This study directly assessed whether there was a change in the level of exhaled ethane, which provides a non-invasive, quantitative, direct measure of n-3 lipid peroxidation, in the breath of patients with schizophrenia.

Samples of alveolar air were obtained from 20 subjects with schizophrenia and 23 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. The air samples were analyzed for ethane using mass spectrometry.

The mean level of ethane in the schizophrenia sample (5.15 (S.E. 0.56) ppb) was significantly higher than that of the healthy controls (2.63 (S.E. 0.31) ppb; p < 0.0005). A further sub-analysis showed that nicotine dependence was unlikely to be the cause of this difference.

These results suggest that the measurement of exhaled ethane levels may offer a non-invasive direct marker of increased n-3 lipid peroxidation in schizophrenia.

Variations in the serotonin transporter genotype and stressful life events may be associated with affective disorders.

Firstly, to investigate whether the distribution of the alleles of the serotonin transporter gene is associated with a genetic predisposition for bipolar and unipolar disorder. Secondly, to investigate whether variations in the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) genotype interact with stressful life events in relation to potential endophenotypes for affective disorders.

In a cross-sectional high-risk study, healthy monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins with (high-risk twins) and without (low-risk twins) a co-twin history of affective disorder were identified through nation wide registers.

No differences were found between the 115 high- and 81 low-risk twins with respect to the distribution of the alleles of the serotonin transporter gene. However, the genotype interacted significantly with recent stressful life events on subclinical depressive symptoms and neuroticism score. No relation was found between 5-HTTLPR genotype and salivary cortisol.

The distribution of the alleles of the serotonin transporter gene was not associated with a genetic predisposition for affective disorder. The presence of the short allele of the 5-HTTLPR gene and the experience of recent stressful life events seems to be associated with a higher level of subclinical depressive symptoms and higher neuroticism score.

Bulimia is a public health problem, there are no studies assessing this disorder in the university environment in our country. The aim of the work was to determine the prevalence of bulimia and unusual eating behaviour, to assess their sociocultural and physical profile, and to evaluate the depression as psychiatric comorbidity.

We carried out an epidemiology's investigation among 480 female's students in four universities and one higher education school, using a questionnaire which allows the study of sociodemographic and physical characteristics (BMI), the study of the bulimia (BITE) and the assessment of depression (Beck score).

4% of students had bulimia and 32.2% had an unusual eating behavior. 21.05% had a severe bulimia. The appetite suppressant was the most used ways to lose weight in the two groups and urban origin was predominant among the two groups. The lifestyle had no influence on the two groups. The medical school had most of bulimia and unusual eating behavior. Bulimia was predominant in the middle of university studies and the unusual eating behavior was at the beginning and the end of the studies. Bulimic female students were more over weighted and those with unusual eating behavior were more normal stoutness. Depression was common in both of the groups.

this study demonstrates that bulimia and unusual eating behavior exist in Marrakech and similar surveys in other towns are necessary to better determine the prevalence of this disorder in our society and seek risk factors.

To explore gender differences on personality and clinical features in patients with eating disorders (ED) and a healthy control sample.

60 ED males and 60 ED females, consecutively admitted to our Hospital and diagnosed according to DSM-IV-R criteria, were matched for age and diagnosis. A comparison group of 120 non clinical people (60 males, 60 females) were also collected. Measures: TCI-R, SCL-90-R, EDI-2.

Female ED patients scored significantly higher than males on Drive for Thinness, Body Dissatisfaction, Interoceptive Awareness and total EDI (p < 0.002). However, these differences were not significant when compared with controls. ED women exhibited higher SCL-90-R Somatization, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Depression, Anxiety, Hostility, GSI, PSDI and PST scores (p<0.002). Regarding personality traits, high Harm Avoidance, Persistence, Cooperativeness (p<0.018) and low Self- Directedness (p=0.001) were associated with an ED diagnosis in males. Significant differences across ED subdiagnoses were also observed. Lifetime obesity was significantly associated with ED in males (p=0.008). However, when specific ED diagnosis was entered, the gender effect of obesity disappeared (p=0.081).

Although gender specific differences in clinical and psychopathological features across ED patients have been observed, there are important similarities in current ED features between ED males and females, suggesting that, in spite of having some gender-specific associated traits, EDs are not different with regard to gender. These data encourage our continued efforts toward using similar strategies to detect and treat EDs among men and women.

