Hyperphagia in BDI-II: Clinical and demographic features

Background

Beck's Depression Inventory, 2nd edition (BDI-II) was developed for the assessment of symptoms corresponding the criteria of depressive disorders according to DSM IV. Hyperphagia is one of the diagnostic features of atypical depression. The current study was conducted to increase the understanding of hyperphagia concerning its demographic and clinical characteristics, especially in relation to atypical depression.

Materials and methods

113 patients, who visited the CMHC of N/W district of the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, were examined and diagnosed according to DSM IV. All patients completed BDI-II and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Gr). The patients were divided concerning their response to item 18 - hyperphagia (0 - 3) of BDI-II. The two groups (A: no hyperphagia vs. B: hyperphagia = 1 -3)) were examined concerning their demographic and clinical features.

Results

Group A did not differ significantly from group B in terms of age, sex, education and family status. The two groups also did not differ significantly in terms of their diagnoses on Axis I and Axis II of DSM IV. However, there was no case of atypical depression found in group A. Group B scored significantly higher at BDI-II (U=970.000, p>0,05).

Conclusions

The item of hyperphagia is strongly correlated with high scores at BDI-II. It seems that hyperphagia is a qualitative indication of atypical depression. It also seems that the BDI-II is a precise diagnostic tool for depressive disorders in addition to DSM IV.