A characterization of binge planning behavior in individuals with binge-spectrum eating disorders.

This study is the first to examine: (1) the frequency of binge planning (BP; defined as both advanced knowledge that a binge episode will occur and taking steps to facilitate the binge episode); (2) associations of BP with ED severity, and (3) whether BP serves a negative reinforcement function. METHOD: Patients with BN- and BED-spectrum eating disorders (EDs; n = 111) were administered semi-structured interview questions regarding BP. RESULTS: Results indicate that a substantial minority of patients (27.8%) engage in BP. BP was significantly more common in BN versus BED-spectrum EDs (38.3% versus 20.6%, p = 0.04) and in those who did versus did not endorse self-induced vomiting (50.0% versus 21.3%, p < 0.01). Frequency of BP was positively associated with overall ED psychopathology (r = 0.19, p < 0.05). Exploratory analyses indicated that approximately two-thirds (67.7%) reported that BP served to distract from unpleasant experiences. DISCUSSION: BP is present for a significant subset of patients and may play a critical role in the reinforcement cycles of binge eating. Future research should further elucidate the function of BP to inform treatment development. PMID: 31065976 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Eating and weight disorders : EWD - Category: Eating Disorders & Weight Management Authors: Tags: Eat Weight Disord Source Type: research