This disorder is often referred to as COMPULSIVE OVEREATING, and it is typically characterized by a person eating a larger amount of food than would normally be eaten under the circumstances (usually at least over 2500 calories) within at least a 2 hour period of time. Such compulsive eating is accompanied by feelings of physical discomfort and emotional distress. This behavior occurs at least 2 times per week for 6 months. There is no purging associated with BED.
