Binge‑Eating Disorder (BED)
Recurrent binges — eating large amounts rapidly, past fullness, often alone, with loss of control and shame afterward — but without the regular compensating (no vomiting/fasting/over‑exercising) seen in bulimia.
- Bulimia: binge → compensation.
- BED: binge → no regular compensation.
| Bulimia | Binge‑Eating Disorder | |
|---|---|---|
| Binge + loss of control | yes | yes |
| Compensation afterward | yes | no |
"Three times a week I eat huge amounts very fast and feel completely out of control, then ashamed — but I don't vomit or fast." → think BED.
Pica
Eating non‑food substances — soil, chalk, clay, paper, hair. It can be linked to nutritional deficiencies, developmental conditions, or intellectual disability — but don't assume a single cause (e.g., "must be iron deficiency"). Investigate, don't guess.
Quick check ✅
- What single feature separates BED from bulimia?
- What is pica?
Remember this 🌟
Where we're going next → A short science detour that makes every sleep disorder click — how sleep is built (Concept 36).