Two Cases of Sleep-Related Eating Disorder Responding Promptly to Low-Dose Sertraline Therapy

J Clin Sleep Med. 2018 Oct 15;14(10):1805-1808. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.7404.

Abstract

We report two cases of adult males with sleep-related eating disorder (SRED), with durations of 3 and 7 years, and without associated psychiatric history. In both cases, the use of low-dose (25 mg) sertraline taken at bedtime resulted in immediate, full and sustained resolution of symptoms at the latest follow-ups. The sertraline efficacy was of particular benefit for the patient reported on in case 2 who was a commercial airline pilot subjected to a highly restricted list of Federal Aviation Administration-approved medications. Risk factors for SRED included smoking cessation and work-related stress in case 1, and a history of sleepwalking and work-related circadian disruptions and partial sleep deprivations in case 2. Sertraline therapy of SRED is considered within a review of all current pharmacologic therapies of SRED.

Keywords: night eating syndrome; non-REM parasomnia; sleep-related eating; sleepwalking.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parasomnias / drug therapy*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Sertraline / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Sertraline