Book Online Counselling and Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder

A Quick Overview

Binge eating disorders are more common than any other eating disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide. While it is more common in women than men, anyone can suffer from this disorder.

A combination of the following symptoms might lead to a diagnosis of this disorder:

• The person eats more rapidly than usual
• The person keeps eating even after they are full
• The person keeps eating in huge quantities despite not being hungry
• The person eats alone due to the fear of embarrassment and shame
• The person feels guilty due to binging
• The person has a sense of shame due to their habits

But what exactly is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)? Let’s understand this further.

Major Causes

Though the exact cause of this disorder is yet unknown, a few factors are linked to it. According to researchers, here are a few major factors that contribute to it:

• Genetics - Researchers believe that genetics play a role in deciding if a person develops this disorder. It has been found that people who suffer from it have increased sensitivity to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that’s responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. Many studies have shown that this disorder can be inherited.
• Brain changes - It is believed that brain changes might be responsible for causing these disorders. People suffering from this disorder can have brain changes that are responsible for a heightened response to food. This can cause a lack of self-control and ultimately leads to binging.
• Gender - Gender also plays a role in deciding if a person will develop this disorder. When compared, it was found that women were more prone to this condition than men, however, this is the most common type of eating disorder among men.
• Perceived body weight - Societal pressure and how a person views their weight can be a contributing factor for this disorder.
• Body image - Just like body weight, body image is also presumed to play a role in it. People with BED might suffer from a negative body image. The dissatisfaction with their bodies might contribute to overeating.
• Emotional Trauma - Emotional trauma is also said to play a vital role in deciding if a person develops this disorder. A traumatic event can include things like physical, mental or sexual abuse, sudden death, severe accidents, etc.
• Psychological conditions - Pre-existing psychological conditions can increase the chances of you developing this disorder. Many people suffering from this disorder have other pre-existing psychological disorders. This can include depression, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or substance abuse.

Common Warning Signs

Identifying the early warning signs of this condition is extremely important in treating it. Before a person goes on to develop this condition, they might exhibit certain warning signs that may help detect it early. Here are some common warning signs that a person might develop this condition:

• Secretive recurring episodes of binge eating, i.e., consuming an excessive amount of food in large portions
• Lack of control over eating foods during each consumption
• Showing signs of disgust, shame, or guilt over food consumption
• Lack of self-esteem or dissatisfaction with body image
• Hoarding foods in strange places
• Having binge session rituals
• Showing evidence of binge eating, for example, the sudden disappearance of a large amount of food or the presence of many empty wrappers or containers

What are the Risk Factors?

The exact risk factors of this disorder are yet unknown. But many researchers have linked it to brain chemistry, body weight/image, and family history. In addition, many people who have had a history of weight loss treatments show symptoms of binge eating disorder.

The most common risk factors include:

• Experiencing sexual trauma or physical trauma at home
• Experiencing emotional abuse or neglect
• Experiencing childhood trauma
• Having grown up in a family/environment in which someone suffers from eating disorders
• Having a history of depression or mood disorders
• Having body image issues and low self-esteem
• Having faced bullying as a child due to weight loss

How to Recover From Your Symptoms

Recovering from the symptoms of this disorder might seem complicated, but it’s possible! The road to recovery is nuanced as there is no “one size fits all” treatment for everyone. In fact, the treatment should be customized based on the person’s needs and requirements.

The recovery involves trying and testing various strategies to see what works best. Here are a few ways to recover:

• Reaching out to a mental health professional - This is the first step in the process of recovery. Once the condition is identified, the next step involves seeking the help of a therapist.
  A therapist can diagnose your condition and then recommend the most appropriate line of treatment based on the severity of the condition. The therapist then uses either a single mode of therapy or combination therapy to treat your condition.
• Maintaining a food diary - Identifying your triggers is crucial in overcoming this disorder. Maintaining a food journal is important for identifying your triggers. This will help you in controlling your urges to binge.
• Include mindfulness techniques - If you want to control your urge to binge, you need to be fully aware of it. This can be done using mindfulness techniques. Being mindful will help you increase your self-awareness, thereby increasing your self-control.
• Open up to people - It is important to have a support system with you while you are in the process of recovery. You can rely on your friends and family for support. You can also join support groups related to binge eating for added motivation and encouragement.
• Maintain a healthy diet - Maintaining a well-balanced diet is extremely important for the recovery process. You must have a proper balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins in your daily diet. This will satisfy your hunger pangs and provide you with adequate nutrients.
• Maintain an exercise routine - Exercise is extremely helpful for overcoming the symptoms of this disorder. Exercise can improve your body image and reduce anxiety. It also helps in boosting your mood by releasing serotonin.
• Maintain a proper sleep cycle - Maintaining a proper sleep cycle is vital in overcoming this condition. Various research has shown that lack of sleep leads to increased calorie intake and an erratic eating pattern. Hence, it’s important to have at least 8 hours of sleep every day.
• Nutrition counseling - When suffering from this condition, it’s essential to make improved changes in their eating behaviors or habits. This requires you to seek help from a certified nutritionist.
  They can help you make dietary changes by helping you with your meal planning and preparation. They can also help you recognize and resist the urges for binging from time to time.

Find Help From a Licensed Therapist Who’s Right For You

Finding the right therapist is significant for overcoming this eating disorder. At DocVita, we have various therapists and providers that can help you in your healing journey. The right therapist is the one with whom you can establish a connection so that it becomes easy for you to open up about your issues. However, this may take some time. It is suggested to try at least 3 to 4 sessions with a therapist to build connection and trust.

If you are unable to establish a connection with a counsellor, you always have the option to switch to another therapist. Easily choose from various specialities with different qualities you might be looking for.

Schedule a Virtual Psychotherapy Appointment with a Counsellor Today

If you are someone who is struggling with binge eating and are not able to manage your symptoms on your own, it might be time for you to reach out to a trusted therapist for help. DocVita has various specialists from different fields that can help you manage and cope with your condition and help you throughout the recovery process. Book your session with a trusted provider on Docvita and get all the support you need!