How is binge eating disorder diagnosed?
Binge eating disorder is diagnosed when an individual meets certain criteria, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). To be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, an individual must:
1. Recurrently and persistently engage in binge eating. Binge eating is defined as eating, in a discrete period of time (within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time, under similar circumstances.
2. During the episodes of binge eating, the individual feels a lack of control over eating.
3. The binge eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:
– Eating much more rapidly than normal
– Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
– Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
– Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed about how much one is eating
– Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward
4. The binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week for 3 months.
5. The binge eating is not associated with the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging) as in bulimia nervosa and does not occur exclusively during the course of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa..Site link
How common is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents aged 13-18 years old suffer from BED.
While the exact causes of BED are unknown, there are a number of factors that can contribute to its development, including genetics, biology, and psychological factors. BED is more common in those who have a family history of eating disorders or other mental health disorders. It is also more common in people who are obese or have a history of yo-yo dieting.
Binge eating disorder can have a number of serious consequences, both physically and mentally. Physically, it can lead to obesity and a host of other health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Mentally, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from BED, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment for BED typically includes a combination of psychological counseling and medication. With proper treatment, most people with BED are able to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about overcoming binge eating disorder. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.