Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by episodes of binge eating. Unlike bulimia, in binge eating there is an absence of behaviors such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise aimed at minimizing the effects of binging.
Individuals with BED may continue to eat long after they are physically full, eat when they are not hungry, and/or eat very quickly.
Sufferers are more then likely overweight and are often misunderstood. Characterized as lazy and undisciplined, these individuals suffer the prejudice of a weight-obsessed culture.
Without proper intervention and treatment, individuals with BED often become “yo-yo dieters.” The traditional diet protocol fails to recognize the underlying psychological issues associated with BED and thus perpetuates a sense of failure, thus eroding the individual’s self-image. Additionally, failure to properly treat BED can result in diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and strain on body organs.
Binge eating is quite common. While there is not yet a specific set of diagnostic criteria, the following is a proposed outline:
- A pattern of recurrent episodes of excessive eating when not physically hungry, and a sense a lack of control over eating.
- Binge eating is associated with one of the following:
- Seeking food in response to negative emotions such as sadness, boredom, or restlessness.
- Seeking food as reward.
- Sneaking or hiding food.
What does treatment for binge eating disorder involve?
Binge eating disorder is often the manifestation of deeper psychological issues. Food is used to deal with emotional pain.
Understanding how binging helps one cope is essential. Treatment must explore underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma and self-esteem. Treatment for binge eating must target negative thoughts that perpetuate unhealthy behaviors. It must also teach the individual new coping skills to live a happy and productive life.
In most cases, a multi-disciplinary team approach is the most effective way to comprehensively treat binge eating disorder. Depending on the stage and severity of the disorder, this may include medial, nutritional, psychiatric and psychological intervention.
Is recovery from binge eating disorder possible?
I believe a full recovery is possible. Recovery will depend on many factors, but the most important one is the individual’s willingness, desire and determination to be free from their disorder.
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