Binge Eating Disorder
Carolyn Drahuse, Madison Peters, Dylan Kyker
Overview
Etiology
- There are a few different ways that biology could be the cause of binge eating disorder. There is a genetic mutation that has been found that could possibly be linked to food addictions. There is also evidence that low levels of serotonin could cause this constant need to eat. Abnormalities in the hypothalamus can trigger binge eating disorder as the hypothalamus regulates eating behaviors.
- Peer pressure is a problem with all eating disorders. People who are exposed to bullying and comments about their size and weight are susceptible to acquiring binge eating disorder. Binge eating can also start by finding comfort in food when upset because of stress, depression and anxiety.
Symptoms
- Eating large amounts of food in a specific amount of time. Often times eating very fast.
- The individual feels that his eating behavior is out of control. Causing an individual to feel upset, guilty, depressed, and disgusted with himself.
- Eating when you are not hungry or full causing you to be uncomfortably full.
- Eating alone or in secret
- Dieting without weight loss
Prevalence
- 1-5% of the general population
- Within the general population BED affects
- 3.5% women
- 2% Men
- 1.6% adolescents
- 8% of those who are obese
- People with BED-
- 60% Women
- 40% Men
- Most common eating disorder in the US
- Men- affected by BED Midlife
- Women- affected by BED in early adulthood
Treatment Methods
Can be treated as both an eating disorder or as obesity
People see the core of the problem as different things when looking at it through the lense of a different field
General Purpose of Treatment
Reduce or eliminate bingeing
Improve self esteem
Body acceptance
Treat any underlying psychological problems
depression
anxiety
When Treated as an Eating Disorder:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CLOA)
Used to regulate two factors:
Cognitive Factor
Evaluation of weight and shape
Body image
Self worth
Perfectionism
Behavioral Factor
Weight control (exercise)
Diet (restrictions)
Purging
Self harm
Body avoidance
- Behavioral
- Formation of a stable diet plan
- Formation of a plan for eliminating binge-eating behaviors
- Because emotions are heightened during the therapeutic process, so coping strategies are provided as well
- Cognitive
- Recognizing and changing thinking patterns that are associated with cravings and negative self image
- Recognition of the thoughts and beliefs that caused the issue (underlying symptoms)
- Development of positive perspectives
- Maintenance
- Reduction of triggers
- Prevent relapse
- Track progress
When Treated as Obesity:
Set and follow realistic weight loss goals
Balance energy going in with energy going out
- Adopt healthy lifestyle habits
Related Study
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder
Christy F. Telch, W. Stewart Agras, Marsha M. Linehan
Conducted a research project to investigate the effects of dialectal behavioral therapy, DBT in women of the age 44.
DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on identifying thoughts and beliefs that led to disorder and reaching a state of emotional balance personally and socially
Held DPT sessions for 20 weeks
First 2 sessions spent providing a reason for the disorder, setting reasonable goals, and receiving the verbal and written commitment to the new plans
Next 16 sessions on learning mindfulness skills, emotion regulation skills, and distress tolerance skills
Last 2 sessions spent reviewing all DBT material and creating a plan to utilize skills
Found that DBT was successful in 89% of the women, and retention after 6 months went to 56%
He found that people who abstained from binge-eating following specialty eating-disorder treatment were significantly more likely to benefit from weight-loss treatment in both the short and long run.
References
Connecting feelings, thoughts and deeds: Cognitive Behavior Therapy and eating disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2015.
DeAngelis, T. (2002, March 1). Binge-eating disorder: What's the best treatment? Retrieved October 8, 2015, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/mar02/binge.aspx
Telch, C., Agras, S., & Lineham, M. (2001, May 10). Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder. Retrieved October 8, 2015, from https://depts.washington.edu/brtc/files/Telch et al 2001.pdf