Functional seizures and binge eating disorder: A cross-sectional study.
Anna Mammì1, Valentina Bova2, Iolanda Martino3
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Græcia" University of Catanzaro, Italy; Regional Epilepsy Centre, Great Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|July 13, 2024
Summary
Individuals with functional seizures (FS) and anxiety/depression (AD) exhibit higher rates of binge eating symptoms, linked to dissociation. FS patients show unique compulsive traits and childhood emotional neglect, suggesting a connection between dissociation and eating disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Functional seizures (FS) are distinct from epileptic seizures and may involve psychological dissociation.
- Binge eating disorder (BED) is also associated with dissociation.
- The relationship between FS and BED remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine BED prevalence in individuals with FS, anxiety/depression (AD), and healthy subjects (HS).
- To investigate the link between dissociation and binge eating.
- To explore the psychological characteristics of individuals with FS.
Main Methods:
- Participants (age > 18, no substance abuse/epilepsy) were evaluated using ILAE guidelines and DSM-5 criteria.
- Questionnaires assessed binge eating, dissociation, anxiety, depression, and personality traits.
- Comparison between FS, AD, and HS groups.
Main Results:
- Binge-eating symptoms were significantly more frequent and severe in FS and AD groups compared to HS.
- Depression and dissociation correlated with binge-eating symptoms in both AD and FS groups.
- Perseveration predicted binge-eating attitudes only in FS individuals, who also reported more childhood emotional neglect and disinhibition than AD individuals.
Conclusions:
- Binge-eating symptoms are common in individuals with FS and associated with dissociation, supporting a link between dissociation and eating disorders.
- Individuals with FS exhibit unique compulsive dimensions related to binge eating.
- Findings provide a comprehensive psychological profile for FS individuals, aiding targeted interventions.
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