Binge Eating Diagnosis for Patients and Families

Learn About Binging with Examination, Evaluation and Testing

Nov 15, 2009

Binge eating can be diagnosed by a physician or mental health care provider. Some methods of diagnosis include physical and psychological exam with laboratory tests.

Binge eating is an eating disorder suffered by individuals who consume high calories within short time periods. This eating disorder represents more than enjoying a holiday dinner or a good breakfast.

Patients may feel out of control when eating large amounts of food and feel a sense of shame. Binge patients may eat alone and hide food in bedroom closets or under the bed. Without the proper medical help, patients may experience long-term health conditions, including heart problems and diabetes.

Binge patients should visit a health care provider once symptoms are recognized. A physician may perform a physical examination with laboratory testing and a suggestion of a psychological evaluation for correct diagnosis.

Binging Physical Examination

A binge eating disorder requires a physical examination, since an eating disorder may not be binge eating. Other eating disorders may include anorexia and bulimia. Some measurements taken during a physical examination may include:

Binging Psychological Evaluation

A psychological evaluation provides clues about a patient's mental and emotional health. Patients who have shown binge eating symptoms may be asked to complete a questionnaire, including how many calories are consumed daily and how the patient feels after eating meals.

Laboratory Testing

Physicians may order laboratory tests to learn about the patient's current health. One common laboratory tests is a complete blood count (CBC) ,which measures the concentration of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in the blood. Other laboratory tests may include thyroid functioning and electrolytes.

Binge Eating Criteria for Diagnosis

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is created and published by the American Psychiatric Association. Mental health professionals may use the DSM criteria to confirm the diagnose of binge eating disorder.

DSM diagnostic criteria used by physicians and mental health care professionals include:

Binge eaters should seek medical assistance for proper diagnosis since the eating disorder can begin slowly and become more difficult to manage. A health care provider can use a physical examination, a psychological evaluation and laboratory testing to confirm binge eating disorder to confirm or rule out diagnosis.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Seek the medical advice of a qualified health care provider for diagnosis or questions.

The copyright of the article Binge Eating Diagnosis for Patients and Families in Compulsive/Binge Eating is owned by Cherrine Banks. Permission to republish Binge Eating Diagnosis for Patients and Families in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.