Sign/Symptoms |
Drugs |
Our Records are Incomplete for Drugs |
Attributes |
Our Records are Incomplete for Condition Attributes |
Further Tests |
Our Records are Incomplete for Further Tests |
Binge eating disorder (BED'''), is a psychiatric disorder in which a subject shows the following symptoms: * Periodically does not exercise control over consumption of food * Eats an unusually large amount of food at one time -- more than a normal person would eat in the same amount of time. * Eats much more quickly during binge episodes than during normal eating episodes * Eats until physically uncomfortable * Eats large amounts of food even when they are not really hungry * Usually eats alone during binge eating episodes, in order to avoid discovery of the disorder * Often eats alone during periods of normal eating, owing to feelings of embarrassment about food * Feels disgusted, depressed, or guilty after binge eating
Binge eating symptoms are also present in bulimia nervosa. The formal diagnosis criteria are similar in that subjects must binge at least twice per week for a minimum period of three months. Unlike in bulimia, those with BED do not purge, fast or engage in strenuous exercise after binge eating. Additionally, bulimics are typically of normal weight, are underweight but have been overweight before, or slightly overweight, whereas those with binge eating disorder are typically overweight or obese. Binge eating disorder is similar to, but it is distinct from, compulsive overeating. Those with BED do not have a compulsion to overeat and do not spend a great deal of time fantasizing about food. On the contrary, some people with binge eating disorder have very negative feelings about food. As with other eating disorders, binge eating is an "expressive disorder" — a disorder that is an expression of deeper psychological problems. Some researchers believe BED is a milder form, or subset of bulimia nervosa, while others argue that it is its own distinct disorder. Currently, the DSM-IV categorizes it under Eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS), an indication that more research is needed.
Most people with this problem are either overweight or obese (discussed below), but people of normal weight can also have the disorder. About 2 percent of all adults in the United States (as many as 4 million Americans) have binge eating disorder. About 10 to 15 percent of people who are mildly obese and who try to lose weight on their own or through commercial weight-loss programs have binge eating disorder. The disorder is even more common in people who are severely obese. Binge eating disorder is a little more common in women than in men; four women for every two men have it. The disorder is found in all ethno-cultural and racial populations. People who are obese and have binge eating disorder often became overweight at a younger age than those without the disorder. They might also lose and gain back weight more often.
People with binge eating disorder, whether or not they want to lose weight, should get help from a health professional including physicians, nutritionists, psychiatrist, psychologists, or clinical social workers for their eating behavior. Even those who are not overweight are usually upset by their binge eating, and treatment can help them. There are several different ways to treat binge eating disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people how to keep track of their eating and change their unhealthy eating habits. It also teaches them how to change the way they act in tough situations. Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people look at their relationships with friends and family and make changes in problem areas. Drug therapy, such as antidepressants, may be helpful for some people. Researchers are still trying to find the treatment that is the most helpful in controlling binge eating disorder. The methods mentioned here seem to be equally helpful. For people who are overweight, a weight-loss program that also offers treatment for eating disorders might be the best choice.
A small (40 people) 10 week double-blind clinical trial was reported in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry on the effectiveness of Atomoxetine (a prescription ADHD medicine) for treating Binge-Eating Disorder. The results of the trial was that Atomoxetine was "associated with a significantly greater rate of reduction in binge-eating episode frequency, weight, [and] body mass index." The average daily dose given was 106 mg/day. The authors conclude that Atomoxetine is effective for short term treatment of Binge-Eating Disorder .
Recomendation: Weakly in favor (Case studies involving Expressive Therapy have shown its benefits in helping with eating disorders)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
Recommendation: No recommendation (reports on the effects of hypnosis on behaviors like binge eating have been mixed)
Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence
* www.gradeworkinggroup.org
This information was collected from Wikipedia
This document is released under the GNU Free Documentation License