What resources are available for people with binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); feeling a lack of control over one’s eating during these episodes; and experiencing shame, distress, or guilt afterwards. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States.
Although there are no definitive statistics on the prevalence of BED, the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) reports that approximately 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 1.6% of adolescents in the U.S. suffer from the condition. Binge eating disorder affects people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge eating disorder, know that you are not alone and help is available. There are a number of resources that can provide support and assistance.
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA): NEDA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA offers a helpline (1-800-931-2237) and online chat (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST) for individuals seeking eating disorder support and resources. NEDA also provides referrals to treatment providers and support groups across the country.
Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA): BEDA is a national non-profit organization committed to increasing awareness and understanding of binge eating disorder. BEDA provides referrals to treatment providers and support groups, as well as information and resources on their website.
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD): ANAD is a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. ANAD offers a helpline (630-577-1330) and online support groups for individuals seeking eating disorder support and resources. ANAD also provides referrals to treatment providers and support groups across the country.
Eating Disorder Hope: Eating Disorder Hope is an online resource and community for individuals struggling with eating disorders and their loved ones. Eating Disorder Hope offers a directory of treatment providers, support groups, and other resources. They also provide information and articles on various aspects of eating disorders.
Project Heal: Project Heal is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing grants to individuals with eating disorders who are unable to afford treatment. Project Heal also offers a variety of resources and information on their website.
Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder
If you are seeking treatment for binge eating disorder, there are a number of options available. Treatment typically includes some combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and/or medical assistance. It is important to work with a treatment team that you trust and feel comfortable with.
Individual Therapy: Individual therapy can help you work through the underlying issues that are contributing to your binge eating disorder. Therapy can also provide you with tools and skills to cope with difficult emotions and situations in a healthy way.
Group Therapy: Group therapy can provide support and encouragement from others who are struggling with similar issues. Group therapy can also provide a sense of community and belonging.
Medical Assistance: Medical assistance can be helpful in managing any physical complications that may be caused by binge eating disorder. Medical assistance can also help to stabilize mood and energy levels.
There are a number of different types of treatments available for binge eating disorder. It is important to work with a treatment team that you trust to find the best treatment plan for you..Learn more
How is binge eating disorder diagnosed?
Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder that is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled, compulsive overeating. This disorder is different from other types of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, in that it does not involve any purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.
The first step in diagnosing binge eating disorder is to rule out any other possible medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms. This is done through a physical examination and a complete medical history. Once other conditions have been ruled out, a mental health professional can then evaluate the person for binge eating disorder.
There are a number of different criteria that must be met in order for a diagnosis of binge eating disorder to be made. First, the person must have recurrent episodes of binge eating. This means eating, in a discrete period of time (usually within 2 hours), an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances. Second, the person must feel a lack of control over their eating during the episode. Third, the binge eating episodes must be associated with at least three of the following: eating more rapidly than normal, eating until feeling uncomfortably full, eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry, eating alone because of feeling embarrassed about how much one is eating, and feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after the episode. Finally, the binge eating episodes must occur, on average, at least once a week for 3 months.
If a person meets all of the above criteria, a diagnosis of binge eating disorder can be made. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is a diagnosis made by exclusion, which means that all other possible causes of the person’s symptoms must be ruled out first.
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