What are the treatment options for binge eating disorder?
According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), binge eating disorder (BED) is “characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress, or guilt afterwards; and not regularly using unhealthy compensatory measures (e.g., purging) to counter the binge eating.”
While there is no one “right” treatment for BED, there are many options that can be effective for managing the disorder. Some people may benefit from working with a mental health professional one-on-one, while others may do well in a group setting. There are also a number of different therapeutic approaches that can be helpful, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT).
For those who are looking for more structure and support, there are also a number of residential and day treatment programs that specialize in treating eating disorders. These programs can provide a safe and supportive environment while also offering expert care and treatment.
No matter what treatment approach you choose, it is important to remember that recovery from BED is possible. With treatment, you can learn to manage the disorder and live a healthy and fulfilling life..Reference
How is binge eating disorder diagnosed?
Binge eating disorder is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of inability to control or stop eating during these episodes; and feeling very distressed or guilty afterwards. Unlike bulimia nervosa, periods of binge eating are not followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging (self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, excessive exercise, etc.). However, similar to bulimia nervosa, people with binge eating disorder often diet frequently and excessively, and may be obsreed with their body shape and weight.
Because binge eating disorder often occurs in people who are overweight or obese, it can be difficult to determine if someone has the disorder simply based on their weight. However, there are certain behaviors and psychological characteristics that are associated with binge eating disorder, which can help healthcare professionals make a diagnosis.
Behaviors associated with binge eating disorder include:
-Eating large amounts of food, often much more than what would be considered normal or appropriate, in a short period of time (e.g., within 2 hours)
– feeling unable to control or stop eating during these episodes
– feeling very distressed or guilty afterwards
– eating even when not hungry, or eating to the point of discomfort
– feeling ashamed, embarrassed, or disgusted with oneself after overeating
– hiding food or eating in secret
– eating more rapidly than usual during binge episodes
-eating until feeling uncomfortably full
– eating large amounts of food even when not physically hungry
– eating alone because of feeling embarrassed about how much one is eating
Psychological characteristics associated with binge eating disorder include:
– low self-esteem
– feelings of inadequacy, shame, and distress
– difficulty coping with emotions
– a preoccupation with food and body weight
– an unhealthy relationship with food and eating
If you suspect that you or someone you know may have binge eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help. Binge eating disorder is a serious, life-threatening disorder that can have a profound negative impact on one’s physical and mental health. Left untreated, it can lead to severe health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problems.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about overcoming binge eating disorder. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.