Hedonics of binge eating in women with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder

Objective: Potential differences in the hedonics of binge eating between fe male subjects with bulimia nervosa (BN) and female subjects with binge eati ng disorder (BED) were examined. Method: Women seeking treatment for BN (N = 29) and BED (N = 49) completed the Eating Hedonics Questionnaire. Results : Subjects in both groups reported similar precipitants and levels of distr ess associated with binge eating. Of interest, BED subjects were more likel y to report that they enjoyed the food the taste of the food the smell and the texture of the food while binge eating. In addition, the BED group repo rted more relaxation and less physical discomfort and anxiety as a conseque nce of binge eating compared to the BN group. Discussion: There are interes ting and potentially important differences between individuals with BN and BED in the cognitions and behaviors associated with binge eating. (C) 1999 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.