Binge-Eating Disorder

Healthcare providers diagnose eating disorders by asking detailed questions about your behaviors, thoughts and feelings. You might be reluctant to open up about these details, but honesty is important to getting the right diagnosis and the right treatment. You can start by talking to your primary care practitioner or seek out a mental health care practitioner. Either one can make the diagnosis.

Is there a test for binge eating disorder?

There’s no test, though the questions you’ll answer might take the form of a quiz. Your healthcare provider will analyze your answers according to the diagnostic criteria listed in the DSM-5. They may also ask follow-up questions not listed in the manual. If they think you meet the diagnostic criteria, they’ll diagnose binge eating disorder.

Do I need a diagnosis?

You don’t necessarily need a diagnosis to begin treatment. In fact, you may benefit from treatment even if your symptoms are “subclinical” (meaning, they don’t quite meet the criteria for diagnosis). Going through the interview process with a healthcare provider will help you and them to learn more about what type of support may benefit you. Some people feel relieved or validated by receiving a diagnosis and more empowered to seek help. This can be especially important for parents trying to help their children.