Yes, there is an eating disorder known as "Binge Eating Disorder" (BED) that involves recurrent episodes of binge eating combined with a sense of loss of control during these episodes. However, it is important to note that BED is distinct from other eating disorders that involve restrictive eating behaviors, such as Anorexia Nervosa.
Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by the following features:
Binge eating episodes: During these episodes, individuals consume a large amount of food in a discrete period (e.g., within a couple of hours) that is significantly more than what most people would eat under similar circumstances. They also feel a lack of control over their eating during these episodes.
Frequency: Binge eating episodes occur on average at least once a week for three months.
Emotional and psychological factors: People with BED often experience feelings of guilt, shame, or distress related to their binge eating behavior.
Absence of compensatory behaviors: Unlike in Bulimia Nervosa, individuals with BED do not engage in compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting following the binge eating episodes.
It's essential to distinguish Binge Eating Disorder from Anorexia Nervosa, where people severely restrict their food intake and often have a distorted body image. However, some individuals may experience both anorexic and binge eating behaviors, which is classified as an "Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder" (OSFED) according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition).
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating patterns, it's crucial to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or mental health specialist who specializes in eating disorders. These disorders can have serious physical and psychological consequences, but with appropriate treatment and support, recovery is possible.