Profiling decision-making mechanisms in binge eating disorder.
Emily Colton1,2, Chanel Agosta3,4, Holly Carey3,4
1School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Level 6, 18 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia. emily.colton@monash.edu.
Journal of Eating Disorders
|March 15, 2026
Summary
Individuals with binge eating disorder (BED) exhibit generalized decision-making dysfunction and poor psychological functioning. These cognitive and psychological factors are key mechanisms underlying BED, informing new treatment approaches.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Binge eating disorder (BED) is a prevalent mental health condition linked to significant health issues and reduced quality of life.
- Disordered decision-making is implicated in BED, but the precise cognitive mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate decision-making processes across three stages: preference formation, choice implementation, and feedback processing in individuals with BED.
- To examine the role of psychological factors, including negative emotionality, eating-related tendencies, and impulsivity, in decision-making within BED.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving individuals with BED (n=57), higher weight controls (HWC, n=54), and lower weight controls (LWC, n=54).
- Utilized profile analyses on cognitive measures of decision-making and assessed psychological functioning domains.
Main Results:
- Generalized decision-making dysfunction was observed in the BED group compared to the LWC group, independent of BMI.
- Poor psychological functioning, particularly depressive symptoms and lack of perseverance, significantly differentiated BED from both control groups.
Conclusions:
- Domain-general cognitive dysfunction, alongside psychological features, represents a crucial mechanism in BED.
- Findings support refining etiological models of BED and developing personalized treatment strategies.
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