Neuroimaging in Binge Eating Disorder

Abstract

Binge eating disorder (BED) is defined as recurrent and distressing episodes of excessive food intake despite psychological and physical consequences without the inappropriate compensatory weight loss behaviors characteristic of bulimia or anorexia nervosa. Neurobiological underpinnings associated with BED have been investigated; however, few structural and functional neuroimaging studies to date have described on the etiology, clinical features, and course of BED. The purpose of this chapter is to synthesize the recent literature on neuroimaging studies on the etiology, clinical features, and course of BED, which has been excluded from the category of “eating disorders not otherwise specified” in DSM-V and has specific diagnostic criteria. Neuroimaging studies provide evidence including altered function of prefrontal, insular, and orbitofrontal cortices and the striatum with altered reward sensitivity and food-related attentional biases. These unique neurobiological changes might be crucial in defining the overlapping neural features and directing targeted therapies of BED. To disrupt this vicious cycle, novel research-based studies examining the endogenous DA, NE, 5-HT, opiate, and other systems (e.g., glutamatergic) in the striatum and cortex of individuals with BED are necessary.