Binge Eating Disorder Definition OF Binge Eating Disorder Binge eating disorder is a relatively recently recognized disorder (it is sometimes referred to as compulsive overeating). Some researchers believe it is the most common of the eating disorders affecting millions of Americans. Similar to bulimia nervosa, those with binge eating disorder frequently consume large amounts of food while feeling a lack of control over their eating. However, this disorder is different from bulimia nervosa because people with binge eating disorder usually do not purge (i.e. vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise, etc) their bodies of the excess food they consume during a binge episode.
Diagnostic Criteria: DSM-IV
A. Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode is characterized by:
1. Eating a larger amount of food than normal during a short period of time (within any two hour period)
2. Lack of control over eating during the binge episode (i.e. the feeling that one cannot stop eating).
B. Binge eating episodes are associated with three or more of the following:
1. Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
2. Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
3. Eating much more rapidly than normal
4. Eating alone because you are embarrassed by how much you're eating
5. Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating
C. Marked distress regarding binge eating is present
D. Binge eating occurs, on average, at least 2 days a week for six months
E. The binge eating is not associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behavior (i.e. purging, excessive exercise, etc.) and does not occur exclusively during the course of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa. Warning Signs Of Binge Eating Disorder Rapid weight gain or obesity Constant weight fluctuations Frequently eats an abnormal amount of food in a short period of time (usually less than two hours) Does not use methods to purge food Eats rapidly (i.e. frequently chewing without swallowing) Feeling a lack of control over one's eating (i.e. unable to stop) Eating alone, "secretive eating habits", hiding food, etc. Eating late at night Eating when not hungry Disgust and shame with self after overeating. Hoarding food (especially high calorie/junk food) Coping with emotional and psychological states such as stress, unhappiness or disappointment by eating. Eating large amounts of food without being hungry Consuming food to the point of being uncomfortable or even in pain Attribute ones successes and failures to weight Avoiding social situations especially those involving food. Depressed mood Anxious mood Some Medical Consequences Obesity Diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Kidney disease and/or failure Gallbladder disease Arthritis Bone deterioration Stroke Upper respiratory problems Skin disorders Menstrual irregularities Ovarian abnormalities Complications of pregnancy Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders Suicidal thoughts Substance abuse View High Resolution Download For Printing Order Prints & Gifts Create Your Own Site