Inspiration of The Heart

Binge Eating disorder as the name suggests is characterised by repeated episodes of binge eating. This disorder is not Officially listed as a separate eating disorder in the DSM but rather as part of ED-NOS. The APA (American Psychological Association) does however offer some research guideline criteria for identifying binge eating disorder. see below.

Binge Eating Disorder has many of the same features of Bulimia Nervosa except that there is no inappropriate compensatory behaviour (such as purging or excessive exercise). Binge eating is typically very secretive behaviour, it may involve hording or hiding of food and strenuous efforts to avoid detection. Eating tends to be frantic and quick and is associated with a sense being out of control. Typically binge foods are calorie dense food that the binger does not typically allow themselves. bingeing usually progresses well past the point of being satisfied to being uncomfortably full. usually this occurs in a rather short period of time, typically under 2hrs.

I know there have been a lot of usually and typically statements in this summary but that is because since Binge Eating Disorder is not an officially listed disorder and it is a relatively new area in eating disorder research not much is known about the progression, characteristics and treatment of this disorder. The following is what we do know.

About 2 percent of the population (United States) has BED. Most people with BED are either overweight (BMI over 25) or obese (BMI over 30).* to calculate see below*. However it is possible to be of normal weight and still have this disorder. Both men and women develop this, women somewhat more often 3:2. I have seen statistic ranging from 10% to 40% of overweight and obese individuals fit this diagnosis.

Why BED
Often binges are a way to deal with life's stressors. Many binge-eaters report that experiencing intense stress and emotions triggers their bingeing. Bingeing can be an expensive habit, sending food bills soaring. Binge Eating Disorder is often present along with depression. This can become a bit of a vicious cycle with the bingeing to cope with depression and the depression over the bingeing. Treatment for depression is key when treating BED in someone with symptoms of depression.

Treatment for BED
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy appears to be the treatment of choice for BED. other forms of therapy are likely to be effective as well although most research involves the use of CBT. There are also groups like Overeaters Anonymous which is a 12-step program much like Alcoholics Anonymous. this link offers an interesting article/interview on BED and BED treatment.

The American Psychiatric Associations DSM IV TR (2000) Research Guidelines for BED

Recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following
1. Eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any two hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances
2. A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., feelings that one cannot stop eating or control ho much one is eating)
The binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:
1. Eating much more rapidly than usual
2. Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
3. Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
4. Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating
5. Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating
Marked distress regarding binge eating is present
The binge eating occurs, on average, at least two days a week for six months
The binge eating is not associated with the regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviours and does not occur exclusively during the course of Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa

BMI Calculations

dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. kg/m² = bmi

So if you are 67 inches (5'7") then you are 170cm tall or 1.70 meters. if you weigh 140 pounds then your weight in kilos would be 63.5kg and your bmi therefore would be 63.5/1.70² = 22 a healthy bmi

Copyright 2003, Sarah Tabah ..
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Revised: 05/30/03