Binge eating and alcohol consumption: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the relationship between binge eating and alcohol consumption.

METHODS

This is an integrative literature review of publications from 2015 to 2019, using the Pubmed, Cinhahl, Psynet, Lilacs, Embase and Web of Science virtual databases and the descriptors ("Binge-Eating" OR "Bulimia") AND Alcohol* in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

RESULTS

A total of 964 articles were found. After reading the titles and abstracts and excluding duplicates, 36 articles were included in the final sample (35 in English and one in Portuguese). They were grouped into three thematic categories: "sample profile and characterization", "genetic and environmental factors", and "emotions and behavior".

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate the existence of a relationship between binge eating and alcohol use, and some factors were associated with this comorbidity. Still, there were few publications on the theme at the national level, indicating the need for developing more research. These findings may support therapeutic actions and strategies for identification of cases, embracing approaches and more effective treatments to meet the individual's biopsychosocial demands.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, narrative review.