Psychiatric aspects in the treatment of obesity

Abstract

Obesity is a condition that has deserved studies of different areas, particularly psychiatry and psychology, because of its multifactorial etiology. The emotional problems generally are perceived as a consequence of obesity, but psychological conflicts and problems can precede the development of obesity. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms and depression syndrome can be more frequent in the severe obesity. The psycotherapeutic treatment, especially the cognitive therapy, shows good action for organization, weight changes and beyond the self-control of food behaviors. Although the pharmacological treatment of obesity should not be the first therapeutic option, its use is fully approved. Attention should be drawn to drugs that were really approved for use in obesity and those with central action.