Table 1.

The Relationship between BED and Substance Dependence

Similarities between BED and Substance Dependence

1. Diminished control over consumption

2. Continued use despite negative consequences

3. Diminished ability to cut down or abstain from problematic substance

4. Elevated levels of impulsivity

5. Elevated comorbidity with mood/anxiety disorders

6. Triggered by cravings and negative affect

7. Similar patterns of neural activations

Differences between BED and Substance Dependence

1. BED is associated with elevated concerns with shape or weight, but substance dependence is not

2. BED diagnosis specifies that consumption must occur during a discrete period of time, but substance dependence does not

3. Substance dependence diagnosis assesses withdrawal, tolerance, amount of time spent on substance-focused activities and activities given up due to substance use, but BED does not

4. Substance dependence diagnosis places a greater emphasis on the contribution of the substance (e.g., addictive potential of substances), BED diagnosis does not consider specific types or properties of food consumed (merely the amount)

5. Substance dependence treatments typically focus on abstaining from the problematic substance, but BED treatments do not