Binge Eating Disorder

BINGE EATING DISORDER Presenter: Yohana Solis October, 2009

WHAT’S BINGE EATING? Binge eating disorder is a relatively recently recognized disorder (it is sometimes referred to as compulsive overeating).   Those with binge eating disorder frequently consume large amounts of food while feeling a lack of control over their eating.  They 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).

From the DSM-IV, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, Washington D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

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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

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C. Marked distress regarding binge eating is present

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D. Binge eating occurs, on average, at least 2 days a week for six months

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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.

SOME WARNING SIGNS:                  

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

TREATMENT OPTIONS: 

A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Method in which the client is taught techniques to monitor and change their eating habits, as well as to change the way they respond to difficult and stressful situations. 

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B. Interpersonal psychotherapy: Method in which the client is taught to examine their relationships with friends and family and to make changes in problem areas. 

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C. Medications: Antidepressants may be helpful for some individuals. 

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D. Self-help groups: These groups may be a good additional source of support for many.

OFTEN THOSE WHO HAVE BINGE EATING DISORDER SUFFER WITH THE DISORDER FOR YEARS, FEEL ASHAMED, DEPRESSED MAY FEEL VERY ALONE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO HELP THEM RECOGNIZE THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE, THERE ARE MILLIONS, AND THERE ARE SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR THEM. 

SOURCES: 

American Psychiatric Association  (1998), Eating Disorders.

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ANRED, www.anred.com

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Dept. of Health and Human Services (1987, 1995). Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia.

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Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. (4th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 1994.

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National Mental Health Association, Teens and Eating Disorders.