The underlying pathophysiology of Eating Disorders (EDs) is dependent on complex interactions between psychological and neuroendocrine factors. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are known to decrease food intake and increase risk of depression. Psychological stress and psychiatric illness are factors known to reduce immune function and thus increase level of cytokines.

The purpose of the present study was to examine a possible raise in cytokines as measured by IL-6 and TNF-α in ED patients, further the aim was to analyze relations between cytokines and personality traits.

Female patients with eating disorders (N=28) recruited consecutively from an inpatient clinic, were compared to age-matched healthy females (N=12). Quantikine® HS, Human TNF-a/TNFSF1 was used to detect levels of TNF-α in patient and control sera whereas Quantikine® Human IL-6 immunoassay was used to estimate IL-6. Personality traits were measured by using the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP).

A one-tailed t-test showed that the patient group had tendencies to increased levels of cytokines TNF-α (t=-1.61,df=38, p=0.057), while their mean IL-6 level was not higher than controls (t=-1.19,df=38, p=0.12). The correlation between TNF-α and IL-6 were non-significant (r=-0.04). Patients with high levels (1 SD above norm mean) of Monotony Avoidance (t=2.34,df=22, p<0.02), Verbal Aggression (t=3.13,df=22, p<0.01) and Irritability (t=2.50,df=22, p<0.02) displayed significantly higher levels of IL-6 than the other ED patients.

Results indicated a tendency of increased levels of cytokines in patients with EDs. Personality traits reflecting impulsivity and aggression were found to be related to high levels of cytokines in the present study.

There are few data on the prevalence of subthreshold pediatric psychiatric disorders, when the child/adolescent doesn't qualify for any mental disorder according to the classification systems (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) and International Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders 10th Edition (ICD-10)), however the symptoms cause difficulties in the everyday life of the child/adolescent. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of subthreshold eating disorders among hospitalized children.

We examined 106 hospitalized children/adolescents aged under 18 in the Vadaskert Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital and Outpatient Clinic, Budapest, Hungary. Threshold (DSM-IV) and subthreshold disorders were evaluated with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Kid (M.I.N.I. Kid).

There was no single child hospitalized due to threshold eating disorder during the study period, but 7.5% of them had the diagnoses of current subthreshold eating disorder. In all cases it was subthreshold bulimia nervosa. Subthreshold bulimia nervosa was always a comorbid condition with a threshold disorder.

Our findings indicate, that clinicians should think about the presence of subthreshold eating disorder as a comorbid condition among hospitalized children.

Adolescence is a period of significant physical, emotional and intellectual changes, as well as changes in social roles, relations and expectations. Adolescent females, often preoccupied with physical appearance, express discontent with their figure, body weight and want to lose weight.

Our objective was to inquire eating attitudes among adolescent females.

Sample was consisted of adolescent females, age of 16 - 17, first grade Economic and Medical Secondary School pupils. Survey questionnaire is self-esteem scale of eating disorders designed by the author. Response rate was 389 out of 419 (92.8%).

Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5 has 8.7 % female adolescents. More than half want to be thinner, while 1/3 of adolescents find themselves whether thin or obese. Forty-seven percent (47%) of adolescents exercise sometimes, 15.4% exercise often while 1/5 goes on a diet sometimes or regularly. About 43% adolescents are sometimes or often terrified about being overweight, while 60% sometimes or often lose weight. About 2/3 adolescents are not satisfied with figure. One-half adolescents are terrified with increasing in weight.

Statistically significant number in both schools does not have control in eating (p<0.5).

There is high level of discontent and dissatisfaction with figure among adolescent females.

This research indicate necessary education of adolescents to help them in accepting healthier nutrition and lifestyle in an earlier period of life, also developing programs for prevention which will encourage youth in adopting healthy lifestyles and related behavior.

purpose of the study to asses the relationship between psychiatric disorders and night eating syndrome.

subjects were recruited from psychiatric outpatient clinic at The Sisli Etfal Teaching and Research Hospital (n=384). Night Eating Syndrome Questionnaire and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV diagnosis (SCID) researchers version were used as screening tools.

304 patient were female (%79,2), 80 were male (%20,8). Mean age of patients were 37,5±13,7.

