Which emotional response might accompany binge eating episodes in those with binge eating disorder?

Individuals with binge eating disorder often experience strong emotional responses in conjunction with their eating episodes. The choice of distress and guilt is particularly relevant because these feelings frequently arise after binge eating. Many individuals may turn to food as a coping mechanism during times of emotional turmoil, but this can lead to subsequent feelings of shame and regret.

The binge eating itself may be an attempt to manage or escape from negative emotions, yet afterward, the realization that they have engaged in unhealthy eating can compound feelings of distress and guilt. This cyclical nature of binge eating—using food for comfort only to feel worse afterward—highlights the psychological complexities of the disorder.

In contrast, feelings such as joy and excitement, comfort and satisfaction, or indifference and apathy do not adequately capture the emotional turmoil many experience during and after binge eating episodes. The focus on distress and guilt underscores the mental health aspects that are crucial in understanding and addressing the challenges of binge eating disorder.