History of Binge Eating Disorder
The phenomenon of binge eating in obese individuals was first recognized in 1959; however, the diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder was not officially introduced into the psychiatric diagnostic manual until 1994, when it appeared as a category in need of further study (eating disorders not otherwise specified, or EDNOS).
Source: Stunkard, A.J., 1959. Eating patterns and obesity, Psychiatry Quarterly, 33, 284-295
Epidemiology of Binge Eating Disorder
In the general population, the prevalence of binge eating disorder is estimated to be approximately 3.5% among adult women and 2% among adult men. Binge Eating Disorder is most common among Caucasians, but it is not uncommon in minority populations, including African Americans and Hispanic Americans. People with Binge Eating Disorder are most often overweight or obese, and it may occur in up to 8% of obese adults; however people with Binge Eating Disorder can be of normal weight.
Risk Factors for Binge Eating Disorder
Because much of the research on binge eating disorder is fairly recent, there is minimal data available regarding risk factors. There are suggestions that exposure to adverse experiences in childhood, such as sexual or physical abuse, increase the risk for developing Binge Eating Disorder. In addition, vulnerability to becoming overweight or obese may be a risk factor for developing Binge Eating Disorder
Source: Fairburn et al., 1998: Risk factors for binge eating disorder: A community based case-control study. Archives of General Psychiatry, 55, 425-432.
Associated Abnormalities of Binge Eating Disorder
MEDICAL ABNORMALITIES
It has been assumed that the health consequences of Binge Eating Disorder are those most commonly associated with obesity. However, research to date indicates only that Binge Eating Disorder may be associated with increases in the risk for Type II diabetes mellitus. Binge Eating Disorder does, however, appear to have a negative impact on general health status and may also be associated with increased use of health care services.PSYCHIATRIC COMORBIDITIES
Studies have found that patients with Binge Eating Disorder have a higher prevalence of major depression. The findings regarding the co-occurrence of anxiety disorders and substance abuse are so far inconclusive.
Source: Mitchell et al., Binge-Eating Disorder: Clinical Foundations and Treatment, 2008. New York: The Guilford Press.
Assessment of Binge Eating Disorder
Assessment of binge eating disorder should include detailed information about the individual’s current binge eating and other eating patterns (e.g., snacking, dieting); history of weight fluctuations; current and past purging behaviors; and thoughts about eating and body image. Physical complications of obesity and all medications, including psychiatric medications, should be assessed. A detailed psychiatric history should also be obtained.
