Objective: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is highly prevalent among patients with bipolar disorder (BD), and may affect progression, functioning, and comorbid conditions in BD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of clinical variables and MS on overall functioning and specific areas of functioning in patients with BD. Methods: A total of 210 participants (140 participants with BD I and BD II in remission and 70 non-psychiatric control subjects) were included. The investigators administered the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), the Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (BDRS), the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF), and the Bipolar Disorder Functioning Scale (BDFS). The participants completed the Beck Depression Scale (BDS) and the Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS). MS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to investigate potential correlations of comorbid MS with clinical variables and level of functioning. Results: Level of functioning did not differ between patients with and without MS. However, there were significant correlations between the level of functioning subscales and the number of depressive episodes (p = 0.033), level of general functioning (p = 0.012), duration of illness (p = 0.012), BDS (p = 0.005), BDRS (p = 0.021), BAS total scores (p = 0.021), number of hypomanic episodes (p = 0.022), number of hospitalizations (p = 0.003), employment status (p = 0.032), and diagnosis of BD I (p = 0.007) and BD II (p = 0.044). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that clinical variables had a greater effect on functioning than MS in BD patients.

Abstract Background: The prevalence of obesity has more than doubled over the past three decades. Impulsivity is a multidimensional personality trait that potentially contributes to the development and maintenance of obesity. Mindful awareness can potentially minimize the automatic and inattentive reactions around food. Objectives: In our study, we aimed to research the relationship between impulsivity and mindful attention. Methods: The study population consisted of 60 outpatients aged 18 and older, with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 kg/m2 presenting to the psychiatry clinics of a secondary health care facility. The participants completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results: The average age of participants was 39 years, BMI was 35.70 ± 4.54 kg/m2. BMI was not statistically significantly correlated with any of the scales, and the MAAS total score was negatively correlated with the impulsiveness scores, except for the motor impulsiveness subscale score. Dispositional mindfulness was negatively associated with impulsiveness scores, except for motor impulsiveness. Discussion: This study showed that there was a negative relationship between impulsivity and mindfulness. Therefore, using mindfulness techniques may decrease impulsivity, and may be extremely helpful in promoting better eating behaviors and weight regulation.