Eating disorders Night eating syndrome and binge eating disorder in depression

Objective: The connection between night eating syndrome (NES) and binge eating disorder (BED) with depression has been demonstrated in many studies. However, there is no study conducted on ratios of both NES and BED major depressive patients. The main purpose of this study is to determine ratios of NES and BED in major depressive patients and healthy controls and to identify risk factors which affect development of NES and BED.

Method: This study comprised of 168 depressed patients and 165 healthy participants. The Beck Depression Inventory and Eating Attitudes Test were applied.

Results: 27 (16.4%) depressed patients and 7 (4.2%) healthy controls fulfilled the NES criteria. On the other hand, 33 (19.6%) depressed patients and 7 (4.2%) healthy controls meet the BED criteria. Of the participants who had NES, 41.2% was also diagnosed with BED. According to the regression analysis; it is determined that being in the 18-29 age group, obesity and existence of depression are the risk factors, which affect development of NES. Obesity and existence of depression were also identified as the risk factors, which affect development of BED.

Conclusions: This study concludes that NES and BED are observed more in patients with major depressive disorder in comparison to healthy individuals. Such abnormal eating behaviors, which are related with obesity, contribute to weight gain in patients and may lead to increase in psychopathology level. It is recommended that patients with depression should be screened for symptoms of night eating and binge eating.