According to a research study, 28 percent patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery for weight loss develop symptoms of night eating syndrome. There are currently no official diagnostic criteria for dealing with this condition. The eating disorder itself is awaiting its inclusion in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The existing diagnosis is controversial and its validity is questioned. 1-2 percent affected are affected by this disorder. Though people from all ages are at equal risks of developing this condition, young women, especially in their teens are reportedly diagnosed with it.
Symptoms of Night Eating Syndrome:
- Uncontrollable desire to eat during the night
- Lack of appetite in the morning
- Skipping breakfast
- Having the first meal of the day after several hours of waking
- Eating while sleeping and being unaware of it
- Visiting the fridge or cupboard for carbohydrate food frequently with breaks in between, as seen in 70 percent of the patients
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Sleep walk
- Guilt after eating
- Eating over half of daily calories after dinner
- Depression
- Low self esteem
For the condition to be established, the above mentioned signs should persist for more than two months or more.
How Inclusion of Night Eating Syndrome into the DSM Would be Beneficial?
The DSM is a set of guidelines published by the American Psychiatric Association. It is followed by physicians across the United States and other parts of the world to classify, diagnose and treat mental disorders. Its fifth edition is under preparation due to be published by 2013.
Physicians can better diagnose the symptoms of night eating syndrome, after the inclusion of the disorder into DSM. This can lead to early commencement of the treatment as well.
May health insurance companies cover ailments and disorders based on the fact that whether they are included in the DSM guidelines or not. Inclusion of night eating syndrome into this manual can help people suffering from this disorder receive the much needed financial assistance.
Amidst large number of uncertainties pertaining to the disease, the loved ones of these patients can atleast be convinced of the fact that the expanses of this disorder are taken care of by the insurence agencies then.
