Binge Eating Disorder
Things you may want to know
Binge Eating Disorder or B.E.D
Binge Eating Disorder can be described as compulsive over eating. A person consumes a large amount of food while feeling out of control and powerless to stop.
Only a health care provider can diagnose this condition when certain criteria have been met. Talking to a health care provider can assure that the diagnosis is appropriate.
Binge Eating Disorder Statistics
B.E.D is more common than anorexia or Bulimia.
B.E.D can affect both men and women but, women are twice as likely to be affected.
B.E.D. can affect those who are obese, over-weight, or normal weights.
(What is Binge Eating Disorder? (n.d.)
Causes and Risk Factors
-interference with the ability to regulate food intake
-creating the "wanting" of a particular food
-increase the "liking" of a particular food
There is evidence suggestion that B.E.D. can run in the families. Some types of stressful events can also play a role in the increase of B.E.D.
(What is Binge Eating Disorder? (n.d.)
Symptoms
Regular binge eating occurs when:
-Eating far more food than most people would in a similar time period under similar circumstances.
----To be considered "regular binge eating" this must occur once a week for three months.
----Usually this is less than two hours but does not have to be in one sitting.
-Feeling out of control during a binge.
----This could mean feeling unable to stop the ability to start or stop eating.
2.)
Binge Eating Instances:
-Eating extremely fast
-Eating beyond full
-Eating large amounts of food when not hungry
-Eating alone to hide the amount of food being ate
-Feeling terrible after a binge
3.)
Being very upset by one's binge eating
4.)
Those with B.E.D. do not try and undo their being eating like throwing up or over exercising.
(What is Binge Eating Disorder? (n.d.)
Treatment Options
1.) Psychotherapy - talk therapy
-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will help cope with issues that can trigger binge eating episodes, such as negative feelings about one's body or depression. It will also help regulate eating patterns.
-Interpersonal psychotherapy will focus on relationships and how they affect binge eating. By improving interpersonal relationship binge eating can occur less often.
-Dialectical behavior therapy can help learn behavioral skills to help tolerate stress.
2.) Medications
-Vyvanse- a medication that is also used for ADHD is common for B.E.D.
-Topamax-a medication that is also used for seizure reduces that amount of binges.
-Antidepressants-a medication used for depression helps because it can reduce negative thoughts.
* All medications have side effects and it's recommended to speak with a health care provider.
3.) Behavioral Weight-loss Programs
-These programs are only successful when Binge Eating Disorders have been treated. Once treated the programs will help with weight loss. Supervision is recommended.
(Binge-eating disorder. (n.d.)
Common Myths
- Binge Eating Disorder is a real disorder and is located in the DSM.
Binge Eaters are fat.
- B.E.D. can happen to any size person. Weight has nothing to do with having the disorder.
Binge eaters should go on diets to fix their habits.
- Some low calorie diets actually make binges happen more frequently.
(Myth: Binge eaters should just go on a diet. (n.d.)
Who to contact
References:
Myth: Binge eaters should just go on a diet. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2015, from http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/binge-eating-11-dangerous-myths/4/
Binge-eating disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/binge-eating-disorder/basics/treatment/con-20033155
What is Binge Eating Disorder? (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2015, from http://www.bingeeatingdisorder.com/what-is-BED.aspx