Doctors and mental health professionals use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV) when they identify binge eating disorder. These include:

• binge eating more food than most people could consume in short periods of time
• feelings of distress about eating behaviors
• binge eating that occurs, on average, at least 2 days a week for 6 months
• binge eating that isn't associated with regular purging with laxatives or by vomiting
• binge episodes associated with:
  • eating more rapidly than usual
  • eating until uncomfortably full
  • eating when not hungry
  • eating alone because of embarrassment about how much food is consumed
  • feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt

Also, a binge has to be accompanied by a loss of control over eating.

How Is It Treated?

A child will be diagnosed with a binge eating disorder only after his or her doctor discusses family dynamics, patterns of eating, and emotional issues with im or her. The doctor will also perform a complete physical and may order lab tests to assess some complications of obesity and nutritional adequacy. As with any eating disorder, it's also important that the child receives therapy.

Different types of therapy can help treat binge eating disorder. For example, family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy teach people techniques to monitor and change their eating habits and the way they respond to stress. Family therapy includes the whole family in the process of helping the individual. Cognitive-behavioral therapy combines the approach of helping the individual change their self-defeating thoughts with changing their behavior. Counseling also helps patients look at relationships they have with others and helps them work on areas that cause them anxiety. In some cases, doctors may prescribe antidepressant medication to be used in conjunction with therapy.

However, there's no quick fix for any eating disorder. Treatment can take several months or longer while the child learns how to have a healthier approach to food. Although weight-control programs are helpful for some people affected by binge eating disorder, children and teens should not begin a diet or weight-control program without the advice and supervision of a doctor.

src: http://www.kidshealth.org

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