Body-related cognitions in binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa

The aim of the present study was to investigate cognitive aspects of body image disturbance in binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. In a sample of female volunteers, 30 women diagnosed with binge-eating disorder, 30 women with bulimia nervosa (DSM-IV), and 30 non-eating-disordered women were exposed to their physical appearance using a mirror exposure technique. Compared with the control group, both eating disorder groups reported more body-related negative cognitions. Furthermore, in the eating disorder groups, negative body-related cognitions occurred more frequently than positive or neutral cognitions. For women with bulimia nervosa, but not for women with binge-eating disorder, body-related cognitions were more present and showed a stronger negative reactivity than for non-eating-disordered women. In summary, results indicate a similar cognitive body image disturbance in bulimia nervosa and in binge-eating disorder. Results are discussed regarding the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and modeling of maintaining factors in binge-eating disorder.