Relationship between psychopathology and binge size in binge eating spectrum disorders

Objective: Food intake during binge eating episodes (BEE) has been found to be associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with eating disorders (EDs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between caloric intake during BEE and psychopathology in individuals with binge eating spectrum disorders (BSD).

Methods: One-hundred and fourteen outpatients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) were sequentially assessed. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI PLUS) was used to assess psychiatric diagnoses. Validated self-report instruments were used to assess general and eating-related psychopathology. The Dietpro Clinical Program® was used for assessment of calorie consumption during BEE. Data were analyzed with independent Student’s t tests, effect size (Cohen’s d), and Pearson’s correlation coefficients.

Results: Participants with BSD comorbid with a depressive disorder consumed significantly more calories during BEE than those without depression. Furthermore, participants with BSD and higher levels of impulsivity had higher caloric intake during episodes. Specifically regarding BN, participants with greater disease severity consumed more calories during episodes than those with lesser severity.

Conclusion: Overall, depression and high impulsivity were associated with higher caloric intake during BEE in individuals with BSD. For those with BN, disease severity was associated with greater calorie consumption during episodes. Our results support the relevance of early identification of psychiatric comorbidities and implementation of strategies to control mood and impulsivity, aiming for better prognosis in the treatment of BSD.