What is binge eating disorder?
What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious, life-threatening and treatable eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control over eating during the binge; and feeling distressed or guilty afterwards. Binge eating episodes are associated with at least three of the following: eating much more rapidly than normal; eating until feeling uncomfortably full; eating large amounts of food even when not feeling physically hungry; eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating; feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards..Original source
What are the first steps for seeking help for binge eating disorder?
If you or someone you know has been experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help for binge eating disorder:
Eating much more rapidly than normal
Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
Eating alone out of embarrassment at how much one is eating
Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards
These are only some of the signs and symptoms associated with binge eating disorder. If you have been experiencing any of these on a regular basis, it is important to seek professional help.
The first step in seeking help is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. They will be able to rule out any other potential health issues that may be causing your symptoms. If they determine that you are displaying signs of binge eating disorder, they will likely refer you to a mental health professional.
When meeting with a mental health professional, they will likely ask you about your eating habits, how often you binge, and how you feel afterwards. It is important to be honest and open with them in order to get the best possible treatment. They may also ask about your family history, as there is often a genetic component to eating disorders.
There are many different treatment options available for binge eating disorder, and the best course of action will be determined by you and your mental health professional. Some people may benefit from individual therapy, while others may do better in a group setting. There are also a number of medication options that can be effective in treating binge eating disorder.
If you are struggling with binge eating disorder, know that you are not alone and help is available. Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician today to begin the journey to recovery.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about overcoming binge eating disorder. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.