the frequency of association between Axis I and II disorders according to DSMIVTR criteria and obesity, and use of mental health services in a clinical sample of patients attending a centre for the diagnosis and treatment of Obesity.


METHODS
150 consecutive patients (32 Males, 118 females, mean age 44.6 +/- 14.3 yrs; mean BMI 35.4 +/- 6.2) were interviewed by means of SCID I and SCID II.


RESULTS
Lifetime Prevalence of Axis I disorders was 58% (males 50%; females 61%); the highest prevalence rate was found for Anxiety Disorders (approx 35%), whilst 30% of subjects were affected by Mood disorders, chiefly Major Depression (20%), and 18% by Eating Disorders. 28% of obese patients presented a Personality Disorder, 23% of patients being affected both by an Axis I and Axis II disorder. Mood Disorders, in particular Major Depression, were significantly prevalent among female obese. 50% of females and approx 37% males included in the sample had contacted mental health units for treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Data obtained in the present study confirm the high prevalence rates of mental disorders in obese patients seeking treatment. Specialist units should therefore include thorough psychiatric evaluation of patients as a routine practice.
Carpiniello
Bernardo
B
Department of Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy. bcarpin@iol.it
Pinna
Federica
F
Pillai
Gianluca
G
Nonnoi
Valentina
V
Pisano
Enrica
E
Corrias
Silvia
S
Orrù
Maria Germana
MG
Orrù
Walter
W
Velluzzi
Fernanda
F
Loviselli
Andrea
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*