Dara...thanks so much for beginning this thread. I've NEVER seen so many people all at once that have this unusual problem with their children. Both of mine have had it on and off (severity level) over the years. Even though my son is a true CD and got arrested, etc., this is the single most annoying problem we have with my daughter. If not for this problem, some of her other problems would be alleviated. No one seems to be able to help us with this. The combination of medications she's on is always to try and counteract her binging. They definitely help but she still needs constant monitoring. When traumatized with something, she TOTALLY falls off the wagon. We have been in the exact same situation with both children as Tiapet. Right now, she is not stealing (that we know of) feom the refrigerator, etc. however, I have to totally follow her around at social functions and stay around for breaks at her fine arts academy or she'll beg other kids for food or money and if they don't give in, she'll rummage through people's bags for food. It's been so bad that she even gets caught and still keeps digging. Her neuro doctor says it's very Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) related. Our talk therapist says many adoptees have issues with food because of attachment disorder, etc. She is no longer diagnosed with attachment disorder so we don't get it.
I have no solution but none of you are alone. My daughter is 12 1/2 and the rage for food HAS gotten better. I'd rather have that than the socially isolating behavior though (stealing, rummaging, begging).
HUG...HUG...HUG...HUG...