Two hundred seven participants (%54) scored ≥20 on the Night Eating Syndrome Questionnaire. 168 of these were female, 39 were male.

Our sample was screened with SCID for psychiatric diagnosis and we found 51% depression (comorbid diagnosis also included); 13,5% bipolar disorder; 8,3% generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); 6,5% panic disorder; 4,7% obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); 4,2% social phobia; 2,9 % adjustment disorder; 2,1% somatoform disorder, 1,6% schizophrenia; 0,5% eating disorders.

Statistically significant rates of bipolar disorder were found amoung patients diagnosed with NES (p=0,037). The relationship between NES and psychiatric disorders other than bipolar disorder were not statistically significant in our study.

There are limited published data about psychiatric comorbidity with NES. These studies reported comorbidity with depression, substance use disorders and sleep disorders . In our study we found strong relationship between bipolarity and NES. Despite high rate of depression with NES in our study and in the literature, our findings didn't support the relationship between NES and depression.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), an innovative method of treatment developed to treat severe emotion deregulation, shows benefit for individuals with borderline personality disorder. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of DBT in reducing Eating Disorders (ED) symptoms.

Twenty-eight individuals with DSM- IV diagnoses of eating disorders and other concurrent disorders were randomly assigned to a DBT treatment modified to address eating disorders or treatment as usual (both one year duration). They were administered a series of eating disorders and mental health measures prior to and after treatment.

Data suggested that individuals in the DBT condition had decreased bulimic behaviour, weight and shape concerns and increased interoceptive awareness, treatment retention and overall health.

DBT can provide improvement of some eating disorders’ symptoms. Specific adaptations of DBT for individuals with eating disorders, ways to overcome challenges, and recommendations will be discussed.

The increasing prevalence of concurrent eating and substance use disorders has been well documented in both the eating disorders and in substance use disorders literature. Despite evidence for the important role of families and wider social networks in addiction and eating disorder treatment, concurrent eating and substance use disorder therapy has focused on treating the concurrent disorders, and largely overlooked the needs of families. This study explores the impact of concurrent eating and substance use disorders on family members to identify the family's needs in order to direct future intervention.

A series of semi-structured interviews were completed with family members of patients with concurrent eating and substance use disorders. A qualitative grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data and involved the coding of transcripts and the development of emerging themes.

Three major themes emerged from the analyses: 1) Families’ inability to cope; 2) Inadequate communication and involvement of family in therapy; 3) Lack of information about the disorders themselves.

Data suggest that greater emphasis in service provision must be placed on family members and wider social networks to: 1) help assist clients to engage and stay in treatment; 2) improve both disorder outcomes and family functioning, and 3) reduce impacts and harm for family members and others affected. Suggestions for helping clinicians and new avenues for service provision and research are presented.

Explore the prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts in women with bulimia nervosa (BN), and compare eating disorder symptoms, general psychopathology, impulsivity, personality, and genetic variants in four candidate genes of the serotonin pathway: the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), serotonin receptors 1A (HTR1A) and 2A (HTR2A) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) between individuals who had and had not attempted suicide. Determine the best predictors of suicide attempts.

566 consecutively admitted BN outpatients (417 BN purging, 47 BN non-purging and 102 subthreshold BN). Patients completed a comprehensive assessment battery.

Lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts was 26.9% CI 95%: 23.2 to 30.5). BN subtype was not associated with lifetime suicide attempts (p=0.36). Compared to non-attempters, attempters exhibited higher unemployment, eating disorder symptomatology, general psychopathology, previous eating disorder treatment, impulsive behaviors, and lower educational level (p<0.004). In relation to personality traits, suicide attempters exhibited significantly (p<0.002) higher Harm Avoidance and lower Self-directedness, Reward Dependence and Cooperativeness. No significant differences in any of the genetic variants between attempters and non-attempters. The best predictors of suicide attempts were (p<0.006): lower education, minimum BMI, previous eating disorder treatment, family history of alcoholism and self-directedness.

Suicidality in BN patients appears to be within the range previously found. Our results support that internalizing personality traits combined with impulsivity may increase the probability of engaging in suicidal behaviors in these patients. Our data do not support the hypothesis that variants of SLC6A4, HTR1A, HTR2A or TPH1 are associated with suicide attempts in BN individuals.

