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Binge eating is when a person eats a large amount of food in a shorter period of time than they normally would. During binge eating, the person also feels a sense of loss of control.

The eating disorder bulimia is most common among female adolescents and young adults. People with bulimia typically eat large amounts of high-calorie foods, usually in secret. After this binge eating they often force themselves to vomit. They have feelings of guilt or depression.

Complications from long-term bulimia include:

• Electrolyte abnormalities
• Esophagitis
• Gastric dilatation
• Lung (pulmonary) aspiration
• Pancreatitis
• Pharyngitis
• Tooth decay

Constipation and hemorrhoids are also common in people with bulimia.

Although death from bulimia is rare, the disorder can last for years. It can be as severe as, or more severe than anorexia nervosa.

The cause is unknown. However, binge eating often begins during or after strict dieting. It may be caused by the stress of not eating enough food.

Take steps to reduce your stress and improve your overall health.

Medication is usually not needed for this disorder. However, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants.

Supportive care and counseling are recommended. Individual, group, family, and behavioral therapy may help.

Call your health care provider if you think you might have bulimia.

The health care provider will perform a physical examination. The doctor may ask one or more of your family members for a history of your eating patterns if you do not acknowledge that you are binge eating.

The health care provider may ask the following medical history questions:

• How long has this been occurring?
• Are you also "purging" (such as forcing yourself to vomit or abusing laxatives)?
• What other symptoms do you have?

Possible diagnostic tests include blood studies, such as electrolyte levels.

INTERVENTION

Behavior is usually controlled with:

• Biofeedback training
• Counseling
• Individual or group psychotherapy

Eating - binge

Schmidt U, Lee S, Beecham J, et al. A randomized controlled trial of family therapy and cognitive behavior therapy guided self-care for adolescents with bulimia nervosa and related disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 2007;164:591-598.

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network (1/15/2009).