Binge Eating Disorder Quiz: A Self-Assessment Guide

Written by: Angela Derrick, Ph.D. & Susan McClanahan, Ph.D.

Date Posted: January 30, 2025 1:14 am

Binge Eating Disorder Quiz: A Self-Assessment Guide

Binge Eating Quiz: Do I Have Symptoms?

While only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose binge eating disorder (BED), this self-assessment tool can help you determine whether you might be experiencing symptoms of BED. Below is a quiz based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and general psychological assessments.

With credit to Eating Recovery Center’s binge eating disorder quiz, we have compiled our own assessment below. Please note that this is not a diagnostic tool, and only a doctor can evaluate and provide a diagnosis. This quiz gives you more information on whether you might want to seek out a healthcare professional specializing in eating disorders for additional help and treatment.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) Assessment Quiz

Answer each question based on your experiences over the past three months. Use the following scale:

• 0 = Never
• 1 = Rarely
• 2 = Sometimes
• 3 = Often
• 4 = Always

1. Do you eat large amounts of food within short periods of time (2 hours or less)?
2. Do you feel a loss of control overeating during these episodes (feeling unable to stop or control how much you consume)?
3. Do you try to skip meals or avoid eating for the entire day?
4. Do you eat until you feel uncomfortably full?
5. Do you eat when you’re not hungry?
6. Do you sneak food or eat alone because you feel embarrassed about how much you’re eating?
7. Do you feel disgusted with yourself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating?
8. Does thinking about food make it difficult for you to concentrate??
9. Do you get angry when interrupted while eating?
10. Does binge eating cause you significant distress or interfere with your relationships and daily life?

Scoring

• 0–15: Low likelihood of BED. Occasional overeating is normal, but consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you are concerned.
• 16–24: Moderate likelihood of BED. Symptoms may be affecting your well-being; seeking professional help may be beneficial.
• 25–30: High likelihood of BED. Consulting a licensed therapist, psychologist, or medical professional for further evaluation and support is recommended.
• 31 or above: Very high likelihood of BED–Professional help is advised.

Disclaimer

This self-assessment is not a diagnostic tool. If you suspect you may have BED, it’s important to consult a licensed healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. If you need support, we are here to help—call SpringSource Psychological Center at 224-202-6260 or fill out our form to speak with our admissions team.

What to Do If You Suspect BED

1. Reach Out to a Professional:
   • Consult a therapist, psychologist, or physician for a full evaluation.
   • Ask about evidence-based treatments like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
2. Explore Support Groups:
   • Consider groups like Overeaters Anonymous (OA) or other BED-specific support networks.
3. Practice Self-Compassion:
   • Practicing self-compassion can help us remember that BED is a highly treatable condition, and struggling with binge eating is in no way a personal failure.
4. Learn Coping Strategies:
   • Mindfulness, journaling, and somatic exercises can help manage triggers and emotions tied to binge eating.
5. Nutritional Support:
   • A registered dietitian with experience in eating disorders can guide you toward a healthier relationship with food.

More on Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge eating disorder often develops as a complex interplay of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. It may begin during adolescence or early adulthood, though it can emerge at any age. Emotional triggers, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma, often play a significant role in the onset of BED.

People may use food to “numb out” instead of dealing with difficult emotions. They may turn to food to fill a sense of emptiness. A pattern emerges of consuming large amounts of food in short periods of time. The person binging may feel out of control while doing so. Over time, this behavior can become habitual and reinforced by guilt and shame, feelings that perpetuate the cycle.

Sociocultural factors, such as societal pressures around body image or dieting, can also contribute to the development of BED. Internalized beauty standards straight out of diet culture can cause bouts of restrictive eating, which, in turn, can lead to episodes of overeating.

Additionally, individuals with a family history of eating disorders or those who experience irregularities in brain chemistry, particularly involving the regulation of hunger and reward systems, may be more susceptible to developing BED. Understanding these contributing factors is essential for identifying the disorder early and seeking appropriate treatment.

A Day in the Life of Someone with Binge Eating Disorder

A day in the life of someone struggling with BED often revolves around a complex relationship with food, emotions, and self-perception. While experiences vary, many people with BED face recurring patterns of distress and behavior.

Morning might begin with a resolve to eat healthily or restrict food intake, often fueled by guilt from a previous day’s binge episode. Today’s newfound resolve may include skipping breakfast or eating something light, accompanied by self-criticism or anxiety about food choices. Throughout the day, emotional stress, fatigue, or hunger because of earlier deprivations may build, leading to increased preoccupation with food. This preoccupation can be mentally exhausting as the individual fights the urge to eat while simultaneously planning or dreading the possibility of a binge.

By the afternoon or evening, external stressors such as work, personal challenges, or loneliness may trigger a binge episode. A binge often involves devouring large quantities of food privately and with a sense of being out of control. The individual may consume foods they typically avoid, usually feeling a combination of relief and emotional numbness during the episode. However, guilt, shame, or even physical discomfort is quick to follow.

An individual struggling with BED may avoid their obligations and most social situations. Body image concerns, or the desire to hide binging behaviors, might cause an individual to fear eating in public. Feelings of regret or self-loathing may show up towards the end of the day making nighttime particularly challenging. It’s common to make promises at this time to change the behavior tomorrow. The repetitive nature of this behavior can leave a person feeling trapped, isolated, and overwhelmed. Seeking help to break this cycle can be transformative, offering hope for recovery and a more balanced life.

What to Look for in an Eating Disorder Therapist

When seeking an eating disorder therapist, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure they can provide effective and specialized care. First, look for a therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders, such as anorexia, ARFID, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. They should be trained in evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Family-Based Therapy (FBT), which are proven to be effective for eating disorders.

A therapist who takes a holistic approach, will be better suited to treat not only the eating disorder but also co-occurring issues such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or trauma, which often accompany these conditions. A therapist who collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, including a registered dietitian, medical doctor, and psychiatrist, can ensure comprehensive care.

Prioritize a therapist who is nonjudgmental and compassionate in order to create a safe environment for healing. These values will build trust and facilitating open communication. If gender or cultural factors are predominant, seek a therapist who will meet you where you are at and can understand and respect your lived experience.

Check for credentials (licensure and certifications) in eating disorder treatment, such as Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS). Finally, ensure that the therapist has a therapeutic style and personality that aligns with your preferences. Feeling comfortable and supported is necessary for treatment to be effective.

About SpringSource

At SpringSource Psychological Center, we understand that eating disorders are severe and complex mental health conditions. Ultimately, the most effective healing approach will vary depending on the individual’s unique needs, circumstances, and readiness for change. The Therapists at SpringSource are qualified to provide the most effective and compassionate care for individuals struggling with eating disorders, including harm reduction strategies. We also offer evidence-based recovery for anxiety, ADHD, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.

We believe there are many paths to healing and look forward to helping facilitate your recovery journey. With offices in downtown Chicago and Northbrook, we offer in-person and virtual support. Call SpringSource today at 224-202-6260 or email info@springsourcecenter.com  | We offer free 15-minute initial consultations—schedule here.