Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Diagnostic Criteria of BED
A. 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 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. 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).
B. The binge-eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following:
  1. Eating much more rapidly than normal.
  2. Eating until feeling uncomfortably full.
  3. Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry.
  4. Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating.
  5. Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward.
C. Marked distress regarding binge eating is present.
D. The binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week for 3 months.
E. The binge eating is not associated with the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behavior as in bulimia nervosa and does not occur exclusively during the course of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.

Diagnostic Criteria is retrieved from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

Physical

  • Feeling tired and not sleeping well
  • Feeling bloated, constipated or developing intolerances to food
  • Osteoarthritis (Degenerative arthritis arthritis in which a person's joints degrade in quality and can lead to loss of cartilage)
  • High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol

Psychosocial

  • Preoccupation with eating, food, body shape and weight
  • Extreme body dissatisfaction and shame about their appearance
  • Feelings of extreme distress, sadness and anxiety during and after a binge episode
  • Low self esteem
  • Increased sensitivity to comments relating to food, weight, body shape, exercise
  • Depression, anxiety or irritability
  • Feelings of shame, self loathing or guilt, particularly after eating
  • Increased isolation and withdrawal from activities previously enjoyed

Behavioral

  • Evidence of binge eating
  • Secretive behavior relating to food
  • Evading questions about eating and weight
  • Erratic behavior
  • Self harm, substance abuse or suicide attempts

2850 4448.

** If you suspect your family members, friends or yourself suffering from eating disorders, call us as soon as possible at our hotline 2850 4448.