Binge-Eating Disorder
This is a diagnosis that is not yet officially accepted in the DSM-IV-TR as a bona fide disorder, but rather as an entity that requires further study. Still, it is accepted by many clinicians as a true disorder that requires treatment.
Binge-Eating Disorder is similar to Bulimia Nervosa except that there are only binge-eating episodes without any purging activities, fasting or excessive exercise to reduce one's weight. These episodes are said to occur at least twice a week for at least 6 months. They cause marked distress and are associated with at least three of the following characteristics:
- Eating much more rapidly than normal
- Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
- Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
- Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating
- Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after binging.
Though not part of the formal research criteria listed above, Binge-Eating Disorder is often associated with obesity.