Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025
04:19
A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
3.8K
Taking Steps Toward a Consensus on Night Eating Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria.
Ruth Striegel Weissman1, Caitlin A Martin-Wagar2, Sarah Attaway2
1Department of Psychology, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, USA.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|October 21, 2024
Summary
Lack of consistent definitions for night eating syndrome (NES) hinders research progress. Developing consensus diagnostic criteria is crucial for understanding NES prevalence and effective treatments.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders Research
Background:
- Night eating syndrome (NES) is classified under "Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders" in the DSM-5.
- Current research on NES lacks standardized definitions and operationalization, leading to varied methodologies.
- This variability complicates understanding the public health impact and effective interventions for NES.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the lack of definitional agreement in NES research.
- To emphasize the need for consensus on diagnostic criteria for NES.
- To propose strategies for advancing NES research and achieving consensus.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and PsycINFO for articles published between January 1, 2013, and August 12, 2024.
- Articles were included if they focused on NES in adults (age 18+) with sample sizes greater than 10.
- Included studies were analyzed for their definitions of NES, diagnostic assessment methods, and reported comorbidities with other eating disorders (EDs).
Main Results:
- Seventy-three articles met the inclusion criteria.
- The most common diagnostic approaches were established criteria sets (35/73) or symptom score thresholds (34/73), with only eight studies using DSM-5 criteria.
- Thirteen studies investigated NES comorbidity, frequently with binge-eating disorder, showing high rates.
Conclusions:
- The heterogeneity in NES definitions and assessment methods obstructs scientific progress.
- Developing a consensus definition and addressing existing research gaps are essential for advancing NES understanding.
- Proposed strategies aim to foster agreement on NES diagnostic criteria and guide future research endeavors.
Keywords:
DSM‐5ICD‐11classificationcomorbiditydiagnosiseating disordernight eating questionnairenight eating syndromeother specified feeding and eating disordersMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
46
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
46
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
53
Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
53
01:07Narcolepsy
92
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
92
01:23Binge Eating Disorders
51
Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
51
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
145
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
145
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
78
Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares...
Nightmares...
78