Yes, there is an eating disorder that involves alternating between periods of restrictive eating (starvation) and binge eating. This disorder is called "Binge Eating Disorder" (BED).
Binge Eating Disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a discrete period, accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating during these episodes. Individuals with BED often eat rapidly and to the point of discomfort, even when they are not physically hungry. Binge episodes are typically followed by feelings of guilt, shame, or distress.
What distinguishes BED from other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is the absence of compensatory behaviors, such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise, after the binge episodes in BED. In contrast, individuals with anorexia nervosa severely restrict their food intake to maintain low body weight, while those with bulimia nervosa engage in recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors to counteract the consumed calories.
BED can lead to significant physical and emotional distress, as well as potential health consequences related to weight fluctuations and obesity. It is essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of BED to seek professional help from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors specializing in eating disorders, and consider forming a support network to aid in recovery.