Binge eating disorder: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

No edit summary
CSV import
Line 1: Line 1:
{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Binge eating disorder
| image          = [[File:Periwinkle_ribbon.svg|alt=Periwinkle ribbon symbolizing eating disorder awareness]]
| caption        = Periwinkle ribbon symbolizing eating disorder awareness
| field          = [[Psychiatry]]
| symptoms        = Recurrent episodes of [[binge eating]], lack of control during episodes, distress about binge eating
| complications  = [[Obesity]], [[type 2 diabetes]], [[cardiovascular disease]], [[depression]], [[anxiety disorders]]
| onset          = Typically in [[adolescence]] or [[young adulthood]]
| duration        = Can be [[chronic]]
| causes          = [[Genetic]], [[biological]], [[psychological]], and [[environmental factors]]
| risks          = [[Family history]], [[dieting]], [[psychological issues]]
| diagnosis      = Based on [[DSM-5]] criteria
| differential    = [[Bulimia nervosa]], [[obesity]], [[depression]]
| treatment      = [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[interpersonal psychotherapy]], [[medications]] such as [[antidepressants]]
| prognosis      = Varies; treatment can improve symptoms
| frequency      = Affects about 1-2% of the population
}}
'''Binge Eating Disorder''' ('''BED''') is a serious and common [[eating disorder]] characterized by recurrent episodes of [[binge eating]] without regular compensatory behaviors such as [[purging]], [[fasting]], or excessive [[exercise]]. It is distinct from other eating disorders like [[anorexia nervosa]] and [[bulimia nervosa]], though it shares some psychological characteristics. BED is officially recognized in the ''[[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders|DSM-5]]'' and is associated with physical, emotional, and psychological health consequences.
'''Binge Eating Disorder''' ('''BED''') is a serious and common [[eating disorder]] characterized by recurrent episodes of [[binge eating]] without regular compensatory behaviors such as [[purging]], [[fasting]], or excessive [[exercise]]. It is distinct from other eating disorders like [[anorexia nervosa]] and [[bulimia nervosa]], though it shares some psychological characteristics. BED is officially recognized in the ''[[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders|DSM-5]]'' and is associated with physical, emotional, and psychological health consequences.
 
[[File:Periwinkle ribbon.svg|left|thumb|Periwinkle ribbon, symbol of eating disorder awareness]]
[[File:Periwinkle ribbon.svg|thumb|Periwinkle ribbon, symbol of eating disorder awareness]]
 
