Food addiction is described as, “a brain disorder caused by the interaction of trigger foods on the brains of humans predisposed to addiction” (Tarman & Werdell, 2014, p. 78).
Features may include:
- Compulsive engagement in over or undereating or food-related behaviors with mental obsession
- Urges or cravings to over or undereat or engage in food-related behaviors
- Need to over or undereat or engage in food-related behaviors more to achieve the desired effect
- Over or undereat or engage in food-related behaviors when feeling distressed and/or to avoid feelings (e.g., sad, anxious, jealous)
- Continuing to over or undereat or engage in food-related behaviors despite negative consequences (e.g., health, work, or relationship issues)
- Engaging in purging methods (e.g., vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise) to counterbalance impact (perceived or real) of over or undereating or engagement in other food-related behaviors
- Body dysmorphia
- Loss of control with over or undereating or engagement in food-related behaviors with failed attempts to cut back or stop use
- Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., restlessness, irritability, anger) when unable to over or undereat or engage in food-related behaviors.
Diagnostic Considerations:
Clinicians treat people who describe their experiences with “food addiction.” When the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was last revised, (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013) food addiction was not included however, binge eating disorder (BED) was recognized. With very specific diagnostic criterion, Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and BED share similarities and differences with those who identify as food addicts. The coding for other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) may be used for individuals who do not meet the specific criteria for an existing feeding or eating disorder diagnosis (APA, 2013).
Food addiction is not identified, however feeding and eating disorders are included in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11; World Health Organization, 2018).
Food addiction often co-occurs with adjustment disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, personality disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders, substance use and non-substance behavioral addictions.
Treatment:
Treatment for food addiction varies dependent on factors including co-occurring disorders. Common psychotherapeutic approaches support emotion regulation enhancement, coping, calming, and communication skills, distress tolerance, nutrition, reconnection with one’s body, conscious awareness and appropriate responses to psychological and physical cues such as hunger and satiety, a new relationship with food and eating, and collaboration with nutritionists, dieticians, and medical prescribers.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.
Tarman, V., & Werdell, P. (2014). Food junkies: The truth about food addiction. Dundurn.
World Health Organization. (2019). International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (11th ed.). https://icd.who.int/