L17 - Binge Eating Disorder

Question 1

What is the criteria for Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?

Answer 1

A) Recurrent episodes of binge eating.
- larger amount than expected in discrete time period (2hr).
- sense of lack of control.
B) ≥ of the following:
- eating more rapidly than normal.
- eating to discomfort.
- eating a lot when not hungry.
- eat alone because of embarrassment.
C) Marked distress.
D) On average at least once a week for 3 months.
E) Not followed by compensatory behaviour.

Question 2

What is the prevalence of Binge Eating Disorder?

Answer 2

• 2.5-4.5% lifetime prevalence in women.
• 1-3% in men.
• 30-40% of weight loss treatment seeking individuals have BED.

Question 3

What are some risk factors of BED?

Answer 3

• Genetic (17-39% variance).
• Dieting.
• Early life trauma.
• Low self-esteem.
• Difficulties in emotion regulation.
• Parental substance use.

Question 4

What are some comorbid conditions of BED?

Answer 4

• 54% depressed.
• 37% with anxiety.
• 25% substance use.

Question 5

How is BED assessed in a clinical setting?

Answer 5

• EDE and EDE-Q.
• Binge Eating Scale (BES): 16 items, valid screening tool, assesses severity.
• Bulimia Test Revised (BULIT-R): 28 items, assess presence of bulimic symptoms, good sensitivity for BED.
• Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26): screening tool used in high school, good at detecting high risk individuals.

Question 6

What are the treatment targets for BED?

Answer 6

Psychological treatments: 
- reduce binge eating.
- sustainable weight loss/gain prevention.
- increase in ability to cope with negative affect and anxiety.
- relapse prevention. 
Pharmacological treatments: 
- lower eating impulsivity.
- improve psychiatric comorbidities.