Binge-Eating Disorder

Binge-eating, or compulsive overeating, is a pattern of frequent episodes of overeating that involve a loss of control and cause an individual significant unease. It involves the consumption of a large amount of food in a short time, eating to the point of discomfort, and eating even when not hungry. Unlike bulimia nervosa, periods of binge-eating are not followed by purging, excessive exercise, or fasting. As a result, people with binge-eating disorders tend to gain weight.

DISCLAIMER: These features are for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

• Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time, such as a 2-hour period
• Eating fast during binge episodes
• Eating even when full or not hungry
• Eating until uncomfortably full
• Binge-eating episodes occur, on average, at least once a week for over three months.
• Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment
• Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about eating
• Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss

• Individuals engaging in binge-eating often eat alone due to embarrassment about how much they are consuming, or feel depressed and/or embarrassed about their eating habits.
• They may miss work or school. Their ability to hide their habits becomes so good that often even the people closest to them don’t know they have the disorder.

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not to be used for self-diagnosis. If you or a loved one can relate to a number of features listed below, then please do use our therapist directory to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist that is right for you to receive a professional diagnosis.

What factors can be contributing causes?

• Little is known about the development of binge-eating disorder.
• The condition typically begins in adolescence or young adulthood, but can begin in childhood or later adulthood.
• The most common reason for an episode of binge-eating is negative emotion. 
• Other triggers include stress, eating too little while dieting, negative feelings related to body image, and boredom.

Can it be hereditary?

• Binge-eating disorder appears to run in families, which means genetics may play a role in developing the condition.

• A general practitioner (GP) or psychologist can usually diagnose binge-eating disorder by asking questions about a person’s medical history and symptoms.
• The GP/psychologist will also inquire about a patient’s physical health to ensure that the binge-eating is not caused as a result of underlying medical conditions or by factors such as drug or alcohol use.
• The GP/psychologist will check the symptoms that the patient presents with against the standard criteria for binge-eating disorder before making a diagnosis.

What is the recommended treatment?

• Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatment options, which teaches people how to keep track of their eating and change unhealthy eating habits; it also helps people alter the way they react in difficult situations.
• Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people to look at their relationships with friends and family and make changes in problem areas.
• Drug therapy, such as antidepressants, may be helpful for some people.
• Other therapies include dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), which helps people regulate their emotions; drug therapy with the antiseizure medication topiramate; weight-loss (gastric bypass) surgery; exercise used alone or in combination with cognitive-behavioural therapy; and self-help strategies — self-help books, videos, and groups such as Overeaters Anonymous have aided some people in controlling their binge-eating.
• Many people with eating disorders respond to outpatient therapy, including individual, group, or family therapy, as well as medical management by their primary care provider.
• Support groups, nutritional counselling, and psychiatric medications taken under careful medical supervision have also proven helpful for some individuals.
• Hospital-based care (including inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and/or residential care in an eating disorders speciality unit or facility) is necessary when an eating disorder has led to physical problems that may be life-threatening, or when it is associated with severe psychological or behavioural problems.
• Exact treatment needs will vary from individual to individual. It is important for anyone struggling with an eating disorder to enlist a trusted health professional in coordinating and overseeing care.

• The prevalence of binge eating disorder in the general population is between 1-3%.
• The lifetime prevalence of binge eating disorder in men is 2%, and in women is 3.5

If you are experiencing any of these signs, here are some activities you can do at home until you are able to consult a professional

• Engage in creative outlets such as writing, painting, or music
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Talk to a family member or friend about how you are feeling
• Practice Mindfulness
• Practice Yoga
• Maintain a good sleep schedule 
• Recognise what you can and can’t handle