Binge-eating disorder (BED) is rapidly gaining attention as the most common eating disorder. In one estimate, binge-eating disorder has a lifetime prevalence of 2.8%, making it more common than anorexia and bulimia combined.
What is Binge-Eating Disorder?
Essentially, binge eating is eating more at one time than a person would normally eat. This leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The question of how to defining binge-eating disorder completely is under investigation by the American Psychological Association. BED is not yet a formal diagnosis; it's classified as an "eating disorder not otherwise specified" (EDNOS). For now, the APA has suggested a definition for further debate:
- Proposed criteria for diagnosis of binge-eating disorder
- BED classified under EDNOS
- Why BED should be a formal diagnosis
- Other eating disorders you may not know
Symptoms of Binge-Eating Disorder
A person with BED can experience a variety of symptoms -- physical, mental, and behavioral. Some symptoms of binge-eating disorder are found in bulimia as well, while others also show up in those who are simply overweight. Symptoms can give clues to whether a further evaluation by a professional is appropriate.
- Effects of binge-eating disorder
- Quiz: Are there signs that you're an emotional eater?
How Binge-Eating Disorder Develops
Most eating disorders have an emotional component at core. The power of the emotions demands action, and binging tends to numb them to make them more bearable. But it's only a short-term solution.
- How emotional eating keeps feelings at bay
- Stress relief may be a reason behind all eating disorders
- Do I have an eating disorder?
Treatment for Binge Eating
As we recognize the scope of the problem of BED, more treatments emerge to address it. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has proven its value in other settings and is promising as a treatment for BED. It builds skills needed to handle powerful emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the tried-and-true standard. And a number of medications are prescribed for BED.
- DBT effective in dealing with the emotions of BED
- Faster is better when employing cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Be smart about using medications for BED
- Tailoring treatment to emotional eating
- The spectrum of eating disorder treatment options
Envision Recovery From BED
Binge-eating disorder may feel like a trap. You can escape, though. As treatment takes hold, you'll learn skills that can help you deal with the realities of recovery. And it's important to have others to share the path with you.
- How did she recover from BED? An interview
- Learn how binge eating is really self-deprivation
- How groups support recovery
- Practice mindful, sensual eating to regain respect for the body
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 4th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association; 1994.
Anorexia and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. "Statistics: How many people have eating disorders?" Formerly at http://www.anred.com/stats.html (link now defunct). Accessed 25 February 2008.
