Eating Disorders in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background

Due to their frequency and negative impact on quality of life, eating disorders in schizophrenia need to be considered and highlighting.

Objective

To identify the risk of eating disorders (ED) and its correlates among mental patients.

Methods

It was a descriptive and analytic study. It included 53 inpatients with DSM-5 diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, followed in the department of Psychiatry at the Hedi Chaker University Hospital of Sfax in Tunisia, during the three months of August, September and October 2016. Data collections were conducted using questionnaire exploring sociodemographic and medical data. The SCOFF (sick, control, one, fat, food) Questionnaire was used to screen ED. A total score of ≥ 2 was used as a cutoff point to select persons at risk of ED.

Results

The average age of our patients was 30.47 ± 9.5 years old. The majority of our patients was male (71.7%) and single (71%). The mean of extra Body mass was 27.9. The mean duration of disease was 9.9 ± 8.1 years and patients were mostly (54%) in atypical neuroleptics. According to the SCOFF Questionnaire, 35.8% had a risk of ED. Female gender and treatment with atypical neuroleptics were significantly associated to ED risk with respectively P = 0.02 and P = 0.038.

Conclusion

Eating disorders remain underestimated among patients suffering from schizophrenia. Yet, its screening prevention and management are crucial and must be multidisciplinary for optimal care.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.