Rate of Occurrence of Eating Disorders in Patients Suffering from Depression and Schizophrenia

Abstract Background Eating disorders (EDs) have substantial Axis I comorbidity (schizophrenia and depression). Since Psychiatric comorbidity may increase ED severity, chronicity, and treatment resistance, it is necessary to consider the correlation between eating disorders, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Objective To estimate the rate of eating disorders in patients with major depressive disorders. To estimate the rate of eating disorders in patients with schizophrenia. To estimate the correlation between the eating disorders, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Subject and Methods This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted on patients diagnosed with eating disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia at outpatient clinics, Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University Hospitals to estimate the correlation between the eating disorders, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Study participants were divided into 3 groups. Group Depression: 85 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, Group Schizophrenic patients: 40 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, and Group Control: 20 healthy controls. Results There was a significant positive correlation between HDRS score and EAT-40 test score in group (r = 0.516, p < 0.001) and between HDRS score and EDE-Q test score (r = 0.415, p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between EAT-40 test score and EDE-Q test score and PANSS total score (r = 0.489, p = 0.001), PANSS +ve symptoms score (r = 0.459, p = 0.003), and PANSS -ve symptoms score (r = 0.494, p = 0.001). There was a strong statistically significant positive correlation between depression and schizophrenia and eating disorders which indicate a proper evaluation and assessment for patients with eating disorders for these two comorbidities for better treatment and prognosis. Conclusion In the current study the rate of eating disorders in depression patients and schizophrenic patients was statistically significantly higher compared to the rate of eating disorders in the control group. Furthermore, there was a strong association between depression, schizophrenia and eating disorder related impairment. Thus, it is a mandatory evaluation and assessment for these comorbidities for proper treatment and prognosis of eating disordered patients.