Binge-Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of eating with a sense of loss of control and marked distress, without the regular compensatory behaviours seen in bulimia nervosa.
Possible patterns
- Eating unusually large amounts within a limited period while feeling unable to stop.
- Eating rapidly, until uncomfortably full, when not physically hungry or alone due to embarrassment.
- Strong guilt, disgust, sadness or distress afterwards.
- Cycles of restriction and bingeing, secrecy and increasing preoccupation with food.
Body size does not determine whether someone has binge-eating disorder. The problem is not a lack of willpower, and weight-stigmatising advice can make it harder to seek care.
Assessment
Assessment looks at loss of control, frequency, distress, eating rules, physical health and whether compensatory behaviours occur. Depression, anxiety, trauma and attention difficulties may co-occur. Emotional eating or occasional overeating alone does not establish the disorder.
Treatment
Guided self-help and eating-disorder-focused CBT are evidence-based options for many adults. Treatment supports regular eating, identifies triggers and beliefs, and addresses shame and relapse patterns. The primary goal is recovery from binge eating and distress; weight change is not used as the sole measure of progress. Medical and nutritional input may also be needed.