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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe cause of binge-eating disorder is unknown. As with many mental illnesses, it's thought that a variety of factors are at play in binge-eating disorder, such as:
- Biological factors. People with binge-eating disorder may have inherited genes that made them more susceptible to developing an eating disorder. In addition, brain chemicals may be altered in people with binge-eating disorder.
- Psychological factors. Psychological and emotional factors may also play a role in binge-eating disorder. You may have low self-worth and trouble controlling impulsive behaviors, managing moods or expressing anger.
- Environmental factors. Modern Western culture often cultivates and reinforces a desire for thinness. Although most people who have binge-eating disorder are overweight, they are probably acutely aware of their appearance and may get angry with themselves after eating binges.
References
- Treasure J, et al. Eating disorders. The Lancet. 2009. In press. Accessed Dec. 11, 2009.
- Binge eating disorder. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/binge.htm. Accessed Dec. 10, 2009.
- Proposed disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association, 2000. http://psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=5458. Accessed Dec. 11, 2009.
- Bulik CM, et al. Diagnosis and management of binge eating disorder. World Psychiatry. 2007;6:142.
- Yager J. Binge eating disorder: The search for better treatments. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2008;165:1.
- Forman SF. Eating disorders: Treatment and outcome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 2, 2009.
- Williams PM, et al. Treating eating disorders in primary care. American Family Physician. 2008;77:187.
- Gwirtsman HE, et al. Eating disorders. In: Ebert MH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Psychiatry. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Co.; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3288493. Accessed Nov. 1, 2009.
- Douglass L. Yoga as an intervention in the treatment of eating disorders: Does it help? Eating Disorders. 2009;17:126.
- Meridia (sibutramine): Market withdrawal due to risk of serious cardiovascular events. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm228830.htm. Accessed Oct. 8, 2010.
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