Disordered Eating among People with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review

Nutrients. 2021 Oct 27;13(11):3820. doi: 10.3390/nu13113820.

Abstract

Disordered eating, or abnormal eating behaviours that do not meet the criteria for an independent eating disorder, have been reported among people with schizophrenia. We aimed to systemati-cally review literature on disordered eating among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). Seven databases were systematically searched for studies that described the prevalence and correlates of disordered eating among patients with SSD from January 1984 to 15 February 2021. Qualitative analysis was performed using the National Institutes of Health scales. Of 5504 records identified, 31 studies involving 471,159 subjects were included in the systematic review. The ma-jority of studies (17) rated fair on qualitative analysis and included more men, and participants in their 30s and 40s, on antipsychotics. The commonest limitations include lack of sample size or power calculations, poor sample description, not using valid tools, or not adjusting for con-founders. The reported rates were 4.4% to 45% for binge eating, 16.1% to 64%, for food craving, 27% to 60.6% for food addiction, and 4% to 30% for night eating. Positive associations were re-ported for binge eating with antipsychotic use and female gender, between food craving and weight gain, between food addiction and increased dietary intake, and between disordered eating and female gender, mood and psychotic symptoms. Reported rates for disordered eating among people with SSD are higher than those in the general population. We will discuss the clinical, treatment and research implications of our findings.

Keywords: binge eating; disordered eating; food addiction; food craving; night eating; schizoaffective disorder; schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Schizophrenia / complications*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents