night-eating syndrome

an eating disorder characterized by insomnia, nocturnal hyperphagia, and morning anorexia that persist for at least 3 months. Recent research suggests night-eating syndrome is related to hormonal irregularities and a disturbed circadian rhythm of food intake, although chronic stress may also be a contributing factor. This type of eating disorder is estimated to affect 1.5% of the global population and is thought to occur in 10–25% of obese individuals. [first described in 1955 by U.S. psychiatrist Albert J. Stunkard (1922–2014)]

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Psychology term of the day

December 23rd 2024

delta rule

the principle that the change in strength of an association during learning is a function of the difference between the maximal strength possible and the current strength of the association. The delta rule is used in associationistic learning theory (see associative learning).