Premium
The classification of recurrent overeating: The “binge eating disorder” proposal
Author(s) -
Fairburn Christopher G.,
Welch Sarah L.,
Hay Phillipa J.
Publication year - 1993
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(199303)13:2<155::aid-eat2260130203>3.0.co;2-t
Subject(s) - overeating , binge eating , psychology , confusion , binge eating disorder , mistake , dsm 5 , eating disorders , psychiatry , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , bulimia nervosa , medicine , psychoanalysis , obesity , political science , law
It has been suggested that a new diagnostic category be added to the section on eating disorders in DSM‐IV. This new diagnosis has been termed binge eating disorder. In this article we argue that for two main reasons it would be a mistake to include binge eating disorder in DSM‐IV: first, too little is known about binge eating and other related forms of recurrent overeating to justify its inclusion in DSM‐IV; and second, its inclusion would be a source of diagnostic confusion. We argue that it is premature to crystallize this specific subgroup from amongst those who recurrently overeat and that to do so would impede the acquisition of knowledge rather than enhance it. We advocate a research strategy that involves studying broad samples of those with recurrent overeating rather than narrow ones. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.