What is used to diagnose BED?

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a common, serious eating disorder in which people feel a loss of control over their eating. People with BED often consume large amounts of food in a short period of time and then feel guilty or ashamed about it. They may also try to hide their binge eating from others.

BED is diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The diagnostic criteria for BED include:

* Recurrent episodes of binge eating characterized by the following:

* Eating an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances

* Feeling a loss of control over eating during the binge

* Binge episodes are associated with at least three of the following:

* Eating rapidly

* Eating until uncomfortably full

* Eating alone because of being embarrassed about how much one is eating

* Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or guilty after overeating

* Marked distress about the binge eating

* The binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week for 3 months

* The binge eating is not exclusively associated with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa

To diagnose BED, a mental health professional will ask you about your eating habits and your thoughts and feelings about food. They may also ask you to complete a questionnaire about your eating habits. If they diagnose you with BED, they will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

Treatment for BED typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Psychotherapy can help you learn how to change your eating habits and develop a healthier relationship with food. Medication can help to reduce your appetite and cravings for food.