title: Prevalence of night eating in obese individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
abstract: The prevalence of Night Eating Syndrome (NES) in the general population is estimated to be 1.5%, however, the rates among individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are not yet established. This study sought to examine the frequency and correlates of NES-related behaviors in a sample of obese patients with schizophrenia. One-hundred outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders completed the self-report Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) and were then interviewed as a follow-up for the specific assessment of NES. Based on a diagnostic interview, 12% of this sample met full criteria for NES, with an additional 10% meeting partial criteria for NES. Based on the NEQ alone, 8% met full criteria with an additional 8% meeting partial criteria. Night eating behaviors were associated with increased insomnia and depression. Our findings suggest that screening for NES among patients with serious mental illness may efficiently identify a subgroup with additional clinical needs.
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, ConnecticutMental Health Center, CT, USA. laura.palmese@yale.edu
authors.forename: Laura B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Palmese
authors.forename: Joseph C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ratliff
authors.forename: Erin L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Reutenauer
authors.forename: K Melek
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Tonizzo
authors.forename: Carlos M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Grilo
authors.forename: Cenk
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D057566:Self Report; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires