The relationships among psychiatric medications, eating behaviors, and weight

To help address gaps in information about the links that exist between psychiatric medications and weight changes, an investigation of relationships among select psychotropic agents (i.e., mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and second-generation antipsychotics {SGAs}), eating behaviors, and weight was conducted. Data from a cross-sectional study of food habits in 97 individuals with mood disorders was used. Variables measured included use of psychotropic agents, measures of cognitive dietary restraint and disinhibition from the Three Factor Eating Behavior Questionnaire (TFEQ), psychiatric functioning, reported weight gain and measured BMI. The TFEQ measures were compared to population norms. Bivariate and multivariate analyses examined the relationships among the psychotropic agents, eating behaviors, and weight. Indicators of cognitive dietary restraint and disinhibition were higher than population norms (p's < 0.05 to 0.0001). Depression was associated with restraint (rho = 0.21, p < 0.05). BMI was associated with disinhibition (p < 0.05); antidepressant use appeared to moderate weight for those taking SGAs and mood stabilizers (p < 0.05). Exploration of the interacting mechanisms of psychotropic agents and attention to eating attitudes and behaviors of individuals taking psychiatric medications might lessen pharmaceutical-induced weight gain. Prospective research on large samples that can make comparisons to those who are untreated is needed.

► Cognitive dietary restraint and disinhibition may be prevalent in mood disorders.
► Weight changes after taking psychotropics may be related to disinhibition.
► BMI and disinhibition may be moderated by effects among psychiatric medications.
► Counselling may help moderate weight changes associated with psychotropics.