Transtorno de compulsão alimentar is characterised by frequent, recurrent episodes of binge eating (e.g. once a week or more over a period of several months). A binge eating episódio is a distinct period of time during which the individual experiences a subjective loss of control over eating, eating notably more or differently than usual, and feels unable to stop eating or limit the type or amount of food eaten. Binge eating is experienced as very distressing, and is often accompanied by negative emotions such as guilt or disgust. However, unlike in Bulimia nervosa, binge eating episodes are not regularly followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviours aimed at preventing weight gain (e.g. self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or enemas, strenuous exercise). There is marked distress about the padrão of binge eating or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.