Binge Eating Disorder

Despite the fact that Binge Eating Disorder was only recently introduced as a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there has been a substantial amount of research over the past decade investigating the prevalence, etiology, and treatment of binge eating and loss of control eating behaviors in children and adolescents. The present chapter provides a summary of the current literature on binge eating, loss of control eating, and overeating behaviors in youth. In particular, we aim to (1) provide an overview of different terms and definitions used in the study of binge eating and loss of control eating, (2) outline available assessment tools for measuring binge eating within child and adolescent populations, (3) review existing research in the etiology and treatment of binge eating behaviors in youth, and (4) discuss important trends in symptom presentation and course within this population. Overall, we hope to provide an informative summary of current work regarding eating-disordered behaviors in children, with the larger intent of highlighting the areas in which future research can enhance our understanding and treatment of this debilitating condition.