Binge Eating Disorder

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BED Basics - Defining the Binge

  • Recurrent episodes: eating unusually large food amount in discrete period (e.g., 2-hour) with loss of control.
  • Binge episodes include ≥3: eating rapidly; uncomfortably full; large amounts if not hungry; eating alone (embarrassment); post-binge disgust/guilt.
  • Frequency: ≥once/week for 3 months.
  • Marked distress regarding binge eating.
  • No inappropriate compensatory behaviors (vs. Bulimia Nervosa).

⭐ BED is the most common eating disorder.

  • Epidemiology: Prevalence 2-3%; onset late adolescence/early adulthood. F:M ≈ 3:2. Rising in India.

Diagnosis Decoded - Spotting the Signs

DSM-5 Criteria for Binge Eating Disorder (BED):

  • Recurrent binge eating episodes:
    • Eating unusually large food amount in a discrete period (e.g., 2 hours).
    • Sense of lack of control during the episode.
  • Episodes include ≥3 of the following (📌 Mnemonic: FEEDS - Feeling disgusted, Eating rapidly/alone, Embarrassment, Distress, Speed/Size of meal):
    • Eating rapidly.
    • Eating until uncomfortably full.
    • Eating large amounts when not hungry.
    • Eating alone due to embarrassment.
    • Feeling disgusted/depressed/guilty afterward.
  • Marked distress regarding binge eating.
  • Occurs at least once a week for 3 months.
  • No regular compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging, fasting).

⭐ BED is distinct from Bulimia Nervosa due to the absence of regular inappropriate compensatory behaviors.

Causes & Clinic - Unpacking BED

  • Etiology: A Biopsychosocial Mix
    • Genetic: Family history ↑ risk.
    • Neurobiological:
      • Serotonin (↓) & Dopamine pathway dysregulation (reward seeking).
    • Psychological:
      • Impulsivity, negative affect (poor emotional regulation).
      • Childhood trauma/obesity as risk factors.
  • Clinical Presentation:
    • Often associated with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), but not diagnostic.
    • History of weight cycling (yo-yo dieting).
    • Significant psychological distress (guilt, shame post-binge).
  • Common Comorbidities: (📌 Mnemonic: All Day Munching Provokes Sadness & Sickness)
    • Anxiety disorders (GAD, social phobia)
    • Depression (MDD)
    • Metabolic syndrome & Type 2 DM
    • Personality disorders (e.g., BPD)
    • Substance use disorders
    • Stress/Trauma-related disorders (PTSD)

⭐ High comorbidity with mood (depression) and anxiety disorders is a hallmark of BED.

Treatment & Outlook - Managing the Munchies

  • Psychotherapy (Core Treatment):
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for BED (CBT-BED): First-line, targets dysfunctional thoughts & behaviors.
    • Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): Focuses on interpersonal issues contributing to BED.
  • Pharmacotherapy (Consider if psychotherapy insufficient/severe):
    • Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate: 30-70 mg/day (Vyvanse).

      ⭐ Lisdexamfetamine is the only FDA-approved medication specifically for moderate to severe BED in adults.

    • SSRIs: e.g., Fluoxetine (40-80 mg/day), Sertraline. May reduce binge frequency.
    • Topiramate: (Off-label, anti-epileptic) Weight loss benefit, but cognitive side effects.
  • Lifestyle: Structured meal plans, regular physical activity, stress management.
  • Prognosis & Complications:
    • Remission rates vary; sustained recovery is achievable.
    • Relapse factors: Stress, comorbid conditions (depression, anxiety).
    • Long-term: ↑Risk of obesity, Type 2 DM, HTN, dyslipidemia, psychological distress.

High-Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Recurrent binge eating episodes with loss of control, without compensatory behaviors.
  • ≥3 associated features: eating rapidly, eating until uncomfortably full, eating large amounts when not hungry, eating alone, post-binge guilt.
  • Occurs at least once a week for 3 months.
  • Marked distress regarding binge eating; often associated with obesity.
  • Absence of inappropriate compensatory behaviors (key difference from Bulimia Nervosa).
  • Treatment: Psychotherapy (CBT, IPT) first-line; SSRIs or lisdexamfetamine may be used.

Practice Questions: Binge Eating Disorder

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Body dysmorphic disorder can be associated with all except

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Flashcards: Binge Eating Disorder

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_____ is the first-line pharmacological treatment for Bulimia nervosa.

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_____ is the first-line pharmacological treatment for Bulimia nervosa.

Fluoxetine

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