Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms: Signs, Causes, and When to Get Help

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious and treatable mental health condition recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). It is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control over eating behavior.

BED can affect physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and daily functioning. It is the most common eating disorder and often begins in the late teens or early adulthood, though it can occur at any age.

Recognizing symptoms early is critical. With proper diagnosis and evidence-based treatment, individuals with binge eating disorder can recover and regain a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.

This page explains what binge eating disorder is, its symptoms, causes, health risks, diagnosis process, and the treatment and support options available.

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge eating disorder is a mental health condition involving repeated episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short time while feeling unable to stop or control eating. Unlike bulimia nervosa, BED does not involve regular compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise.

Defining Binge Eating Disorder

BED is defined by:

• Eating unusually large quantities of food within a discrete time period
• Feeling a loss of control during these episodes
• Experiencing distress, shame, or guilt afterward
• Absence of routine purging or compensatory behaviors

Binge eating is not the same as occasional overeating. It is persistent, emotionally driven, and disruptive to daily life.

Prevalence and Onset

Binge eating disorder affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is the most common eating disorder worldwide. Approximately 2.8% of individuals will suffer from the condition at some point in their lifetime, with a 1.2% past 12 month prevalence. It is twice as common in women than in men. Research shows:

• Onset most often occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood
• BED affects individuals across all body sizes
• It is frequently underdiagnosed due to stigma and secrecy
• Many people delay seeking help for years

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5-TR)

According to the DSM-5-TR, BED diagnosis includes:

• Recurrent binge eating episodes occurring at least once per week for 3 months
• Episodes associated with at least three of the following:
  • Eating rapidly
  • Eating until uncomfortably full
  • Eating when not physically hungry
  • Eating alone due to embarrassment
  • Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty afterward
• Marked distress about binge eating
• No regular compensatory behaviors (unlike bulimia nervosa)

Core Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

BED presents with emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms that often overlap and reinforce one another.

Behavioral Symptoms

Common behavioral signs include:

• Eating large quantities of food in a short period
• Eating rapidly and past the point of fullness
• Eating when not hungry
• Secretive eating or hiding food
• Hoarding food or the unexplained disappearance of food
• Avoiding meals with others

Psychological and Emotional Symptoms

Emotional symptoms may include:

• Intense shame, guilt, or self-loathing
• Distress after binge episodes
• Depression or anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Sensitivity to comments about food or body image

Physical Symptoms

Physical signs can include:

• Fatigue
• Poor sleep
• Bloating or constipation
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Weight changes or fluctuations

Risk Factors and Causes of Binge Eating Disorder

BED develops through a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Biological and Genetic Risk Factors

• Family history of eating disorders
• Genetic vulnerability
• Differences in brain chemistry related to impulse control and reward

Psychological and Emotional Triggers

• Chronic stress
• Trauma or adverse life experiences
• Anxiety or depression
• Perfectionism or emotional sensitivity
• Difficulty regulating emotions

Social and Environmental Factors

• Dieting and weight-focused culture
• Body stigma and shame
• Pressure related to appearance
• Onset commonly occurs in late teens and early adulthood
• Environmental stressors and social isolation

How Binge Eating Disorder Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Role of Diagnostic Tools and Medical Assessments

Assessment may include:

• Clinical interview
• DSM-5-TR criteria review
• Standardized questionnaires
• Medical exams
• Laboratory testing such as urinalysis and blood work.
• Evaluation for co-occurring mental health conditions

Evidence-Based Treatments and Support for Binge Eating Disorder

Effective treatment often involves a multidisciplinary care team.

Psychological Therapies

Common evidence-based therapies include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Exposure Therapy

These therapies focus on:

• Understanding emotional triggers
• Changing harmful thought patterns
• Building healthier coping strategies
• Reducing binge episodes

Medication Options

Medications may be part of treatment. FDA-approved options include:

• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) for moderate to severe BED

Other medications may be used off-label depending on symptoms, such as antidepressants.

Medication decisions are made carefully based on medical history and individual needs.

Role of the Multidisciplinary Treatment Team

Care may involve:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Primary care physicians
• Dietitians
• Family therapists
• Social workers

Treatment plans address both mental and physical health.

Conclusion: Seeking Help and Looking Forward

Binge eating disorder is a serious but treatable condition. With early recognition, comprehensive evaluation, and evidence-based care, lasting recovery is possible.

If you recognize symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is here to help. Our experienced providers offer compassionate, individualized treatment plans that address both the emotional and physical aspects of binge eating disorder.

With the right professional support, individuals can regain control, improve their health, and develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. You do not have to navigate this journey alone – recovery begins with reaching out for care.

Schedule an appointment with Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates today to take the first step toward healing and long-term wellness.