Do I Have Binge-Eating Disorder?

Do you eat, in a discrete period of time, an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances and do you feel a lack of control over eating during the episode?

Do you experience at least three of the following? 1. Eating much more rapidly than normal. 2. Eating until feeling uncomfortably full. 3. Eating large amounts of food when not feeling hungry. 4. Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much you are eating. 5. Feeling disgusted with yourself, depressed or guilty afterward.

Do you feel distressed about the binge eating?

Does the binge eating occur, on average, at least one time per week for 3 months?

Can you confirm that the binge eating is not associated with bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa?

Based on your answers, you would probably not be diagnosed with binge-eating disorder. The essential feature of this illness is recurrent episodes of binge eating that must occur at least one time per week for 3 months (on average). During these episodes you experience a loss of control. If you want to be sure that your symptoms are not related to any eating disorder, you can talk to your doctor.

Based on your answers, a visit to the doctor is recommended. The doctor will ask you specific questions and based on your answers decide if you need any kind of treatment. Binge-eating disorder can cause various physical, emotional and social health risks. Treatment is therefore necessary. Seek medical help before the situation worsens. If you are afraid to seek medical attention, talk to someone you trust. He or she may help you take the first necessary steps to get better.

Based on your answers, there is a chance that you will be diagnosed with binge-eating disorder. In this case it is crucial to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. If your doctor decides you need intervention, your doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy helps you identify the negative feelings that cause binge eating and improve these feelings. This treatment is effective for binge-eating disorder and can be done with a therapist or by yourself (self-help). It’s all about treating the emotional triggers that cause the binge eating and to create new, healthy coping mechanisms.