Mental Health in obese patients who attend bariatric surgery

Abstract

Background. The association between obesity and psychopathology is well known. However, the presence of psychopathology in patients with morbid obesity who attend bariatric surgery and its impact in weight loss has been less studied.

Objective. To perform a theme update about the general context of psychiatric disorders associated with morbid obesity, and to assess the impact of such disorders in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Method. EBSCO Research Database and PubMed databases were consulted. Articles published between 2011 and today were selected. Key words related to the topic of study were used.

Results. The studies reviewed showed five psychopathological clinical entities with high prevalence in patients who attend bariatric surgery: Depression and anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, disorders of eating behavior, substance abuse, and some dimensions of personality. The presence of these disorders was associated to a poor post-surgical weight loss.

Discussion and conclusion. Binge eating disorder and substance abuse impact on weight loss after bariatric surgery is controversial. The evaluation of obese patients who attend bariatric surgery must emphasize, according with reported disorders prevalence, the identification of depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.