What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a common eating disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating, where a person feels a loss of control over eating. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating episodes are not regularly followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.

BED can affect people of all ages and body sizes and may impact physical health, mood, self-esteem and relationships.  BED often involves distress around emotional eating, compulsive eating patterns, and loss of control during binge eating episodes.

At Eastern Suburbs Psychiatry, our psychiatrists provide assessment and treatment for Binge Eating Disorders and related eating disorders from our Darlinghurst clinic in Sydney. With appropriate support, many people experience improvement in symptoms and overall wellbeing.

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

A binge eating episode may involve:

• Eating a larger amount of food than most people would eat in a similar period of time

• Feeling unable to stop or control what or how much you are eating

• Eating more rapidly than usual

• Eating until uncomfortably full

• Eating when not physically hungry

• Eating alone due to embarrassment

• Feeling guilt, shame, or low mood afterwards

If these experiences are happening regularly and causing distress, a professional assessment can help clarify what’s going on and what support may help.

Causes of Binge Eating Disorder

There is no single cause of BED. It is usually linked to a combination of factors, including:

• Genetics and biological vulnerability

• Dieting and restriction (which can increase binge eating urges)

• Chronic stress or emotional overwhelm

• Low mood, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms

• Difficulties with impulse control or emotional regulation

• Body image distress and shame

BED also commonly occurs alongside other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and substance use concerns.

When to seek help

It may be time to seek support if binge eating:

• Happens repeatedly (e.g., weekly)

• Feels distressing, secretive, or hard to manage

• Is affecting physical health, sleep, mood, or daily functioning

• Is associated with strong shame, self-criticism, or social withdrawal

Early assessment can reduce the risk of symptoms becoming more entrenched over time.

Binge Eating Disorder Assessment

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive psychiatric assessment,which may include:

• A detailed history of eating patterns, triggers, and distress

• Screening for related mental health concerns (e.g., mood, anxiety, ADHD, trauma)

• Review of physical health factors that may be relevant

• Discussion of goals and the kind of support that feels appropriate

Where needed, we may recommend collaboration with your GP and other allied health professionals to support your care.

Treatment options for binge eating disorder

Treatment for BED is tailored to the individual and may include:

Psychological therapies

Evidence-based therapies can help reduce binge eating frequency and improve emotional regulation and self-compassion. These may include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Other structured therapies depending on the individual’s needs and presentation

Medication (when appropriate)

Medication may be considered if it is clinically indicated, particularly where BED is occurring alongside conditions such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD. Medication is not a “quick fix,” but can be helpful for some people as part of a broader treatment plan.

Addressing underlying drivers

Many people benefit from support that targets:

• Stress and emotional triggers

• Sleep, routines, and mood symptoms

• Body image distress and self-criticism

• Co-occurring conditions impacting appetite, impulse control, or regulation

Where appropriate, treatment may also involve collaboration with GPs, psychologists, dietitians, or other healthcare professionals to support ongoing recovery and physical wellbeing.

How we can help

Our psychiatrists provide assessment and treatment for binge eating disorder from across Sydney, including the Eastern Suburbs, Sydney CBD and surrounding areas, with patients attending from suburbs such as Darlinghurst, Coogee, Surry Hills and the Northern Beaches.

If you’re concerned about binge eating or emotional eating patterns, a professional assessment can help you understand the pattern and take the next step toward recovery.

For an appointment, please call our practice on (02) 8359 1930 or complete the inquiry form here.