Shared and unique mechanisms underlying binge eating disorder and addictive disorders. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schulte, Erica M.; Grilo, Carlos M.; Gearhardt, Ashley N.
• Is Part Of: Clinical psychology review. Volume 44(2016)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 139
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Binge eating disorder -- Food addiction -- Eating disorders -- Substance use disorders; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychology, Clinical -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2016.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-7358

Abstract

Abstract: Scientific interest in "food addiction" is growing, but the topic remains controversial. One critique of "food addiction" is its high degree of phenotypic overlap with binge eating disorder (BED). In order to examine associations between problematic eating behaviors, such as binge eating and "food addiction, " we propose the need to move past examining similarities and differences in symptomology. Instead, focusing on relevant mechanisms may more effectively determine whether "food addiction" contributes to disordered eating behavior for some individuals. This paper reviews the evidence for mechanisms that are shared (i.e., reward dysfunction, impulsivity) and unique for addiction (i.e., withdrawal, tolerance) and eating disorder (i.e., dietary restraint, shape/weight concern) frameworks. This review will provide a guiding framework to outline future areas of research needed to evaluate the validity of the "food addiction" model and to understand its potential contribution to disordered eating. Highlights: Shared mechanisms may explain phenotypic overlap between "food addiction" and BED. Mechanisms unique to addictive disorders may contribute to addictive-like eating. Future research needed to examine the utility of "food addiction" is recommended. Addiction perspectives may inform novel interventions for disordered eating.