The behavior you described can be indicative of both bulimia and binge eating disorder (BED), as they share some similarities, but the key distinction lies in the presence of compensatory behaviors.
Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia involves recurrent episodes of binge eating, which is characterized by consuming large quantities of food in a short period while experiencing a sense of loss of control. After a binge episode, individuals with bulimia often engage in compensatory behaviors to "make up" for the calories consumed, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, or the misuse of laxatives or diuretics. This cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors is a central feature of bulimia.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): BED also involves recurrent episodes of binge eating, where individuals consume large amounts of food in a short time and feel a loss of control. However, unlike bulimia, individuals with BED do not engage in regular compensatory behaviors to offset the calories consumed. They may experience distress and guilt after the binge episodes, but they do not resort to purging or other compensatory behaviors.
In the scenario you described, if the individual engages in compensatory behaviors such as restricting their calorie intake on the days following the binge, it would be more characteristic of bulimia nervosa. On the other hand, if there are no compensatory behaviors and the person experiences distress and loss of control during the binge episodes, it might align more with binge eating disorder.
It's important to remember that diagnosing an eating disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of disordered eating, it's essential to seek professional help and support for a proper assessment and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve the chances of successful recovery.