Binge Eating Disorder Added To DSM 5

Etsy.com

Big changes in the eating disorder field – Binge Eating
Disorder has been added to the DSM-5. Binge eating disorder has been moved from
DSM-4’s Appendix B: Criteria Sets and Axes Provided for Further Study to DSM-5
Section 2. The change is intended to better represent the symptoms and
behaviors of people with this condition. This means binge eating disorder is
now a real, recognized mental disorder. Binge eating is the most common eating disorder in the United States affecting approximately 3.5% of women and 2% of men. Binge eating affects more men than other
types of eating disorders. The current DSM-
4 includes the criteria for binge eating under the diagnosis of Eating Disorder
Not Otherwise Specified. This disorder
is marked not only by eating large amounts of food within a short time period,
but also by high levels of distress, lack of control, and feelings of guilt or
disgust with oneself. Criteria for the
disorder is not dependent upon the types of food consumed, but rather the
amount and circumstances surrounding the eating ( for example: eating when you
are not hungry and/or eating until you are uncomfortably full).

The hope is that with proper diagnosis, more people
struggling with this eating disorder will be able to find treatment. Addictive substances such as tobacco, alcohol
and other drugs may be eliminated from one’s life.  However, food, also potentially addictive,
must be consumed to live. For this and
many other reasons, eating disorders can be difficult to overcome. The new DSM 5 will hopefully bring more
awareness and understanding to the prevalent problem of binge eating.