The Definition of Binge-Eating Disorder

Binge-eating disorder is one of many combinations of symptoms that can justify a diagnosis of Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS). Binge-eating disorder is being researched for consideration as a separate disorder with a unique diagnosis (like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa).

Research Criteria for Binge-Eating Disorder (APA, 1994)

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating. To qualify as binge eating, both of the following must be present:

  • Eating an amount of food that is clearly larger than what most persons would eat in a similar situation with the same amount of time, AND
  • A sense that one cannot stop eating or control content or quantity of food intake

• Three or more of the following are associated with the binge eating episodes:

  • Eating is notably faster than normal
  • Eating occurs until the person is beyond full, to the point of discomfort
  • The binge occurs when the person is not physically hungry
  • The person chooses to eat alone because the amount of food consumed is embarrassing
  • Disgust with oneself, depression, or guilt is present after overeating
  • The binge eating produces significant stress.


• Binge eating occurs an average of at least two days per week for six months.

• No compensatory behaviors—e.g., purging, excessive exercise, or fasting—are associated with the binge eating, and binges do not occur exclusively during the course of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa

One could be tempted to call binge-eating disorder “bulimia without purging,” but that is a bit simplistic. Individuals with binge-eating disorder are distressed by their eating. Others who do not have binge-eating disorder may consume large quantities of food without being bothered by it.

The Dangers of Stereotypes

While obesity is not a criteria specified in the description of binge-eating disorder, those struggling with the disorder are generally obese to varying degrees. The reverse, however, is not true: Being obese does not imply that a person eats in binges. Many factors, at least some of which are genetic, contribute to a person’s body shape and size.

Reference

American Psychiatric Association (APA). 1994. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.