Binge Eating
Find binge eating disorder treatment by calling our nationally recognized toll-free eating disorder helpline at 1-800-941-5313. Get the help you need to recover your health and reclaim your life. Caring professionals are standing by 24/7 to assist you and all calls are confidential.
Understanding Binge Eating Disorder
Perhaps the greatest controversy in the field of eating-disorder treatment is the debate over how to treat a binge eating disorder. The condition--currently a provisional category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual--is marked by recurrent binge eating without purging and is typically seen in people who are obese. Binge eating disorder is sometimes called compulsive eating disorder.
Like people with bulimia nervosa, those with binge eating disorder carry distorted attitudes about eating, shape and weight, as well as mood symptoms such as depression and personality disorders. Binge eating disorder affects about 2 percent of the general population and 8 percent of people who are obese.
Most binge eating disorder experts believe the disorder is best treated by traditional eating disorder approaches, such as helping patients reduce or eliminate bingeing, improving their self-esteem and body acceptance, and treating underlying psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.
Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms
Below are symptoms associated with binge eating disorder or compulsive eating:
- A person eats until they are so full they are uncomfortable
- A person eats large amounts of food, even when they are not hungry
- A person feels their eating is out of control
- A person eats alone because they are embarrassed about the amount of food they eat
- A person eats what most people believe is a large amount of food
- A person eats much more quickly during binging
- A person feels depressed, disgusted or guilty after overeating
While no one is sure what causes compulsive eating or binge eating disorder, we do know that many compulsive eaters and people with binge eating disorder report feeling depressed. Another common thread is that many also report sexual abuse. While these issues are not common to everyone, the vast majority report they tend to binge over feelings of sadness, anger, resentment, boredom, anxiety or joy.
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment
The goals for treatment of a compulsive eating disorder, food addiction or binge eating disorder are to reduce or eliminate eating binges and, when necessary, to lose weight. Because binge eating and compulsive eating are so entwined with shame, poor self-image, self-hatred and other negative emotions, binge eating disorder treatment needs to address associated psychological issues. Look for the following when choosing the binge eating disorder treatment program that's best for you:
- Program should be licensed by the state in which it provides eating disorder treatment
- J.C.A.H.O. accredited
- Staff should be licensed and experienced in dual diagnosis treatment in order to address any alcohol or drug addiction problems if necessary
- Have a comprehensive and effective psychiatric and nutritional component
To start your path towards binge eating disorder treatment and recovery, call our nationally recognized toll-free eating disorder helpline at 1-800-941-5313. Professionals are standing by 24/7 to assist you and all calls are confidential.
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