Hypomania across the binge eating spectrum. A study on hypomanic symptoms in full criteria and sub-threshold binge eating subjects

Backgrounds

Obese subjects affected by binge eating can be distinguished between those showing full criteria Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and those who show binge eating of insufficient frequency to satisfy DSM criteria, or sub-threshold BED (s-BED). The present paper aims to investigate whether subjects with BED full criteria show more hypomanic symptoms than those with s-BED, after controlling for personality variables as potential confounders.

Methods

The Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) were administered to 103 obese patients with binge eating.

Results

Full criteria BED subjects were more likely to be female and showed higher HCL-32 scores and lower scores in character dimensions (Self-directedness and Cooperativeness) compared to s-BED subjects. A logistic regression with Eating Disorder Diagnosis as outcome measure (BED or s-BED) revealed that lower Cooperativeness, higher Hypomania scores and female sex predicted having BED full criteria.

Limitations

Further research is necessary to replicate these findings in a larger sample.

Conclusions

Patients with more severe binge eating might be more likely to have a comorbid bipolar spectrum disorder. Hypomanic symptoms should be assessed and mood stabilizing treatment should be considered in these patients.