Understanding and coping with binge eating disorder: the patient's perspective
Susan L McElroy1, Anna I Guerdjikova
1From the Lindner Center of HOPE and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|September 4, 2015
Summary
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a common eating disorder. Increased clinician awareness of BED symptoms and patient hesitation is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent of the DSM-5 feeding and eating disorders.
- BED poses a significant public health challenge, yet remains underdiagnosed due to patient reluctance and lack of clinician awareness.
- Patients often conceal BED symptoms due to embarrassment or failure to recognize the behavior as problematic.
Discussion:
- Clinicians require enhanced awareness of BED's warning signs and the reasons behind patient concealment.
- Prompt recognition and diagnosis are essential for initiating appropriate management strategies.
- Addressing patient embarrassment and promoting open communication are key to overcoming diagnostic barriers.
Key Insights:
- BED is a common and treatable eating disorder.
- Patient embarrassment and lack of recognition hinder BED diagnosis.
- Increased clinician awareness is vital for early detection and intervention.
Outlook:
- Future efforts should focus on developing tools to improve clinician recognition of BED.
- Effective management involves not only treating BED but also identifying and addressing comorbid conditions.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment can lead to successful patient outcomes and improved quality of life.
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