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Obesity and psychopathology. A study of psychiatric comorbidity among patients attending a specialist obesity unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 April 2011

Bernardo Carpiniello ,
Federica Pinna ,
Gianluca Pillai ,
Valentina Nonnoi ,
Enrica Pisano ,
Silvia Corrias ,
Maria Germana Orrù ,
Walter Orrù ,
Fernanda Velluzzi  and
Andrea Loviselli
Bernardo Carpiniello*
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari (Italy)
Federica Pinna
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari (Italy)
Gianluca Pillai
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari (Italy)
Valentina Nonnoi
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari (Italy)
Enrica Pisano
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari (Italy)
Silvia Corrias
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari (Italy)
Maria Germana Orrù
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari (Italy)
Walter Orrù
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari (Italy) “H. Shultz” Institute, Cagliari (Italy)
Fernanda Velluzzi
Affiliation:
Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity, University Policlinic, Cagliari (Italy)
Andrea Loviselli
Affiliation:
Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity, University Policlinic, Cagliari (Italy)
*
Dr. B. Carpiniello, Dept. of Public Health-Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Via Liguria 13, 09127 Cagliari (Italy). E-mail: bcarpin@iol.it
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Summary

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 44.614.3 yrs; mean BMI 35.46.2) 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.

Declaration of Interest: The study was supported by a research grant by University of Cagliari (ex 60% funding, financial year 2006); the authors declare no conflict of interest.

Keywords

obesitymental disorderscomorbidityanxietydepressionpersonality disordersgenderBMImental health services.
Type
Original Articles
Information
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences , Volume 18 , Issue 2 , June 2009 , pp. 119 - 127
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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