On Kibarashi-gui (binge eating).

The authors presented 16 cases that displayed episodes of pathological over-eating, i.e. kibarashi-gui (binge eating). The cases were divided into three groups, and symptomatology of the eating bouts and associated psychiatric symptoms were described. Constellations of symptoms differed from group to group. The first group, Group A, was concluded as the pure kibarashi-gui (binge eaters), and Group B can be regarded as a variant of anorexia nervosa. Discussion was focused on the similarities and differences between kibarashi-gui and anorexia nervosa. Kibarashi-gui is explained as a defeat of self-control or competition. Discussions on the origin of the sex difference of eating disorder were done. And, the concept of slimness or beauty in women was assumed as the most important factor in eating disorders.