The Incidence and Comorbidity of Psychiatric Disorders in Obesity

Obesity is a medical disorder with genetic, metabolic, and biochemical components. The role of psychiatric disorders, however, has been a matter of controversy. Although there is no evidence for a causal role for psychopathology in obesity, comorbid psychopathology could explain the high attrition and relapse rates found in obesity treatment. Using structured clinical diagnostic interviews (SCID-I and -II), the present study found a lifetime prevalence of 50% for Axis I disorders and a 55% prevalence for Axis II disorders in a population seeking treatment for their obesity. Assessment of psychiatric disorders may be of benefit both to patients seeking treatment for obesity and to providers of weight control programs.