Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
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It can be hard to know if you or a loved one have binge eating disorder (BED), let alone if you or a loved one need treatment. This condition involves recurrent episodes of binge eating also known as compulsive overeating. Clinicians characterize these episodes by eating large amounts of food in a short period of time and a sense of loss of control over eating behaviors. BED is three times more common than anorexia and bulimia combined. It’s also more common than breast cancer, HIV, and schizophrenia.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, binge eating episodes are associated with three or more of the following:
- Eating more rapidly than normal
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating
- Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry
- Eating alone, due to embarrassment about quantity of food being consumed
The following criteria are also associated with BED:
- Apparent, marked distress regarding binge eating
- Binge eating occurring at least once a week for three months
- Binge eating isn’t associated with recurrent use of inappropriate, compensatory behavior, nor does it occur with anorexia or bulimia
Signs and Symptoms of BED:
Individuals with BED will often feel embarrassed or ashamed of their eating habits and symptoms can sometimes be hard to notice. The main symptoms of BED include:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating characterized by consuming a large amount of food in a discrete period and a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode
- Eating more rapidly than normal
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
- Eating alone due to shame about how much one is eating
- Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after eating
- Experiencing feelings of stress or anxiety that can only be relieved by eating
- Feeling numb while bingeing
Health Consequences of BED
BED can lead to dire health consequences if left untreated, including:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia or sleep apnea
- High cholesterol levels
- Heart disease
- Gallbladder disease
- Muscle and/or joint pain
- Pancreatitis
How We Treat
Our evidence-based clinical treatment modalities for treating anorexia include the following :
If you’d like to learn more about our BED treatment program, our caring staff is ready to help. Call us or fill out the form to get started today.
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