General impulsivity in binge-eating disorder. (21st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boswell, Rebecca G.; Grilo, Carlos M.
• Is Part Of: CNS spectrums. Volume 26:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 538
• Page End: 544
• Publication Date: 2021-10-21
• Subjects: Binge-eating disorder -- impulsivity -- comorbidity -- obesity -- eating disorders; Neuropsychiatry -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1017/S1092852920001674
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1092-8529

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The nature and significance of impulse-control difficulties in binge-eating disorder (BED) are uncertain. Most emerging research has focused on food-specific rather than general impulsivity. The current study examines the clinical presentation of patients with BED categorized with and without clinical levels of general impulsivity. Method: A total of 343 consecutive treatment-seeking patients with BED were categorized as having BED with general impulsivity (GI+; N = 73) or BED without general impulsivity (GI−: N = 270) based on structured diagnostic and clinical interviews. The groups were compared on demographic, developmental, and psychological features, and on rates of psychiatric and personality comorbidity. Results: Individuals with BED and general impulsivity (GI+) reported greater severity of eating-disorder psychopathology, greater depressive symptoms, and greater rates of comorbidity than those without general impulsivity (GI−). Conclusions: A subtype of individuals with BED and general impulsivity may signal a more severe presentation of BED characterized by heightened and broader psychopathology. Future work should investigate whether these impulse-control difficulties relate to treatment outcomes.