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Binge Eating Disorder - Binge Eating Disorder Symptom, Cause, Treatment
Binge eatingis a relatively recently recognized disorder which also occurs in another eating disorder called bulimia nervosa. People with binge eating disorder often eat an unusually large amount of food and feel out of control during the binges. Binge eating disorder is a newly recognized condition that probably affects millions of Americans. People with binge eating disorder also may:
- Eat more quickly than usual during binge episodes
- Eat until they are uncomfortably full
- Eat when they are not hungry
- Eat alone because of embarrassment
- Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating
Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
Kids can have huge appetites, especially during growth spurts, when they need more nutrients to fuel their growing bodies. Some symptoms are show below
- Rapid weight gain or obesity
- Constant weight fluctuations
- Frequently eats an abnormal amount of food in a short period of time (usually less than two hours)
- Does not use methods to purge food
- Eats rapidly (i.e. frequently chewing without swallowing)
- Feeling a lack of control over one's eating (i.e. unable to stop)
- Eating alone, "secretive eating habits", hiding food, etc.
- Eating late at night
- Eating when not hungry
- Disgust and shame with self after overeating.
- Hoarding food (especially high calorie/junk food)
- Coping with emotional and psychological states such as stress, unhappiness or disappointment by eating.
- Eating large amounts of food without being hungry
- Consuming food to the point of being uncomfortable or even in pain
- Attribute ones successes and failures to weight
- Avoiding social situations especially those involving food.
- Depressed mood
- Anxious mood
Causes of Binge Eating Disorder
No one knows for sure what causes binge eating disorder. Researchers are looking at the following factors that may affect binge eating:
- Certain behaviors and emotional problems are more common in people with binge eating disorder.
- Many people who binge eat say that episodes can be triggered by feelings of anger, sadness, boredom, or anxiety.
- Brain chemicals and metabolism (the way the body burns calories) affect binge eating disorder.
- Many people who are binge eaters say that being angry, sad, bored, worried, or stressed can cause them to binge eat.
Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder
There are several different ways to treat binge eating disorderand also have a problem with obesity before they try to lose weight. Binge eating disorder may several require treatment that focuses on their binge eating. Further, even those who are not overweight are frequently distressed by their binge eating and may benefit from treatment. There are several different ways to treat binge eating disorder.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches people how to keep track of their eating and change their unhealthy eating habits. It teaches them how to change the way they act in tough situations. It also helps them feel better about their body shape and weight.
- Interpersonal psychotherapy helps people look at their relationships with friends and family and make changes in problem areas.
- Drug therapy, such as antidepressants, may be helpful for some people.
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