Crossing the Lines: Common Pathways Linking Eating Disorders and Behavioral Addictions

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the main factors included in the I-PACE model (Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution) for behavioral addictions, and to explore the extent to which these processes are also present in eating disorders, specifically bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED). Research suggests that both groups of disorders share moderate genetic vulnerability, maladaptive personality traits, impulsivity, difficulties with emotional regulation, and impairments in executive functions. In addition, factors such as loneliness and co-occurrence with other psychopathological disorders contribute to the severity and persistence of symptoms. Although there are common transdiagnostic mechanisms, differences are also observed in the clinical presentation of each condition. These findings support the transdiagnostic approach to the various factors included in the I-PACE model and highlight the need for longitudinal and multimodal research to better understand both shared and condition-specific processes.