== History ==
== History ==
The term "binge eating disorder" was first introduced by [[psychiatrist]] Albert Stunkard in 1959, who initially described the behavior as part of "[[night eating syndrome]]". It was later recognized as a separate diagnostic entity in the early 1990s. BED was formally added to the DSM-5 in 2013 as a distinct eating disorder.
The term "binge eating disorder" was first introduced by [[psychiatrist]] Albert Stunkard in 1959, who initially described the behavior as part of "[[night eating syndrome]]". It was later recognized as a separate diagnostic entity in the early 1990s. BED was formally added to the DSM-5 in 2013 as a distinct eating disorder.
== Diagnostic Criteria ==
== Diagnostic Criteria ==
According to the DSM-5, BED is characterized by:
According to the DSM-5, BED is characterized by:
Line 19: Line 34:
* Marked distress regarding binge eating
* Marked distress regarding binge eating
* The behavior is not associated with regular compensatory behaviors (as seen in bulimia nervosa)
* The behavior is not associated with regular compensatory behaviors (as seen in bulimia nervosa)
== Causes and Risk Factors ==
== Causes and Risk Factors ==
The exact causes of BED are not fully understood, but a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors likely contribute. These include:
The exact causes of BED are not fully understood, but a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors likely contribute. These include:
Line 28: Line 42:
* Chronic [[dieting]] and [[body image]] dissatisfaction
* Chronic [[dieting]] and [[body image]] dissatisfaction
* Social and cultural pressures around body weight and appearance
* Social and cultural pressures around body weight and appearance
== Signs and Symptoms ==
== Signs and Symptoms ==
Symptoms may include:
Symptoms may include:
Line 38: Line 51:
* Feelings of shame or guilt related to eating
* Feelings of shame or guilt related to eating
* Avoidance of social activities involving food
* Avoidance of social activities involving food
== Health Complications ==
== Health Complications ==
BED is often associated with [[obesity]], though individuals with normal weight can also be affected. Potential health risks include:
BED is often associated with [[obesity]], though individuals with normal weight can also be affected. Potential health risks include:
Line 50: Line 62:
* Gastrointestinal problems
* Gastrointestinal problems
* [[Menstrual irregularities]] and fertility issues
* [[Menstrual irregularities]] and fertility issues
BED is also associated with mental health disorders such as:
BED is also associated with mental health disorders such as:
* [[Major depressive disorder]]
* [[Major depressive disorder]]
Line 56: Line 67:
* [[Post-traumatic stress disorder]] (PTSD)
* [[Post-traumatic stress disorder]] (PTSD)
* [[Substance use disorders]]
* [[Substance use disorders]]
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis involves a clinical assessment by a healthcare professional, often including:
Diagnosis involves a clinical assessment by a healthcare professional, often including:
Line 63: Line 73:
* Medical history and physical exam
* Medical history and physical exam
* Psychological evaluation
* Psychological evaluation
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
BED is treatable. Treatment options include:
BED is treatable. Treatment options include:
=== Psychotherapy ===
=== Psychotherapy ===
* '''[[Cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT)''': The most effective evidence-based treatment
* '''[[Cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT)''': The most effective evidence-based treatment
* '''[[Interpersonal therapy]] (IPT)'''
* '''[[Interpersonal therapy]] (IPT)'''
* '''[[Dialectical behavior therapy]] (DBT)'''
* '''[[Dialectical behavior therapy]] (DBT)'''
=== Medications ===
=== Medications ===
* [[Lisdexamfetamine]] (Vyvanse), the only FDA-approved medication for BED
* [[Lisdexamfetamine]] (Vyvanse), the only FDA-approved medication for BED
* [[Antidepressants]] (SSRIs)
* [[Antidepressants]] (SSRIs)
* [[Topiramate]] and other off-label medications
* [[Topiramate]] and other off-label medications
=== Nutritional Counseling ===
=== Nutritional Counseling ===
* Education on balanced eating patterns
* Education on balanced eating patterns
* Development of structured meal plans
* Development of structured meal plans
* Support for intuitive and mindful eating
* Support for intuitive and mindful eating
=== Support Groups ===
=== Support Groups ===
* Peer-led support (e.g., [[Overeaters Anonymous]])
* Peer-led support (e.g., [[Overeaters Anonymous]])
* Community-based recovery programs
* Community-based recovery programs
== BED and Reproductive Health ==
== BED and Reproductive Health ==
BED can affect [[fertility]] and [[pregnancy]]:
BED can affect [[fertility]] and [[pregnancy]]:
Line 91: Line 95:
* Increases risk of [[gestational diabetes]], [[preeclampsia]], and [[postpartum depression]]
* Increases risk of [[gestational diabetes]], [[preeclampsia]], and [[postpartum depression]]
* Can be triggered or exacerbated by hormonal changes during [[pregnancy]] and postpartum
* Can be triggered or exacerbated by hormonal changes during [[pregnancy]] and postpartum
== Epidemiology ==
== Epidemiology ==
* BED affects approximately 3.5% of women and 2.0% of men in the United States
* BED affects approximately 3.5% of women and 2.0% of men in the United States
* It is the most common eating disorder across racial and ethnic groups
* It is the most common eating disorder across racial and ethnic groups
* Onset is typically in late adolescence to early adulthood
* Onset is typically in late adolescence to early adulthood
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
With early intervention and comprehensive treatment, recovery is possible. Many individuals recover fully, though some may experience relapses. Long-term follow-up and support improve outcomes.
With early intervention and comprehensive treatment, recovery is possible. Many individuals recover fully, though some may experience relapses. Long-term follow-up and support improve outcomes.
== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Eating disorders]]
* [[Eating disorders]]
Line 109: Line 110:
* [[Intuitive eating]]
* [[Intuitive eating]]
* [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]]
* [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]]
== External Links ==
== External Links ==
* [https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders National Institute of Mental Health - Eating Disorders]
* [https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders National Institute of Mental Health - Eating Disorders]
* [https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)]
* [https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)]
* [https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/eating-disorders Office on Women's Health - Eating Disorders]
* [https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/eating-disorders Office on Women's Health - Eating Disorders]
{{Eating disorders}}
{{Eating disorders}}
{{Mental and behavioral disorders}}
{{Mental and behavioral disorders}}

