Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a frequent eating disorder characterised by recurring bouts of eating a significant amount of food in a short period of time while feeling a loss of control. Episodes occur at least once a week for three months and are not followed by regular compensatory behaviours (like purging), which are evident in bulimia. BED is associated with discomfort, weight gain, metabolic problems, and poor quality of life. Psychological causes include difficulty in controlling emotions, guilt, and negative body image; biological factors include genetic susceptibility, appetite-regulatory hormones, and altered reward pathways. Diagnosis is based on a detailed clinical history and screening measures such as the Binge Eating Scale; screen for comorbid depression, anxiety, and substance use.

The first line of treatment is a combination of evidence-based psychotherapy, primarily cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), along with guided self-help and dietary rehabilitation. Some people discover that medication, such as lisdexamfetamine (when approved) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), helps them to cut down the number of binges they have. Multidisciplinary care by psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, dietitians, and primary care providers enhances outcomes. Recovery and long-term wellness need early diagnosis, non-judgmental assistance, and relapse prevention methods (regular eating patterns and trigger management).