How is binge eating disorder diagnosed?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder and mental illness. It is characterized by frequent and persistent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; and experiencing shame, distress, and guilt afterwards. BED is the most common eating disorder in the United States, affecting 3.5% of women, 2.0% of men, 1.6% of adolescents, and 0.8% of children.
While there is no one single cause of BED, there are certain risk factors that can make someone more vulnerable to developing the disorder. These include:
– having a family history of BED or another eating disorder
– having a history of depression, anxiety, or another mood disorder
– having experienced trauma or abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological)
– having a low self-esteem
– belonging to a culture that values thinness and places a high importance on appearance
BED is diagnosed using specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). To be diagnosed with BED, a person must meet all of the following criteria:
– recurrent episodes of binge eating. An episode of binge eating is characterized by both of the following: eating, in a discrete period of time (e.g., within any 2-hour period), an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances feeling a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control what or how much one is eating)
– 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 by how much one is eating feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward
– Marked distress regarding binge eating is present.
– The binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week for 3 months.
– The binge eating is not associated with the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging) as seen in bulimia nervosa and does not occur exclusively during the course of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be suffering from BED, it is important to seek professional help. BED is a treatable disorder, and there are many effective evidence-based treatments available.Official source
What is the best way to prevent binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder, also known as compulsive overeating, is a serious, life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Binge eating disorder is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment. Binge eating disorder can lead to serious health complications, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
The best way to prevent binge eating disorder is to early identification and treatment. Binge eating disorder often begins in adolescence or young adulthood. If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of binge eating disorder, such as frequently eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, eating when not physically hungry, or feeling out of control during eating episodes, it is important to seek professional help. Early intervention and treatment can help prevent the development of binge eating disorder and the associated health complications.
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