A mechanistic staging model of reward processing alterations in individuals with binge-type eating disorders

Altered reward processing is thought to characterize binge-type eating disorders, but the exact nature of these alterations is unclear. A more fine-grained understanding of whether specific aspects of reward processing contribute to the development or maintenance of binge eating may point to new therapeutic targets and personalized treatments. The incentive sensitization theory of addiction proposes that repeated use of a substance increases the desire to approach a reward ('wanting') but not pleasure when consuming the reward ('liking'), suggesting that reward processes driving addiction change over time. We hypothesize that the same may be true for binge eating. Further, consistent with the maladaptive scaling hypothesis, reward processing may be heightened for multiple reinforcers in at-risk individuals but become tuned toward food once binge eating is initiated. In this article, we propose a mechanistic staging model of reward processing in binge-type eating disorders that synthesizes existing data and posits that alterations of reward processing depend on illness stage and reward type. We outline translational methods for testing key hypotheses and discuss clinical implications. Considering reward processing alterations in relation to illness stage has the potential to improve treatment outcomes by ensuring that the mechanisms targeted are personalized to the individual patient. Public SignificanceIndividuals with binge-type eating disorders experience alterations in their desire for, and pleasure from, food. We believe that the exact nature of these alterations in reward processing change over the course of illness-from the at-risk state to an established illness. If true, treatments for binge-type eating disorders that target reward processing should be personalized to the illness stage of the patient.