Symptoms used to diagnose
The ruleRecurrent binge eating and compensatory behaviours, both at least once a week for 3 months, with self-worth heavily based on shape and weight.
Symptoms
- Eating a large amount with loss of control
- Vomiting
- Laxative or diuretic misuse
- Fasting
- Excessive exercise
- Self-evaluation based on body shape
How diagnosis works
- Recurrent binges with a sense of loss of control.
- Recurrent compensating behaviours.
- Self-worth heavily influenced by body shape and weight.
A diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician after a full assessment — this summary is to help you understand it, not to self-diagnose.
Commonly used medications
Therapies & support
- CBT-ED
- Guided self-help
Sources
- 01Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)
American Psychiatric Association, 2022
- 02ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics — Chapter 6: Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders
World Health Organization, 2022
- 03The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines
Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024