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.
Subject(s)
Feeding Behavior/psychology , Obesity/psychology , Psychotic Disorders/psychology , Schizophrenia/physiopathology , Schizophrenic Psychology , Adult , Analysis of Variance , Circadian Rhythm , Depression/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Psychotic Disorders/physiopathology , Self Report , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/psychology , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Weight gain is common for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) receiving antipsychotic drug therapy. Contingency management (CM) is a behavioral intervention that rewards positive performance and has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing drug use in SMI populations. This study evaluated the feasibility of using CM to promote weight loss in individuals with SMI over 8 weeks. METHOD: 30 individuals (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m(2)) were randomized to one of three conditions: i) The combination of a standardized lifestyle modification (LM) program for individuals with SMI and payment for group attendance (CM(attendance)), ii) The combination of LM and payment for weight loss (CM(weight)), and iii) waitlist control (CON). After the waitlist period, those participants joined a LM group and received payment for behavioral change (CM(behavior)). RESULTS: Subjects in the CM(attendance) and in the CM(weight) group lost a mean of 1.16 kg and 1.23 kg, respectively, while subjects in the CON gained a mean of 0.68 kg. Subjects receiving CM(behavior), lost a mean of 2.54 kg, which was a significant weight loss compared to the control period. CONCLUSION: LM supplemented with CM may facilitate weight loss in patients taking antipsychotic medications; financial reimbursement for behavioral change may be particularly effective in this population.
