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Binge eating disorder in elderly individuals.
Anna I Guerdjikova1, Anne M O'Melia, Nicole Mori
1Lindner Center of HOPE, Mason, OH, USA. anna.guerdjikova@lindnercenter.org
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|May 12, 2012
Summary
Binge eating disorder (BED) in older adults shares similarities with younger individuals regarding eating pathology and obesity. However, many elderly individuals with BED maintain good general medical health, suggesting it affects a subset of physically healthy seniors.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Eating Disorders
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a significant psychiatric condition.
- Limited research exists on BED specifically within the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a preliminary description of the clinical characteristics of BED in elderly individuals.
- To identify unique features or similarities compared to younger adults with BED.
Main Methods:
- Systematic evaluation of psychological and general medical characteristics.
- Inclusion of 20 elderly individuals (≥65 years) meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for BED.
Main Results:
- Participants reported an average of 4.5 binge episodes weekly.
- Weight and shape concerns significantly influenced self-evaluation.
- Mood disorders were the most common psychiatric comorbidities.
- Despite a mean BMI of 36.4, most participants were in good general medical health.
Conclusions:
- BED in the elderly mirrors younger adults in eating pathology, psychiatric comorbidity, and obesity.
- Elderly individuals with BED, apart from obesity, often present with good general medical health.
- BED may affect a subset of physically healthy older adults, warranting further investigation into their psychiatric and metabolic profiles.
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