How To Treat Binge Eating Disorder
Although Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is one of the most common eating disorders in the United States, it is not nearly as mainstream as other eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. However, binge eating disorder is more common than anorexia and bulimia combined.
By: Tori Barkosky
As a mental health practitioner at an eating disorder clinic, I see many patients diagnosed and being treated for binge eating disorder. It seems people are not as aware of this eating disorder, or they do not “count” or “consider” binge eating disorder an eating disorder, which becomes a barrier to reaching out for help. BED was finally recognized as an eating disorder in the fifth edition of the DSM in 2013, decades after anorexia and bulimia.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?
BED is identified by recurrent episodes of eating more significant amounts of food in a distinct amount of time than most in a similar situation. The individual often will eat very quickly, pass feelings of fullness, eat when not hungry, and seclude themselves while eating. Often, the individual will feel a “loss of control” when eating, interfering with their holistic well-being.
The DSM-V includes an array of criteria that need to be met to be diagnosed with BED, so if you are interested in learning more about such criteria, please refer to the websites listed below. Also, this is a friendly reminder that you DO NOT need a diagnosis to begin treatment or seek help; however, it is understandable to want a diagnosis to provide relief and validation when reaching out to treatment centers or providers.
How Is Binge Eating Disorder (BED) Treated?
Just like other eating disorders, recovery takes time and does not magically happen within days or weeks. According to an article posted by the Cleveland Clinic, psychotherapy is typically the foundation of a treatment plan for BED. Your team may also include a psychiatrist to help with any medication needs and a dietitian to help build a meal plan or give nutritional guidance.
Although there are many types of psychotherapy, the Cleveland Clinic notes that the two most studied and proven methods for treating BED are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT helps individuals notice their behaviors and any thoughts or feelings behind them. IPT helps individuals address current stress factors or strife they face daily.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?
Eating past fullness and satisfaction
Eating mindlessly
Eating when not hungry
Eating in secret or alone
Feeling guilt or shame after binge eating
Hoarding or hiding food for eating later
Frequent dieting
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained to diagnose and treat the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other disordered eating and body image issues. Our Binge Eating Disorder Recovery Handbook includes a binge eating disorder self-assessment, signs and symptoms, an overview of the basics of hunger, fullness, intuitive eating, and more. Click here to download our FREE Binge Eating Disorder Recovery Handbook.
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This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Tori Barkosky (she/her).
Tori is a recent graduate of St. Catherine University, having earned a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition Science. Tori is passionate about all things related to intuitive eating, HAES, mental health, body respect, eating disorders, and disordered eating. She also geeks out on neuroscience and loves studying the brain and its anatomy. Tori currently works as a Mental Health Practitioner at an eating disorder clinic. Outside work, she enjoys practicing yoga, exploring nature, and drinking coffee.
References
“Binge Eating Disorder.” National Eating Disorders Association, 5 Jan. 2024, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/binge-eating-disorder/.
“Department of Psychiatry.” What Is the Most Common Eating Disorder? The Answer May Surprise You | Department of Psychiatry, 13 Feb. 2020, medicine.uiowa.edu/psychiatry/content/what-most-common-eating-disorder-answer-may-surprise-you.
professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Binge Eating Disorder.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17652-binge-eating-disorder. Accessed 8 Jan. 2024.