Binge Eating Disorder Treatment Options
Have You Ever Wondered How To Stop Binge Eating?

Binge eating disorder (BED) is probably the most common form of disordered eating, and it often leads to obesity. Although it's not yet classified as a formal eating disorder like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, it still requires proper diagnosis and treatment if one is to become healthy again by overcoming binge eating.

In the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - (DSM-IV), Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is classified under "EDNOS" (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified).

This is usually an indication that it falls into an area where more research is required. As a result, we may see things change in the upcoming revised edition of the DSM.

Although many people overeat - or even binge eat from time to time - it's important to recognize that there's a very slight difference between binge eating and Binge Eating Disorder.

Binge eating is the actual act of eating excessive amounts of food in a fairly short period of time. It may or may not be a sign that someone has an eating disorder.

However, the frequency with which the bingeing occurs should be monitored because this is one of the criteria that can cause a person to cross that fine line into a full blown eating disorder. Binge eating is a symptom of bulimia nervosa, and it is also a component of Night Eating Syndrome (NES).

Symptoms Of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) - Diagnostic Criteria

The DSM-IV defines Binge Eating Disorder (BED) as recurrent episodes of binge eating, and is characterized by the following:

• Eating an unusually large amount of food at one time -- more than what most people would eat in a similar period under similar circumstances (i.e. -- within a 2-hour time frame).


• Experiencing a sense of lack of control during the eating episode with regards to what one is eating and how much.


• Feeling as if one cannot stop eating.

Three (or more) of the following are also associated with binge eating episodes:

• Feelings of disgust directed at oneself
• Feeling depressed, or guilty after overeating
• Eating large amounts of food even when not feeling hungry
• Eating much faster than normal
• Gaining weight very fast - onset of obesity
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating
• Marked distress regarding the binge eating

Bingeing episodes must occur, on average, at least two days per week, and last for a period of six months.

The binge eating must not be associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise, and does not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

What Are The Causes Of Binge Eating Disorder? (BED)

Although nobody can say for sure what causes any eating disorder, research has discovered some interesting facts that could be considered as the two main causes of Binge Eating Disorder.

The first is that the biochemical reactions going on in the body after strict dieting actually increase the urgency for food. (See starvation mode).

The second reason for bingeing is unbearable emotional pain. The frequently used metaphor "stuffing down feelings" is often associated with this illness.

Like exercise, sex and drugs, food can tap into pleasure centers in the brain. The individual feels comforted because the food is functioning very much like a narcotic. It's not surprising that depression, anxiety or other mood disorders often co-exist with this and many other eating disorders.

Over time, repeated bingeing can become addictive.

What Is Recommended For Binge Eating Disorder Treatment?

Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder most often involves psychotherapy, and can usually benefit from the same team approach as is used with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. This means that a professional treatment team would ideally consist of a medical doctor, a psychiatrist/psychologist, and a dietitian or nutritionist.

Sometimes Twelve-Step Programs, such as Overeaters Anonymous, can be helpful in overcoming binge eating.

It's worth noting that even though Binge Eating Disorder can lead to obesity, you do not need to be overweight to suffer from, or seek treatment for this disorder. If you have concerns, please seek professional medical advice for a proper diagnosis.

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