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.