*DSM- Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder Overview

Definition (DSM-5)

• Binge Eating Disorder is classified under the DSM-5 criteria.

• Key characteristics of an episode of binge eating include:
    - Criterion A:
      - Recurrent episodes of binge eating.
      - An episode is defined by two main features:
        - Eating an amount of food that is larger than what most people would eat in a similar timeframe and under similar circumstances.
        - A sense of loss of control over eating during the episode.

Associated Behaviors

• Criterion B: The binge-eating episodes are associated with at least three of the following behaviors:
    - Eating more rapidly than normal.
    - Eating until feeling uncomfortably full.
    - Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry.
    - Eating alone due to embarrassment about the quantity of food consumed.
    - Feeling disgusted with oneself, experiencing depression, or guilt after eating.

Distress and Frequency

• Criterion C:
    - Marked distress regarding binge eating occurs at least once per week for 3 months.
    - Distress can relate to concerns about body shape and weight.

Exclusion Criteria

• Criterion D: The binge eating is not associated with the recurrent use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors (such as those seen in bulimia nervosa) and does not occur exclusively during the course of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.

Prevalence and Association

• Statistics:
    - 20% of obese individuals in weight-loss programs meet the criteria for Binge Eating Disorder.
    - Approximately 50% of candidates for bariatric surgery also meet these criteria.

• There is a shared concern among individuals with Binge Eating Disorder and those with anorexia and bulimia regarding body weight and shape.

Emotional and Psychological Factors

• Binge eating is often used as a strategy to alleviate negative mood or negative affect.

• Severity of the disorder is judged based on the number of binge eating episodes per week, categorized as follows:
    - Mild: 1-3 episodes per week
    - Moderate: 4-7 episodes per week
    - Severe: 8-13 episodes per week
    - Extreme: 14 or more episodes per week

Comparison with Other Eating Disorders

• Binge Eating Disorder is distinct in that it is less associated with dieting and a desire for thinness in comparison to anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.