Diagnostic Criteria for Binge Eating Disorder

Diagnostic Criteria for Binge Eating Disorder Eating Disorders Diagnosis Print Diagnostic Criteria for Binge Eating Disorder By Susan Cowden, MS facebook linkedin Susan Cowden is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a member of the Academy for Eating Disorders. Learn about our editorial policy Susan Cowden, MS Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 18, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on October 18, 2019 Kactus / The Image Bank / Getty Images More in Eating Disorders Diagnosis Symptoms Treatment Awareness and Prevention Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder introduced in 2013 in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Although newly recognized as a distinct  disorder, it is the most common eating disorder, more common than anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. It is estimated that between 0.2% and 3.5% of females and 0.9% and 2.0% of males will develop binge eating disorder. Approximately 40% of those with binge eating disorder are male. BED often begins in the late teens or early 20s, although it has been reported in young children as well as older adults. Binge eating disorder is sometimes mischaracterized as  food addiction, which is not a recognized psychiatric disorder.  While a large number of people with binge eating disorder are overweight, BED can also occur in people who are normal weight. As most overweight and obese people do not have BED, it is important not to conflate obesity with binge eating disorder. While many people may think of binge eating disorder as a less serious disorder than anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, it can be severe, debilitating, and even life-threatening.   Criteria for Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosis To be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, a person must have episodes of binge eating at least once a week for three months. During these episodes, the person will feel a lack of control over their eating (they cant stop eating or control how much or when they eat).   Binge-eating episodes cannot occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa. Repeated attempts to stop binge eating, or repeated attempts at dieting, do not exclude someone from a binge eating disorder diagnosis. Binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following symptoms:   Eating much more quickly than normalEating until uncomfortably fullEating large amounts of food even when not physically hungryEating alone because of embarrassment about how much one is eatingFeeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward A major distinction between binge eating disorder and  bulimia nervosa  is that there are no recurrent behaviors used to avoid weight gain or compensate for binge eating. Known as “compensatory behaviors,” these behaviors may include purging or extreme restriction of food intake. Triggers for Binge Eating Several triggers for binge eating have been reported in people with binge eating disorder, including:Feeling unhappy, anxious, or other negative emotions about body weight, body shape, or foodFeeling boredProblems with interpersonal relationshipsWeight stigma Treatment Treatments for binge eating disorder  include medications (SSRIs and Vyvanse) and psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Guided self-help may also be effective. Discuss and work with  your doctor to find the right treatment for you. Binge Eating Disorder Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF Recommended Treatments for Binge Eating Disorder Remission The DSM-V also allows professionals to specify if a person is in partial remission or in full remission (recovery) from binge eating disorder. The severity, based on the average frequency of binge-eating episodes, can also be specified: Mild: 1 to 3 episodes each weekModerate: 4 to 7 episodes each weekSevere: 8 to 13 episodes each weekExtreme: 14 or more episodes each week A Word From Verywell Regardless of how frequent, if you or someone you know is struggling with binge-eating or compulsive overeating episodes, it is important to see a physician, dietician, or a mental health professional for an assessment.  Treatment  is available and recovery is possible.