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Night Eating Syndrome: A Review of Etiology, Assessment, and Suggestions for Clinical Treatment

Authors :
Miria Bargagna
Mirko Casu
Source :
Psychiatry International, Vol 5, Iss 2, Pp 289-304 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a distinct eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of night eating, either through excessive food consumption after the evening meal or eating after awakening from sleep. Despite its recognition, there remains a dearth of research on NES, limiting our understanding of its etiology, prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment. This paper conducts a narrative review spanning a wide spectrum of studies focusing on the etiology, assessment, and clinical treatment strategies of NES. This review traces the historical evolution of NES definitions, distinguishes NES from obesity-related eating behaviors and other eating disorders, explores the psychological determinants of NES, and discusses existing therapeutic options. This review highlights the complex etiology of NES, influenced by circadian rhythms, hormonal changes, psychological distress, and personality traits. It emphasizes the need for reliable assessment tools and a holistic approach to treatment, considering the high comorbidity of NES with other psychiatric and medical conditions. Current treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy, show promise but require further research for refinement. NES remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, with challenges including unclear diagnostic criteria, comorbidities, and lack of evidence-based treatments. Future research should focus on developing reliable assessment tools, exploring etiology, comparing treatment approaches, and considering prevention strategies, utilizing diverse and representative samples to advance our understanding and improve clinical care.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
26735318
Volume :
5
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Psychiatry International
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.27ae7f525de343c1a0f1e6dc76d34cd7
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint5020020