Two sides of the same coin? Prevalence and co-occurrence of binge eating disorder and compulsive sexual behavior disorder in a representative sample of the Polish population

Sex Med. 2025 Nov 9;13(5):qfaf092. doi: 10.1093/sexmed/qfaf092. eCollection 2025 Oct.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although increasingly recognized, research into the prevalence and co-occurrence of binge eating disorder (BED) and compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) remains scarce.

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and co-occurrence of BED and CSBD in a representative Polish population while examining their associations with sexual behavior-related variables, and levels of anxiety and depression.

METHODS: Data were collected from a representative sample of Polish adults, consisting of 1527 participants aged 18-65.

OUTCOMES: The occurrence and intersection of symptoms of BED and CSBD.

RESULTS: Men reported significantly higher CSBD symptoms (Z = 9.62, P < .001, d = 0.52) and problematic sexual behaviors, while women reported higher BED (Z = 5.51, P < .001, d = 0.30) and anxiety symptoms (Z = 7.46, P < .001, d = 0.39). BED and CSBD symptoms co-occurred significantly in men (χ ²(1) = 59.00, P < .001), but not in women (χ ²(1) = 1.51, P = .22). BED symptoms were positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.46, P < .001) and depression (r = 0.47, P < .001), highlighting their interplay with psychological distress.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Findings underscore shared mechanisms across BED and CSBD, suggesting the potential effectiveness of transdiagnostic treatment approaches addressing co-occurring symptoms, emotional regulation, and impulsivity within a unified therapeutic framework.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths include a representative sample and the examination of underexplored comorbidity patterns. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-report measures, warranting longitudinal and multimethod research for causal inferences.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals significant gender differences in BED and CSBD symptoms and demonstrates their co-occurrence among men, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive, integrated clinical approaches to assessment and treatment.

PMID:41216385 | PMC:PMC12597027 | DOI:10.1093/sexmed/qfaf092