Night Eating Syndrome: A Review of Etiology, Assessment, and Suggestions for Clinical Treatment

Abstract

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a distinct eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of night eating, either through excessive food consumption after the evening meal or eating after awakening from sleep. Despite its recognition, there remains a dearth of research on NES, limiting our understanding of its etiology, prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment. This paper conducts a narrative review spanning a wide spectrum of studies focusing on the etiology, assessment, and clinical treatment strategies of NES. This review traces the historical evolution of NES definitions, distinguishes NES from obesity-related eating behaviors and other eating disorders, explores the psychological determinants of NES, and discusses existing therapeutic options. This review highlights the complex etiology of NES, influenced by circadian rhythms, hormonal changes, psychological distress, and personality traits. It emphasizes the need for reliable assessment tools and a holistic approach to treatment, considering the high comorbidity of NES with other psychiatric and medical conditions. Current treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy, show promise but require further research for refinement. NES remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, with challenges including unclear diagnostic criteria, comorbidities, and lack of evidence-based treatments. Future research should focus on developing reliable assessment tools, exploring etiology, comparing treatment approaches, and considering prevention strategies, utilizing diverse and representative samples to advance our understanding and improve clinical care.

Keywords

• night eating syndrome
• emotion regulation
• neuroticism
• psychological distress
• maladaptive coping strategies
• eating disorders