Development of criteria for a diagnosis: lessons from the night eating syndrome

Seventy-seven publications in refereed journals over the last decade indicate growing recognition of night eating syndrome (NES).

• Two core diagnostic criteria for NES are evening hyperphagia, defined as consuming at least 25% of daily food intake after the evening meal, and nocturnal awakenings with ingestions.
• These diagnostic criteria have been validated through self-reports, structured interviews, and symptom scales.
• NES can be distinguished from binge eating disorder and sleep-related eating disorder.
• The diagnosis of NES is supported by its prevalence, association with obesity, extensive comorbidity, and biological aspects.
• Research findings support the validity of NES and its potential inclusion in the forthcoming DSM-V.

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