Diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder
Diagnosis binge eating disorder involves assessing both eating behaviours and emotional patterns. A medical or mental health professional, such as a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist, can make the diagnosis using criteria from the DSM-5.
Diagnostic criteria for BED include:
- Recurrent binge eating episodes, defined by both:
- Eating an amount of food larger than most people would eat in a similar period under similar circumstances.
- A sense of loss of control during the episode.
- Binge eating episodes are associated with three or more of the following:
- Eating much more rapidly than normal
- Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
- Eating large amounts when not physically hungry
- Eating alone due to embarrassment
- Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty afterward
- Marked distress regarding binge eating
- The behaviour occurs at least once a week for three months
- No regular use of compensatory behaviours like purging, fasting, or excessive exercise (which would indicate bulimia)
Assessment process:
- Detailed interview about eating habits, emotions, and body image
- Review of physical health, including weight history and any related conditions
- Screening for co-existing mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or PTSD
What BED is not:
- It’s not just “overeating.”
- It’s not a lack of self-discipline.
- It is not dependent on body weight — people with BED can be underweight, normal weight, or overweight.
In South Africa, BED often goes undiagnosed. Cultural stigma, limited access to mental health professionals, and the tendency to equate eating disorders only with thinness can delay recognition.
Diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder
Early diagnosis helps prevent worsening health, both mental and physical. If you suspect you or someone you love may have BED, speak to a doctor, psychologist, or dietitian experienced in eating disorders.
👉 [Next: Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder]
