Comorbidity of Eating Disorders among Patients with Bipolar Disorders

Egypt. J. Psychiatry, Jan 2009; 29(1): 35-42 Background: Associations between Eating Disorders (ED) and affective disorders have often been suggested in several epidemiological studies. There is a need to elucidate such comorbidity, as it can cause many risks to the patient. These risks can not only cause the patient to suffer further with bipolar disorder, but they can also do damage to the body and eventually prove fatal if left untreated. This study aimed to detect Eating Disorders (DD) among patients with Bipoler Disorder (BPD). Methods: The study was performed on two groups of females, the first composed of 30 female patients with BPD and the second is composed of 15 healthy controls. Clinical psychiatric examination and Psychometric evaluation using Barcelona Bipolar Eating Disorder (BEDS). The scale helps to quantify disordered eating behaviour in bipolar patients. Results: The mean scores of BEDS were significantly higher in patients with BPD than controls. ED were found in 65.9% of patients with BPD, and the most prevalent disorder was binge eating disorder. There were relations between studied parameters (Type of BPD, age of onset of BPD, race, family history of BPD, and use of medication) and ED, but none reached statistical significance. Conclusion: In conclusion, eating disorders were common comorbid conditions found among bipolar patients. BEDS was a useful screening tool to diagnose ED among bipolar patients. Addressing comorbid ED in the management plan of bipolar patients would help in improving their quality of life and decreasing the risk of morbidity and mortality associated with comorbid ED.