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.
 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.
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. 

 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. 

 C. Medications: Antidepressants may be

helpful for some individuals. 

 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.
 ANRED, www.anred.com
 Dept. of Health and Human Services (1987, 1995).
Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia.
 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders. (4th ed.). Washington, DC: American
Psychological Association, 1994.
 National Mental Health Association, Teens and Eating
Disorders.