Revision as of 19:02, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Binge eating disorder
Periwinkle ribbon symbolizing eating disorder awareness
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Recurrent episodes of binge eating, lack of control during episodes, distress about binge eating
Complications Obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety disorders
Onset Typically in adolescence or young adulthood
Duration Can be chronic
Types N/A
Causes Genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors
Risks Family history, dieting, psychological issues
Diagnosis Based on DSM-5 criteria
Differential diagnosis Bulimia nervosa, obesity, depression
Prevention N/A
Treatment Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, medications such as antidepressants
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies; treatment can improve symptoms
Frequency Affects about 1-2% of the population
Deaths N/A


Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious and common eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without regular compensatory behaviors such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. It is distinct from other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, though it shares some psychological characteristics. BED is officially recognized in the DSM-5 and is associated with physical, emotional, and psychological health consequences.

File:Periwinkle ribbon.svg
Periwinkle ribbon, symbol of eating disorder awareness

History

The term "binge eating disorder" was first introduced by psychiatrist Albert Stunkard in 1959, who initially described the behavior as part of "night eating syndrome". It was later recognized as a separate diagnostic entity in the early 1990s. BED was formally added to the DSM-5 in 2013 as a distinct eating disorder.

Diagnostic Criteria

According to the DSM-5, BED is characterized by:

  • Recurring episodes of binge eating (at least once a week for three months), defined as:
    • Eating, in a discrete period, an amount of food larger than most people would eat under similar circumstances.
    • A sense of lack of control during the episode.
  • Episodes are associated with at least three of the following:
    • Eating much more rapidly than normal
    • Eating until uncomfortably full
    • Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
    • Eating alone due to embarrassment
    • Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty afterward
  • Marked distress regarding binge eating
  • The behavior is not associated with regular compensatory behaviors (as seen in bulimia nervosa)

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of BED are not fully understood, but a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors likely contribute. These include:

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Frequent episodes of consuming large quantities of food
  • A feeling of loss of control while eating
  • Eating in secret or alone
  • Emotional distress before, during, or after binging
  • Fluctuations in weight
  • Feelings of shame or guilt related to eating
  • Avoidance of social activities involving food

Health Complications

BED is often associated with obesity, though individuals with normal weight can also be affected. Potential health risks include:

BED is also associated with mental health disorders such as:

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a clinical assessment by a healthcare professional, often including:

  • Structured interviews
  • Self-reported questionnaires
  • Medical history and physical exam
  • Psychological evaluation

Treatment

BED is treatable. Treatment options include:

Psychotherapy

Medications

Nutritional Counseling

  • Education on balanced eating patterns
  • Development of structured meal plans
  • Support for intuitive and mindful eating

Support Groups

BED and Reproductive Health

BED can affect fertility and pregnancy:

Epidemiology

  • BED affects approximately 3.5% of women and 2.0% of men in the United States
  • It is the most common eating disorder across racial and ethnic groups
  • Onset is typically in late adolescence to early adulthood

Prognosis

With early intervention and comprehensive treatment, recovery is possible. Many individuals recover fully, though some may experience relapses. Long-term follow-up and support improve outcomes.

See Also

External Links






This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia