Ep 40 – Identifying and supporting people with binge-eating disorder

In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses binge-eating disorder. She explores the defining characteristics of the condition and highlights the importance of referring to eating disorder services for treatment.

Key references discussed in the episode:

1. Nash E. Recognise and support patients with eating disorders. 12 November 2021. https://www.guidelinesinpractice.co.uk/mental-health/recognise-and-support-patients-with-eating-disorders/456461.article (accessed 24 March 2022).
2. NICE CKS. Eating disorders: when should I suspect an eating disorder? July 2019. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/eating-disorders/diagnosis/clinical-features/#clinical-features-of-binge-eating-disorder (accessed 24 March 2022).
3. BEAT. Binge eating disorder. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/about-eating-disorders/types/binge-eating-disorder/ (accessed 24 March 2022).

Key take-home points:

• Binge-eating disorder is characterised by episodes of excessive eating associated with significant distress and feelings of shame or guilt.
• Unlike in bulimia, there are no compensatory behaviours and as a result patients may be overweight.
• Binge-eating disorder is a serious mental illness and requires specialist psychological treatment, so we should refer suspected cases to specialist eating disorder services.