Depression and appetite

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Abstract

Patterns of appetite change were examined in a varied sample of depressed patients. In 66% appetite was decreased, in 20% it showed no change, and in 14% it was increased. In both directions, greater appetite change tended to be associated with greater severity of illness, suggesting the possibility of two distinct groups. Depressives with increased appetite were distinguished from those with anorexia by being female and more mildly depressed, with neurotic rather than psychotic illnesses, but with a greater reduction in sexual interest.

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