C. Loriedo, G. Bianchi, C. Perrella - Vol. 8, March 2002, Issue 1
Testo Immagini Bibliografia Summary Indice
Binge eating disorder:
aspetti clinici, nosografici e terapeutici
Binge eating disorder: clinical, nosological and therapeutic aspects
This paper reviews currently available information on Binge Eating Disorder
(BED). BED is a newly described eating disorder characterised by recurrent binge
eating episodes but without purging behaviour. We examined its prevalence in
the general population, its clinical features and risk factors for binge eating
episodes. In the DSM-IV, BED is included in the Appendix B as an example of
eating disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS).
We underline differences between obese binge eaters, non-binge eaters and bulimic patients. Finally we report on different treatment approaches to binge eating disorder.
The BED patient requires pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and diet programmes. Antidepressant medication may be followed by a reduction in binge frequency but does not lead to weight reduction. Behaviour therapy might promote weight loss without undermining binge cessation. Further study is needed in several areas including treatment approaches that combine medication and psychotherapy, long term outcome and response predictors