It is a mental disorder that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medication. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most powerful form of SUDs.

Substance Use Disorder

Alcohol Use Disorder is characterized by symptoms such as alcohol craving, recurrent use of alcohol that interferes with the fulfillment of one’s daily responsibilities, alcohol-seeking behavior, inability to control one’s drinking, drinking despite potential hazards (e.g., drinking while driving), the need for increased amounts of alcohol to achieve its effects (tolerance), and withdrawal symptoms when one stops or reduces alcohol intake (e.g., hand tremors, nausea, agitation, hallucinations). The disorder is distinguished as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number of these symptoms that an individual may have: Mild cases present with two to three symptoms; moderate cases four to five symptoms; and severe cases six or more symptoms.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Substance use disorders are the second most common comorbid psychiatric condition among BED patients, with 68% suffering from at least one substance use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is most prevalent, affecting 52% of BED patients, followed by nicotine use disorder (40.2%) and other drug use disorders (24.7%). 

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An estimated 94% of BED patients also have at least one other comorbid psychiatric condition, and nearly 23% of BED patients have attempted suicide. Some mental illnesses seem to be most common among patients:

- Mood disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Personality/conduct disorders

Binge Eating Disorder Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions

Keski-Rahkonen, A. (2021). Epidemiology of binge eating disorder: Prevalence, course, comorbidity, and risk factors. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 34(6), 525-531.

Epidemiology of Binge Eating Disorder: Prevalence, Course, Comorbidity, and Risk Factors

Substance Use Disorders in Binge Eating Disorder Patients

An estimated 56% of BED patients meet diagnostic criteria for at least one personality disorder or conduct disorder. Most commonly, borderline personality disorder appears as a comorbid psychiatric among 49.2% of patients.

Personality/Conduct Disorders in Binge Eating Disorder Patients

59% of BED patients suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder. More specifically, 33% meet diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, while 32% meet diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Anxiety Disorders in Binge Eating Disorder Patients

Mood disorders are the most common comorbid psychiatric condition among BED patients, affecting approximately 70% of them. The vast majority of these cases (69.9%) arise from major depressive disorder.

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