Descriptive analysis of binge eating in adult and adolescent females

Purpose Provide qualitative descriptions of context and characteristics of binge eating in adults and adolescents to explore consistency in precipitating factors. Method Open-ended, qualitative interviews were administered to an adult sample (n = 24) and an adolescent sample (n = 20) to collect details about the context in which two binge episodes occurred. Results Factors and context of the binge episodes were similar between adults and adolescents. In contrast, the two binge episodes described by each individual were not consistent. Binge episodes were not strongly affect-driven or food cue-driven. Conclusions Binge eating appears similar between adults and adolescents, which may have treatment implications. Similar treatment approaches may be used with both age groups and would benefit from covering a broad range of binge triggers rather than attempting to match individuals into an approach focused on particular triggers.