NR 326 Binge Eating Disorder In Adolescence

NR 326 Binge Eating Disorder In Adolescence

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-326: Mental Health Nursing

Prof. Name:

Date

RUA: Scholarly Article Review

Binge Eating Disorder in Adolescents

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is one of the most common and serious eating disorders observed during adolescence. Many teenagers struggling with BED may not fully comprehend the severity of their condition. Feelings of shame, guilt, and confusion are often associated with their eating behaviors, particularly when they feel unable to control episodes of overeating. In today’s media-driven world, young individuals are constantly exposed to conflicting messages about food, weight, and body image, further exacerbating their psychological distress. According to Marzilli, Cerniglia, and Cimino (2018), BED is the most widespread eating disorder in the United States, often beginning in late adolescence or early adulthood.

It is essential to differentiate between normal overeating and pathological binge eating. While occasional overeating is a common occurrence, BED is a recognized psychological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period, accompanied by a lack of control and intense emotional distress. If left untreated, BED can lead to numerous physical and psychological complications, underscoring the importance of early identification and intervention.

NR 326 Binge Eating Disorder In Adolescence

Epidemiological Trends and Risk Factors

Article Summary

Research into the epidemiology of eating disorders in adolescents is relatively new, as BED was only recently categorized as a distinct mental health condition in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5. Marzilli et al. (2018) reviewed 13 studies—five based on DSM-IV and eight using DSM-5 criteria—to assess the prevalence of BED among adolescents. The studies collectively revealed that BED affects a significant portion of this age group, with prevalence rates ranging between 1% and 5%.

In female adolescents specifically, BED was reported at a rate of 343 per 100,000 individuals, with higher risks noted among girls compared to boys. The review also confirmed that BED tends to peak in individuals between the ages of 19 and 22, with another peak observed in females around age 24. Although gender differences in BED are pronounced, it is noteworthy that BED is also the most common eating disorder among male adolescents, despite eating disorders traditionally being associated with females.

Prevalence Data Summary

Clinical Consequences and Health Impact

Over the past decade, extensive research has demonstrated the clinical implications of BED on adolescents’ physical, emotional, and social well-being. Studies show that BED and subthreshold BED (SBED) significantly increase the likelihood of developing obesity. Adolescents with BED are also at elevated risk for comorbid conditions such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (Marzilli et al., 2018).

Furthermore, the psychological impact of BED cannot be overstated. Adolescents with BED often experience low self-esteem, social isolation, and severe mood disturbances. Some studies have linked BED to higher incidences of substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and self-injurious behavior. Approximately 30% of adolescents with BED and 20% with SBED report experiencing suicidal thoughts, with suicide attempts reported by 15.1% and 5.3%, respectively (Marzilli et al., 2018).

Etiology and Contributing Factors

Biological, Psychological, and Environmental Influences

The etiology of BED is multifactorial and complex. It encompasses a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition and epigenetic mechanisms have been identified as contributing biological elements. Psychologically, traits such as impulsivity, perfectionism, and depressive symptoms have been closely linked with BED. Environmental influences, particularly familial factors such as parental psychopathology, childhood trauma, and unhealthy parental attitudes toward food, also play critical roles in the development of the disorder.

These overlapping factors help in understanding the complex nature of BED and support the necessity for tailored, evidence-based prevention strategies. Prevention efforts must focus on early identification, psychoeducation, and resilience training. Likewise, therapeutic interventions should be multidimensional, involving family-based treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and nutritional counseling.

Critical Evaluation of the Article

Marzilli et al. (2018) present a compelling narrative review that underscores the importance of recognizing BED as a severe public health concern among adolescents. The article is valuable in that it not only synthesizes prevalence data but also connects BED to serious comorbidities such as obesity and suicidality. One strength of the review is its inclusion of studies from various diagnostic criteria, which enriches the understanding of BED across diagnostic transitions from DSM-IV to DSM-5. However, limitations exist, particularly in the scarcity of longitudinal studies focusing on male adolescents and the relatively few investigations into the suicidality component of BED.

The authors recommend further research using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to establish causality and assess the long-term efficacy of treatment modalities. The emphasis on gender differences, developmental timing, and psychopathological outcomes offers important directions for future studies and clinical practice.

Conclusion

Binge Eating Disorder emerges as the most prevalent eating disorder during adolescence, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health. The condition often begins subtly but may evolve into a chronic disorder without appropriate intervention. Various biological, psychological, and environmental factors contribute to its onset and maintenance. Marzilli et al. (2018) effectively highlight the need for early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment plans, and research-informed prevention strategies. Given the increasing rates of BED among teenagers—especially males—future studies must adopt inclusive approaches that consider gender differences, familial contexts, and developmental risk factors. Addressing BED at its root is crucial in promoting adolescent well-being and preventing lifelong health consequences.

NR 326 Binge Eating Disorder In Adolescence

References

Marzilli, E., Cerniglia, L., & Cimino, S. (2018). A narrative review of binge eating disorder in adolescence: Prevalence, impact, and psychological treatment strategies. Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 9, 17–30. https://doi.org/10.2147/ahmt.s148050