Psychiatric disorders and lifetime mood spectrum symptoms in early and late onset obesity

Background and aims: Clinical research underlines that early-onset obesity is a risk factor for subsequent development of eating disorders, body-dysmorphic disorders, and low self-esteem. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of axis-I disorders, mood spectrum features, and quality of life in early-onset (EO) and late-onset (LO) obesity. Methods: 280 adults with Body Mass Index (BMI) >= 30 were consecutively recruited. Mood Spectrum was assessed using the Mood Spectrum Self-Report Questionnaire (MOODS-SR). Results The depressive component of the MOODS-SR was significantly higher in EO compared to LO (p=0.05). The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was similar in these groups except for specific phobia (p=0.049) and bulimia nervosa (p=0.044). Among EO, high scorers on depressive mood spectrum were more likely to have lifetime eating disorders. Mean scores on quality of life were similar in LO and EO. Conclusions: EO patients displayed more depressive spectrum features than LO patients. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between EO and mood spectrum features as well as the role of these features as risk factors for eating disorders.