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.

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 ( 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.