Aim: To investigate the levels of impulsiveness, and the relationship between the binge eating disorder (BED) and the levels of impulsiveness in obese individuals.
Methods: Two hundred and forty-one obese patients who were included in the study and candidate for bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) were clinically interviewed to identify the BED group, and patients were divided into two groups: Those with BED and those without BED. The comorbidity rate of groups was determined by using structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). A sociodemographic data form including the story of previous psychiatric treatment, structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 were applied to both of the groups.
Results: In regard to 241 obese individuals included in the study, total score and score of attention subscale for BED (+) group were significantly high (P < 0.05). In addition, suicide attempt, story of psychiatric consultation, and score for BDI were again significantly high in the BED (+) group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: In assessment of obese individuals, assessment of associated psychopathology such as impulsive characteristics and suicide attempt in addition to disrupted eating behaviors will allow to have a more extensive view.
Keywords: Binge eating; Impulsiveness; Obesity.