New Research Links Bipolar Disorder and Binge Eating Behaviors

Shared genes and brain chemistry may fuel the connection

News summary by Alex Rowan

Several studies now show that bipolar disorder and episodes of binge eating often overlap.

The researchers say the connection may stem from shared biology, emotional triggers, and medication side effects.

Bipolar disorder is a mood condition marked by swings between depression and mania or hypomania. Binge eating involves consuming large amounts of food in a single sitting.

Although they are not formally linked, both conditions sometimes occur together .

A review of 47 studies including 30,000 people found close connections. About 12.5% of people diagnosed primarily with bipolar disorder had binge eating disorder, while 9.1% of people with binge eating also had bipolar disorder. These rates are much higher than the average population.

Researcher see a few reasons for the overlap. Genetic studies show variations in the PRR5-ARHGAP8 gene linked to both conditions. These genes influence how the brain manages energy, appetite, and mood. A brain molecule called BDNF, which helps regulate mood and hunger, also dips during mood episodes—potentially causing binge eating.

Medications used to treat bipolar disorder may make the link worse. Antipsychotics can disrupt the brain’s reward system and reduce feelings of fullness. This may prompt binge eating or cause weight.

Emotional self-soothing is another factor. Many people with bipolar disorder report eating during rapid mood shifts to regain control or calm distress, or in response past traumas.

Individuals with both issues often face more severe anxiety, body dissatisfaction, impulse control problems, and reported stress.

The researchers recommend treating both conditions simultaneously. For bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers such as lamotrigine or topiramate are preferred when binge eating or obesity are concerns, as they are less likely to provoke appetite issues.

For binge eating, psychological therapies like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) show promise.

Understanding how bipolar disorder and binge eating interact helps doctors tailor care. When both conditions are present, coordinated therapy and medication strategies can improve mental health and quality of life.

Sources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bipolar-disorder-and-binge-eating?utm

https://www.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2019.7a19?utm

https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-binge-eating?utm

Personal note: I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 1 in my 50s. As I look back on my life, I see cycles of weight variation. Typically it was long periods of steady weight gain, followed by intense bursts of goal-directed weight loss from dieting and exercise. I now see binge eating as a pattern I have been in much of my life.