Symptoms of binge eating disorder
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Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
Recurrent Binge-Eating Episodes
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, typically within two hours, accompanied by a sense of loss of control1. These episodes occur at least once a week for three months1. During these episodes, individuals often eat more rapidly than normal, eat until uncomfortably full, and eat large amounts of food when not physically hungry5.
Psychological Distress and Lack of Control
Individuals with BED experience significant psychological distress during and after binge-eating episodes. They often feel a lack of control over their eating behavior, which can lead to feelings of depression, guilt, and shame1 5. This psychological distress is a core component of the disorder and differentiates it from other eating behaviors.
Emotional and Mental Health Issues
BED is frequently associated with various mental health problems, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and difficulties with emotion regulation1 7. Individuals with BED often report high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, which can exacerbate their eating disorder symptoms7. Emotional distress and difficulties in managing emotions are significant factors contributing to the maintenance of BED7.
Physical Health Complications
BED is linked to several physical health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Individuals with BED are more likely to experience acid regurgitation, heartburn, bloating, and abdominal pain9. These physical symptoms are often a direct consequence of the large quantities of food consumed during binge episodes and the rapidity of ingestion9.
Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral symptoms of BED include eating alone due to embarrassment, sneaking or hiding food, and eating in the absence of hunger4 5. These behaviors are often attempts to conceal the disorder from others and are driven by feelings of shame and guilt associated with binge eating4.
Impact on Daily Life
BED significantly impacts an individual's daily life, affecting their social interactions, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Adolescents with BED report high levels of body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and significant mental health problems, including emotional and behavioral issues2. The disorder can lead to impaired social functioning and relationship distress1.
Conclusion
Binge Eating Disorder is a complex condition characterized by recurrent binge-eating episodes, psychological distress, and significant physical and mental health complications. Understanding the symptoms and their impact on individuals' lives is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of BED is essential for improving the well-being of those affected by this disorder.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Binge-Eating Disorder in Adults
Binge-eating disorder (BED) affects 3% of U.S. adults and is associated with poorer psychological and physical well-being, requiring treatment to reduce binge-eating frequency, improve metabolic health, and regulate mood.
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedSelf-reported symptoms of binge-eating disorder among adolescents in a community-based Danish cohort-A study of prevalence, correlates, and impact.
Binge-eating disorder (BED) is prevalent among adolescents and correlated with mental health problems and overall impact, highlighting the need for clinical attention and intervention during this period.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous JournalPsychometric evaluation of self-report measures of binge-eating symptoms and related psychopathology: A systematic review of the literature.
BITE and BULIT-R are the two self-report measures with the most evidence of validity and reliability for assessing binge eating symptoms and related psychopathology.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalDeterminants of Binge Eating Symptoms in Children with Overweight/Obesity.
Children with obesity are more likely to experience binge eating symptoms, with screen time and shorter sleep duration being key factors.
Observational StudyBinge eating disorder and obesity
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a common condition with a prevalence of 2-50% in the general population, and both eating disorder and obesity treatments are beneficial, with treatment focusing on disordered eating and associated psychopathology.
Highly CitedEpidemiology of binge eating disorder: prevalence, course, comorbidity, and risk factors
Binge eating disorder (BED) affects 1.5% of women and 0.3% of men worldwide, with common co-occurring conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, and is often overlooked due to societal biases.
An Examination of the Relationships between Eating-Disorder Symptoms, Difficulties with Emotion Regulation, and Mental Health in People with Binge Eating Disorder
Depression, stress, difficulties with emotion regulation, and eating-disorder psychopathology are significantly related to mental-health complications in people with binge eating disorder.
RCTSequencing of symptom emergence in anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and purging disorder and relations of prodromal symptoms to future onset of these disorders.
Compensatory weight control behaviors and cognitive symptoms often emerge before binge eating in various eating disorders, and offering prevention programs to youth with these symptoms may help prevent eating disorders.
Observational StudyAssociations among binge eating behavior patterns and gastrointestinal symptoms: a population-based study
Binge eating disorder is associated with both upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms, regardless of obesity level.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedBinge eating disorder: disorder or marker?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a variable diagnosis that may serve more as a marker for psychopathology rather than a specific disorder.
Literature ReviewHighly Cited