The different types of treatment available for binge eaters.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of lack of control over eating during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards; and not regularly engaging in compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging) that counter the effects of the binge. While there are similarities between BED and other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, BED is unique in that it is the only eating disorder currently recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
Binge eating disorder affects men and women of all ages, races, and ethnicities. In the United States, it is estimated that 3.5% of women and 2.0% of men will suffer from BED at some point in their lives.
The causes of BED are not fully understood, but a number of factors are thought to play a role. These include biological factors (e.g., genes, hormones), psychological factors (e.g., anxiety, depression, low self-esteem), and social factors (e.g., peer pressure, media images).
There are a number of different treatment options available for people with BED. The most important step is to seek professional help. A combination of psychotherapy and medication is often the most effective approach.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for BED. CBT focuses on helping the person identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to the eating disorder. It also involves learning how to cope with difficult emotions and situations in a healthy way.
Medication
There are no medications specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of BED. However, certain medications can be helpful in managing the symptoms of BED. These include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.
Antidepressants are often used to treat BED. They can help to reduce bingeing and improve mood. Commonly used antidepressants include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Antipsychotics are sometimes used to treat BED, particularly in people who also have another mental health disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics can help to reduce bingeing and impulsive behaviors. Commonly used antipsychotics include olanzapine (Zyprexa) and aripiprazole (Abilify).
Mood stabilizers are sometimes used to treat BED, particularly in people who also have bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizers can help to reduce bingeing and impulsive behaviors. Commonly used mood stabilizers include lithium and divalproex sodium (Depakote).
Hospitalization
In some cases, people with BED may need to be hospitalized, particularly if they are severely underweight or are engaging in dangerous behaviors (e.g., purging, excessive exercise). Hospitalization can provide a safe environment for the person to receive treatment and to stabilizing their eating.
Nutritional Counseling
Nutritional counseling can be helpful for people with BED. A registered dietitian can provide education and support on healthy eating habits and weight management.
Group Therapy
Group therapy can be helpful for people with BED. It can provide support and allow people to share their experiences with others who are going through similar challenges.
Self-Help and Support Groups
There are a number of self-help and support groups available for people with BED. These can be a helpful supplement to professional treatment. Examples of self-help and support groups include Overeaters Anonymous and Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous..Click Here
How to deal with triggers that may lead to binge eating.
Binge eating disorder is a serious and growing problem in the United States. Binge eating disorder is defined as eating an excessive amount of food in a short period of time, often to the point of discomfort or pain, and feeling out of control during the binge. Binge eaters often feel ashamed and guilty after a binge, and may try to compensate for their binge by fasting or purging.
There are many possible triggers for a binge. Some common triggers include:
• Negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, or stress
• boredom
• feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or restricted
• feeling deprived or “on a diet”
• negative body image
• triggered by seeing or smelling certain foods
• after an argument or difficult day
• alcohol or drug use
Some people may be more susceptible to binge eating due to genetic factors, psychological factors, or both. For example, people with certain personality types or who have a history of trauma may be more likely to develop binge eating disorder.
If you are struggling with binge eating, it is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for binge eating disorder. CBT can help you identify and manage the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your binge eating.
There are also a number of things you can do on your own to help manage your binge eating. Here are a few tips:
• Keep a food journal. Writing down what you eat can help you become more aware of your eating patterns and triggers.
• Avoid dieting. Crash diets often lead to binge eating. Instead, focus on eating healthy, balanced meals.
• Avoid foods that trigger binges. If certain foods trigger your binges, try to avoid them.
• Manage your emotions. If negative emotions are a trigger for your binge eating, find healthy ways to cope with them, such as exercise, journaling, or talking to a friend.
• Seek social support. Connect with friends or family members who can offer support and understanding.
• Seek professional help. If you’re struggling to manage your binge eating on your own, seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about help to stop binge eating. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.