There have been a few studies on epidemiology and related factors for eating disorders (ED), although they are frequently encountered in clinical practice in P. R. China. We conducted an investigation to draw the prevalence of eating disorders and its correlated factors in the Chinese female youths.

1378 female subjects were random sampling from 8 high schools and 6 universities in the 5 urban areas in Chengdu City of China. Eating Disorder Inventory-1 (EDI-1), BMI-based Silhouette Matching Test (BMI-SMT), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and a social-demographic questionnaire were applied to assess the subjects.

Of 1378 subjects, 61 subjects (eating disorders group, EDG) were scaled 14 or more than 14 for the Drive for Thinness subscale of EDI, in whom three-quarter subjects were estimated to be suffered from ED according to EDI manual. Therefore, the estimated prevalence rate of ED was 3.32% in the female youths. The EDG showed higher score in the body dissatisfaction of the BMI-SMT than the none-eating disorders group (N-EDG). The EDR scored higher on the SDS and the BAI than N-EDG (33.92±7.921/29.09±7.666, t=4.797, P=0.000; 31.82±9.991/29.31±7.205, t=2.603, P=0.009, respectively). We performed the logistic regression analysis to explore the related factors with ED which included concerning about the idol at media, non-harmonious parents relationships and being abused in childhood.

The prevalence of eating disorders in Chinese female youths is similar to that in west countries and more attention should be paid to them for their mental health.

The purpose of this study, was to identify the point prevalence of night eating syndrome (NES) in our psychiatric outpatient population.

subjects were recruited from psychiatric outpatient clinic at The Sisli Etfal Teaching and Research Hospital (n=384). Night Eating Syndrome Questionnaire was used as a screening tool.

304 patient were female (%79,2), 80 were male (%20,8). Mean age of patients were 37,5±13,7.

The mean weight of our population was 63,4±13,8; average BMI calculated 25,7±5,24 . %4,7 of patients were low weighted; %45,6 were normal wieghted; %32,6 were overweighted and %17,2 were obese.

Two hundred seven participants (%54) scored ≥20 on the night eating questionnaire. 168 of these were female, 39 were male; no significant differences were found between genders. No significant differences were found between total scores of Night Eating Questionnaire and BMI, weight, age and gender.

In our study we found point prevalence of NES %54. This high prevalance could be related with our sample features like higher female proportion and higher proportion of obese or overweighted patients. The prevalence of NES is estimated at 1,5% in general population, 6-% to 14% in obesity clinics and 8-42% in preoperative bariatric surgery patients in the US . Such a wide range of estimates is most certainly influenced by varying assessment methods and diagnostic criteria. Another limitation to be noted is related to the self-report nature of the data.

Patients treat with this therapy add 7-15 kilos in average during the period of two to three months, menstrual cycle and the change of psycho-pathological appearance are settled which makes good conditions for further psychotherapeutic interventions.

To assess the differences in comorbid lifetime substance use (tobacco, alcohol and drug use) between eating disorder (ED) patients and healthy controls.

Participants were a consecutive series of 779 ED cases, who had been referred to specialised ED units in five European countries. The ED cases were compared to a balanced control group of 785 healthy individuals. Assessment: Participants completed the Substance Use Subscale of the Cross Cultural Questionnaire (CCQ), a measure of lifetime tobacco, alcohol and drug use. In the control group, also the GHQ-28, the SCID-I interview and the EAT-26 were used.

ED patients had higher lifetime consumption of tobacco and drugs (p <0.01). The only insignificant result was obtained for alcohol (OR= 1.29; δ =0.157; N.S.) and cannabis use (OR= 1.21; δ = 0.037, N.S.). Significant differences across ED sub diagnoses also emerged for all of the assessed variables (p<0.01), with the BN and AN-BP patients generally presenting the highest prevalence rates. The only exception was detected for alcohol consumption where EDNOS patients demonstrated the highest values (p=0.008). Only a few cultural differences between countries emerged (p<0.05).

Lifetime tobacco and drug use but not alcohol consumption are more prevalent in ED patients than healthy controls. While alcohol appears to be more common in EDNOS, smoking and drug use are more frequent in patients with bulimic symptomatology. The differential risk observed in patients with bulimic features might be related to differences in temperament or might be the result of increased sensitivity to reward.