Binge eating disorder (BED) was included in the DSM IV as a proposed diagnostic category for further study and as an example for an
eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of
binge eating in the absence of regular compensatory behavior such as
vomiting or
laxative abuse. Related features include eating until uncomfortably full, eating when not physically hungry, eating alone and feelings of depression or guilt. BED is associated with increased psychopathology including depression and
personality disorders. Although BED is not limited to obese individuals, it is most common in this group and those who seek help do so for treatment of
overweight rather than for
binge eating. In community samples, the prevalence of BED has been found to be 2-5%, in individuals who seek weight control treatment the prevalence is 30%. BED is more equal in gender ratio than
bulimia nervosa.
Eating disorder treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) improve
binge eating with abstinence rates of about 50%.
Antidepressants are also effective in reducing
binge eating, though less so than psychotherapy. Standard
weight loss treatments including
bariatric surgery do not seem to exacerbate
binge eating problems. Thus, both
eating disorder and
obesity treatments seem to be beneficial in BED. However, it is recommended today that treatment should first be directed at the disordered eating and associated psychopathology.