Binge eating
Definition
Binge eating is a disorder characterized by eating more than a person needs to satisfy hunger.
Alternative Names
Eating - bingeConsiderations
The eating disorder bulimia is most common among female adolescents or young adults. People with bulimia typically consume large quantities of easily ingested high-calorie foods, usually in secrecy. This binge eating is usually followed by self-induced vomiting and accompanied by feelings of guilt or depression.
Complications resulting from prolonged bulimia include gastric dilatation, pancreatitis, dental decay, pharyngitis, esophagitis, pulmonary (lung) aspiration, and electrolyte abnormalities. Constipation and hemorrhoids are also common in people with bulimia.
Although death from bulimia is rare, the long-term outcome in severe bulimia can be worse than the outcome in anorexia nervosa, which suggests that the psychiatric disorder that causes bulimia is usually more severe.
Causes
While binge eating often begins during or after strict dieting, and may be caused by stress related to insufficient food intake, its cause remains unknown.
References
Schmidt U, Lee S, Beecham J, et al. A randomized controlled trial of family therapy and cognitive behavior therapy guided self-care for adolescents with bulimia nervosa and related disorders.Am J Psychiatry. 2007;164:591-598.
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