Date of Award

Spring 5-26-2018

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Karen Macauley, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, GNP-BC

Second Advisor

Kathy James, DNSc, APRN, FAAN

Abstract

Background: Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States, it is more prevalent than Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia combined. BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating accompanied by feeling a lack of control and marked distress over one’s eating behaviors. BED is a serious condition that impairs health-related quality of life (HRQL) and increases health care costs.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to identify patients at risk for binge eating disorder at an outpatient weight loss clinic using the validated BEDS-7 screening tool.

Evidence-based Intervention: The 7-item Binge-Eating Disorder Screener (BEDS-7), a brief screening tool for BED, can assist providers in identifying patients who may have BED providing evidence-based treatment options and/or referrals for additional assessment and potential diagnosis of BED.

Evaluation/Results: Screening for binge eating was conducted on all new patients seeking weight loss at the clinic over a 3-month period. Patients who screened positive for binge eating according to the BEDS-7 screening tool were provided with evidence-based treatment options including both pharmacological treatment and referral for psychotherapy and counseling.

Implications for Practice: Screening for Binge eating promotes recognition of binge eating habits in patients undergoing weight loss treatment and awareness about binge eating and its influence on overall quality of life.

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