There are several types of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Of these binge eating is the most common, effecting up to 5% of the population. Binge eating is defined as eating within a relatively short period of time (about 2 hours) an amount of food that is definitely larger than what most people of a similar age would eat during that same period of time and under similar circumstances.

Many people will admit to occasionally eating a large amount of food in a short period of time (e.g. Thanksgiving dinner), but this is not the same as having a binge eating disorder. Key features of a binge eating disorder include behaviors which occur at least 2 times/week for a period of 3 months or longer:

Rapidly eating large amounts of food

Eating even when you’re full

Hiding or stockpiling food to eat later in secret

Believing you’re unable to stop eating or control what you’re eating

Feeling extremely distressed or upset during or after bingeing

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, “the most effective and long-lasting treatment for an eating disorder is some form of psychotherapy or psychological counseling, coupled with careful attention to medical and nutritional needs. Ideally, this treatment should be tailored to the individual and will vary according to both the severity of the disorder and the patient’s particular problems, needs, and strengths.”

Learn more about eating disorders at NEDA.

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB) are a group of behaviors in which an individual damages his or her appearance, or causes physical injury through pulling, picking, biting or scraping of the hair, skin or nails. BFRBs are considered impulse control disorders. They usually occur when a person is feeling overly stressed or excited or when inactive or feeling bored. The sufferer may not be fully aware of their behavior at the time, or may find it pleasurable or relaxing. Family members may have a difficult time understanding these behaviors and sometimes feel helpless, irritated, or angry. This negative attention can increase stress and even make the problem worse.

BFRBs affect 2-5% of the population. Most BFRBs begin in early puberty or adolescence and frequently continue into adulthood. In childhood both males and females are affected equally, but in adulthood more females are affected. Types of BFRBs include:

Hair Pulling Disorder (Trichotillomania) – The compulsive urge to pull out hair from various parts of the body resulting in noticeable hair loss. Areas where pulling usually occur include scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, arms, legs, and pubic area.

Skin Picking Disorder (Dermatillomania/Excoriation) – The compulsive urge to pick at one’s skin resulting in noticeable damage (sores, scabs, infections). Common areas include: face, head, cuticles, back, arms and legs, hands and feet.

Other BFRBs – Severe Nail Biting, Nose Picking, Hair Cutting, Cheek Biting

The stigma associated with these conditions can make individuals feel embarrassed, frustrated, or ashamed of their behavior, making it difficult to seek help. Oftentimes other mental health conditions occur alongside the BFRB, such as anxiety and depression.

Additional information is available at the Trichotillomania Learning Center.