Overview
Binge-eating disorder is a serious eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of consuming unusually large amounts of food, feeling a loss of control over eating, and feeling guilt, shame, or disgust afterward. Unlike bulimia, binge-eating disorder does not involve purging behaviors such as vomiting or using laxatives. The severity of the disorder is determined by how often bingeing episodes occur during a week. Treatment can help manage the condition and reduce its negative impact on an individual's life.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of binge eating disorder include frequently consuming unusually large amounts of food, feeling unable to stop eating, eating even when you're full or not hungry, eating rapidly during binge episodes, eating until you're uncomfortably full, feeling depressed, disgusted, ashamed, guilty or upset about your eating, frequently eating alone or in secret, and feeling a loss of control over eating behavior. These symptoms can lead to complications such as poor quality of life, problems functioning in various aspects of life, social isolation, obesity, and medical conditions related to obesity, such as joint problems, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing binge-eating disorder include a family history of eating disorders, dieting or restricting calories, and psychological issues such as stress, poor body image, and low self-esteem. Binge-eating disorder is more common in women than in men and often begins in late teens or early twenties.
Development
Binge-eating disorder (BED) develops when a person frequently consumes unusually large amounts of food and feels unable to stop eating. It often begins with a history of dieting or restricting calories, which can trigger an urge to binge eat, especially if the person has symptoms of depression. Negative feelings about oneself and one's accomplishments, stress, poor body self-image, and the availability of preferred binge foods can also be triggers. Binge eating is not followed by purging, and it leads to feelings of guilt, disgust, or shame. This unhealthy cycle can continue, with binge episodes occurring at least once a week. Eating disorders, including binge-eating disorder, can have serious consequences on both physical and mental health if left untreated.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If you have any symptoms of binge-eating disorder or are concerned about a friend or family member, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Binge-eating problems can vary in their course from short-lived to recurrent or persist for years if left untreated. Talk to your primary care provider or a mental health professional about your binge-eating symptoms and feelings. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, consider talking to someone you trust, such as a friend, loved one, teacher, or faith leader, for support in taking the first steps towards successful treatment of binge-eating disorder.
Diagnosis
To diagnose binge-eating disorder, your medical care provider may recommend a psychological evaluation, including discussion of your eating habits. They may also want you to have other tests to check for health consequences of binge-eating disorder, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, GERD, and some sleep-related breathing disorders. These tests may include a physical exam, blood and urine tests, a sleep disorder center consultation, and a mental health evaluation.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of binge eating disorder may include poor quality of life, problems functioning at work or in personal and social situations, social isolation, obesity, medical conditions related to obesity such as joint problems, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and some sleep-related breathing disorders. Other psychiatric disorders that may be linked with binge-eating disorder include depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder.
Prevention
There is no guaranteed way to prevent binge-eating disorder. However, seeking professional help if you have symptoms of binge eating is crucial. Encourage friends or loved ones who may have a binge-eating problem to pursue healthier behavior and professional treatment. For children, fostering a healthy body image and discussing concerns with a primary care provider can help identify early indicators of eating disorders and prevent their development.
Treatment
Treatments for binge-eating disorder include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is an effective treatment for binge-eating disorder. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with binge eating.
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships, problem-solving skills, and communication to address the emotional issues contributing to binge-eating disorder.
- Medications: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed to help control binge-eating urges and reduce associated depression or anxiety.
- Support Groups: Joining a support group, such as Overeaters Anonymous, can provide a safe and understanding environment for individuals with binge-eating disorder to share their experiences and receive encouragement.
- Self-Help Strategies: Individuals can work on developing healthy eating habits, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in regular physical activity to manage binge-eating urges and promote overall well-being. Remember that recovery from binge-eating disorder may take time and a combination of approaches may be necessary. Consult a mental health professional or medical care provider for personalized treatment recommendations.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for binge eating disorder, make a list of symptoms you are experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment. Note when your symptoms began. Gather key personal information, such as any major stresses or recent life changes. Create a list of all medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, or other supplements you're taking, and their doses. Prepare a list of questions to ask your health care provider or mental health provider, such as whether they think you have an eating disorder, what tests you need, the duration of the condition, available treatments, and potential weight changes during treatment. Feel free to ask other questions during your appointment.