Binge eating disorder

Purpose of review The presence of binge eating (or binges or bingeing) is a core feature of bulimia nervosa. Binges are also frequently observed in obesity. Binge eating disorder is a new eating disorder, for which the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV provides a description together with a set of provisional diagnostic criteria in Appendix B, among the Criteria Sets and Axes Provided for Further Study. In recent years, a considerable number of publications have appeared on different aspects of binge eating disorder, pointing to the interest that has been stirred by the new category. The purpose of the present article is to review the evidence that has emerged to support the validity of binge eating disorder as a diagnostic sub-category of eating disorders. Recent findings The prevalence of binge eating disorder in the general population is about 1-3%. In patients with obesity, and in patients seeking help for weight loss, a much higher prevalence has been reported (25% or more). There are a number of clinical features that differentiate the disorder from bulimia nervosa and from night eating syndrome. There are also several features that differentiate people with obesity and binge eating disorder from people with obesity without the condition. Other new data on binge eating disorder include data on the aetiology and the course of the disorder. Finally, recent studies have shown that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, several serotonine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and the antiepileptic drug topiramate, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, reduce bingeing, and, to a lesser degree, weight. Summary Recent studies contribute additional evidence for considering binge eating disorder as a distinct diagnostic category of eating disorders.