Pietro Ciarlo
Obesity and psychopathology. A study of psychiatric comorbidity among patients attending a specialist obesity unit
CARPINIELLO, BERNARDO;PINNA, FEDERICA;VELLUZZI, FERNANDA;LOVISELLI, ANDREA
2009-01-01
Abstract
AIMS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.