Binge Eating Disorder

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What is it?

 

A person with binge eating disorder will frequently engage in episodes of binge eating (eating a large amount of food in a short period of time). Similarly to bulimia nervosa, binges are often followed by feelings of guilt, shame and low mood. Contrary to bulimia, however, those with binge eating disorder do not engage in compensatory behaviours such as purging, although it might lead them to engage in repetitive diets. Binge eating might be used as a form of escapism or avoidance from difficult emotions.

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What is the best treatment for binge eating disorder?

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The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2017) guidelines

recommend Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Enhanced for Eating Disorders

(CBT-E) as the leading treatment for binge eating disorder. 

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Helpful resources

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• NICE Guidelines for Bulimia Nervosa treatment: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng69/chapter/Recommendations#treating-binge-eating-disorder

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•  Beat Eating Disorders - UK Eating Disorders Charity with helpful advice, support and resources: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/types/bulimia

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• Anorexia and Bulimia Care offers telephone and email support for eating disoder sufferers and their carers - https://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/