The relationship among binge severity, personality psychopathology, and body mass index

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship among binge severity, personality psychopathology, and body mass index (BMI) among individuals with binge eating disorder (BED).

Method: Participants were 50 individuals from the community who responded to advertisements for a medication treatment study of compulsive overeating and met BED criteria. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders.

Results: Binge eating severity was significantly and positively correlated with BMI and personality disorder symptomatology. The frequency of binge eating episodes, but not binge size, was associated with greater levels of personality psychopathology. BMI and personality psychopathology were unrelated. Twelve percent of the participants met full criteria for avoidant personality disorder (APD) and 10% met full criteria for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

Discussion: Findings suggest that eating pathology, rather than weight, is related to personality psychopathology. APD and OCPD traits may be of particular relevance when considering treatment interventions for individuals with BED.