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A characterization of binge planning behavior in individuals with binge-spectrum eating disorders
Journal article   Peer reviewed

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

Stephanie M. Manasse, Helen B. Murray, Megan Parker, Evan M. Forman and Adrienne S. Juarascio
Eating and weight disorders, v 25(4), pp 1099-1103
2020

Abstract

Brief Report Medicine Medicine & Public Health Psychiatry
Objective Although binge eating is associated with impulsivity, clinical reports suggest that some individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED) plan binge episodes in advance. 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.

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Web of Science research areas
Psychiatry
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