Impulsivity as a Common Correlate of Binge Eating Disorder and Alcohol Abuse in the General U.S. Adolescent Population

Background: Binge eating disorder (BED) has been reported to be positively associated with alcohol abuse (AA). Impulsivity, a multi-dimensional construct has been identified as a common correlate of these disorders, mostly among adults in clinical settings. Few studies have examined the role of impulsivity in BED, AA, and comorbidity of BED and AA among adolescents. The present study examined the associations between components of impulsivity and both BED and AA in the general U.S. adolescent population.

Methods: This study utilized data from the National Comorbidity Survey: Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A), a nationally representative sample of 10,148 U.S. adolescents aged 13 to 18 years. We assessed associations between impulsivity (impulsiveness/lack of premeditation; sensation seeking; emotional reactivity; disinhibition) and lifetime BED (n=139), lifetime AA (n=655), and lifetime comorbidity of BED and AA (n=23).

Results: Increased impulsivity was positively associated with lifetime BED, lifetime AA, and lifetime comorbidity of BED and AA. All items related to emotional reactivity and disinhibition and almost all items related to impulsiveness/lack of premeditation were positively related to lifetime BED and lifetime AA. Sensation seeking was only positively associated with lifetime AA. Impulsivity-BED, impulsivity-AA, and impulsivity-comorbidity of BED & AA associations did not differ by adolescent sex.

Discussion: Impulsiveness/lack of premeditation, emotional reactivity, and disinhibition seem to be common in both disorders, but sensation seeking seems to be primarily AA problems. Prevention of impulsivity-related mental disorders in adolescence is crucial. Interventions that focus on alleviating impulsivity should be evaluated for possible benefits in preventing both BED and AA.