Psychiatr. Pol. 2020; 54(2): 223–238 

 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/105502 

 

Katarzyna Jowik, Agata Dutkiewicz, Agnieszka Słopień, Marta Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor 

 

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Eating disorders (ED) constitute the third most common group of chronic diseases among people aged 14–19 years after asthma and obesity, and one of their forms is binge eating disorder (BED). The purpose of the present review was to summarize new research findings on BED and overview the epidemiology, characteristics, criteria, etiopathogenesis, and treatment. Etiopathogenesis of BED is still poorly understood, and the current state of knowledge leads to the conclusion that the pathomechanism of the development and persistence of the symptoms of that disorder is very complicated – factors influencing these symptoms have a genetic, neurobiological, biochemical, cognitive, and emotional background. Treatment targeted at selected pathogenetic mechanisms – i.a., disturbance in the corticostriatal circuit, neurohormonal dysregulation or incorrect regulation of emotions – may be of help for people with binge eating disorder. Often comorbid mental, e.g., mood, anxiety and personality disorders, psychoactive substance abuse, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, and somatic problems are particularly crucial in the context of primary care physicians and psychiatrists work and should encourage the expanding knowledge about BED and the creation of interdisciplinary therapeutic teams.