Comportamentos auto-flagelatórios e tentativas de suicídio na obesidade

Abstract

Obesity was classified by World Health Organization as the 21st century epidemic, due to its high prevalence and its implications for the various medical, psychological and social factors which affect subjects (WHO, 2010). Among the obese, psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders prevail (Segal, 1999). OBJECTIVE: This study has two objectives: (1) assess the frequency of self-injury behaviors and suicide attempts, in obese bariatric surgery candidates and patients who have already undergone the same surgery; (2) characterize psychopathology indicators associated with obesity. METHOD: The investigation involved 100 subjects, 68 of whom had applied for bariatric surgery and 32 who had undergone the same surgery. A Socio Demographic Questionnaire - Eating Disorders Examination – Questionnaire (EDE-Q) (Fairburn & Beglin, 1994, translated and adapted by Machado et al., 2002) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) (Derogátis, 1993; Portuguese adaptation by Canavarro, 1999) - was administered to the subjects. RESULTS: Statistically significant results were observed between the two groups, for the items: (1) weight; (2) body mass index; (3) compulsive overeating; (4) body shape concerns; (5) preoccupation with food; (6) preoccupation with weight and (7) restriction. Among the candidates for bariatric surgery there were significant differences between those who had a favorable opinion for surgery and those who had an unfavorable opinion/postponed, with regard to items (1) occupation and (2) free time. DISCUSSION: Self–injury behavior was not found in any group of obese subjects. We also conclude that there are some psychopathology indicators, especially in the group candidate for surgery, however the group that had undergone the surgery had higher rates of suicide attempts.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Bárbara César Machado (Supervisor)