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Is there another binge eating disorder? A review of the literature on overeating in the absence of bulimia nervosa
Author(s) -
Devlin Michael J.,
Walsh B. Timothy,
Spitzer Robert L,
Hasin Deborah
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/1098-108x(199205)11:4<333::aid-eat2260110407>3.0.co;2-k
Subject(s) - overeating , bulimia nervosa , binge eating , psychology , binge eating disorder , psychiatry , clinical psychology , eating disorders , obesity , medicine , endocrinology
The current DSM‐Ill‐R psychiatric diagnostic system recognizes only one disorder of overeating, bulimia nervosa. Our clinical work has led us to believe that there are a number of individuals who believe that they have a serious overeating problem, but do not meet criteria for bulimia nervosa. We surveyed the literature for studies pertaining to overeating among individuals not meeting criteria for bulimia nervosa. Studies of obese binge eaters and of binge eating among young women suggest the existence of a significant proportion of obese and non‐obese individuals with such a problem. However, the limitations in the existing data for addressing this question preclude definitive conclusions. Further work is needed to establish the defining features of an additional binge eating syndrome, to assess the reliability and validity of such a syndrome, and to determine its clinical utility.