COMPARISON OF MEN AND WOMEN WITH BINGE-EATING DISORDER

Objective: This study examined gender differences in individuals with binge eating disorder (BED) on eating-related psychopathology and gene ral psychological functioning. Method: Subjects were age-matched men ( n=21) and women (n=21) with BED who were administered the Eating Disor ders Examination (EDE), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III- R (SCID) and SCID II, and who completed the Emotional Eating Scale (EE S) and other questionnaires regarding psychological functioning Result s: Men and women did not differ on measures of eating disturbance, sha pe and weight concerns, interpersonal problems, or self-esteem but mor e men than women met criteria for at least one Axis I diagnosis and ha d a lifetime diagnosis of substance dependence. Women were more likely to report eating in response to negative emotions, particularly anxie ty, anger and frustration, and depression. Discussion: Results from ou r study suggest that while men and women presenting for treatment for BED are very similar, males may have more Axis I psychiatric disturban ce and less emotional eating than their female counterparts. These fin dings are discussed in terms of the role of gender in BED and possible treatment implications are explored. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, I nc.