Diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosis of (BED) is based on acknowledging the symptoms as per the criteria elucidated below. As most people suffering from BED feel reluctant to describe their problems to a professional it is expected that a number of people with BED remain undiagnosed. As such, there is no specific test yet available to confidently diagnose BED.

The DSM-5 lists the following criteria for diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

• Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food
• Loss of control over eating
• Binge eating at least once a week over the past three months
• Binge eating that is not associated with purging, such as self-induced vomiting
• Binge eating is associated with at least three of the following factors:
  • Eating rapidly
  • Eating until you are uncomfortably full
  • Eating large amounts when you are not hungry
  • Eating alone out of embarrassment
  • Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after eating

Your healthcare provider (HCP) may ask you to undergo a physical examination and/or blood tests to rule out the possibility of other medical illnesses and a psychological evaluation, including a discussion of your eating habits.

Last Reviewed on: July 24, 2014

Reviewed By: Dr. Akshya Vasudev, MBBS, MD, MRCPsych, PG Cert Med Edu