Binge Eating: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment
Eating disorders are not just about food. Conditions like Binge Eating Disorder (BED) typically arise as a dysfunctional coping method for an underlying issue. At least two percent of the world’s population is struggling with Binge Eating Disorder. Put simply; they engage in the uncontrolled consumption of large amounts of food and drink—even when they’re not hungry. This “binging” occurs over a short period of time and usually results in emotions like shame and guilt.
BED is a serious mental and physical disorder. Left untreated, it can cause a wide range of other serious physical and mental disorders. The first step is education, so let’s take a closer look.
Causes
While specific causes have not been identified, it’s believed that BED results from several risk factors. These may include:
Genetics: The disorder may be inherited.
Sex: Women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with BED.
Trauma: Survivors are found to be more at risk.
Body size and body image: More often than not, people with BED are obese and have a negative body image.
Mental health history: Nearly 8 in 10 people with BED have at least one other mental health condition, e.g., depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Anyone who has had at least one binge eating episode per week for at least three months could be diagnosed with BED.
Other Possible Health Consequences
As mentioned above, BED’s long-term impact may include some daunting medical problems. Here are just some of the conditions that can arise—for people of all weights and body types:
Metabolic syndrome
Diabetes
Obesity
Sleep disturbances
Irregular periods
Chronic, unexplained aches, pains, and tension
High blood pressure
Chronic gastrointestinal problems
In addition, the mental health co-morbidities mentioned above may, in some cases, be caused by BED. You will need to speak with a therapist to discern cause and effect.
Treatment and Self-Care
Fortunately, Binge Eating Disorders can be treated. This may involve a combination of modalities like therapy, nutritional support, and sometimes medications. Running parallel to this treatment, there are valuable self-help steps people can take to enhance their recovery:
Confide in trusted friends and family members and/or look into support groups.
Actively avoid your triggers.
Accept that setbacks will happen and do not mean you have “failed.”
Keep a journal to monitor your triggers and your progress.
Take it one day at a time.
Cultivate skills and methods to deal with your binge urges.
Remember that BED is not your fault, so be kind to yourself.
Therapy is the Ideal Starting Point
The key is getting someone with BED to ask for the help they need. Also, they need to work with a practitioner who understands this disorder. As a result, as many as 60 percent of people with BED do not get the treatment they need. This trend must be (at least) reversed, and experienced therapists are ideally positioned to lead the way.
Effective therapeutic approaches include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) encourages the person to dig deeper and change the distorted thought patterns that may be the root cause of BED.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy guides people to regulate emotions while increasing distress tolerance and mindfulness.
There are psychological approaches—that could help you without resorting to extreme dieting or exercise.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy can improve your interpersonal life and fortify your relationships as a path toward reducing the urge to binge.
I can help. If you or someone you know is displaying signs of BED, we should talk. Let’s get things moving in a healthier direction as soon as possible.
Learn more about our eating disorder therapy in Plainview, New York
