Binge eating disorder: symptoms, causes, and treatment

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Definition of binge eating disorder

What is binge eating disorder?

Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder in which a person continues to eat without control. Sufferers will continue to think about eating, looking for opportunities to eat even if they are secretly.

Usually, people with this condition want to escape a life full of stress and thus take out on food. They also reported that it was very difficult to stop eating.

Unlike bulimia nervosa, people who experience this eating disorder will indeed regret it after eating a lot, but they do not make efforts to lose weight properly. That is why, people with this eating disorder tend to be obese.

How common is this condition?

Binge eating disorder is a common type of eating disorder. This problematic eating behavior can strike any age, but is most often found in adolescents.

Signs & symptoms of binge eating disorder

Signs and symptoms of someone experiencing binge eating disorder are:

• Eating enormous amounts of food quickly, for example, within 2 hours of eating 2 large meals.
• Feeling eating behavior is out of control or uncontrolled.
• Keep eating when you're not hungry, even when you're full.
• Often eat quietly or secretly.
• After overeating, feeling irritated and guilty to yourself.
• Sometimes they try to refrain from eating, but it causes a bigger appetite.
• Not always, but most binge eaters are obese.

There may be signs and symptoms of overeating that were not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience signs of binge eating disorder, it's best to see a doctor. Especially if it shows the following signs:

• Overeating very quickly.
• Trying to hide food in certain places to be eaten in secret.
• Weight continues to increase.

Causes of binge eating disorder

It is not known exactly what causes eating disorders like binge eating disorder. However, quoted from the National Health Service website, some of the possibilities that can trigger problematic eating behavior are:

• Being too worried about your weight and body shape, due to pressure from society or your job, for example, ballet dancer, model or athlete.
• Always criticized about eating habits, body shape, and weight.
• Have an anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, or addiction to drugs or alcoholism.
• Have been sexually abused.

Risk factors for binge eating disorder

Although the cause is unknown, there are several factors that can increase your risk of binge eating, including:

• Diet.Most sufferers previously on a diet also have depression.
• Psychological problems. A binge eater usually feels negative about their appearance and achievements, one of which is due to stress and pressure in the environment.
• Family medical history.You may be at risk for this condition if your parents or siblings also have the condition.

Complications of binge eating disorder

Bingo eating disease can cause complications if not treated, including:

• Quality of life deteriorates, because personal, social, and work life becomes disrupted.
• Obesity increases the risk of various chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, GERD, and sleep apnea.
• Experiencing mental illness, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and addictions.

Diagnosis & treatment of binge eating disorder

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

To diagnose this eating disorder, your doctor will recommend a psychological evaluation, including a discussion about your eating habits.

The doctor will also ask you to undergo medical tests to check for complications from this overeating disorder, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, GERD and some breathing problems while sleeping.

These medical tests may include:

• Physical examination.
• Blood test and urine test.
• Sleep disturbance center consultation.

What are the treatments for binge eating disorder?

There are several ways to treat eating disorders, including:

Psychotherapy

In psychotherapy treatment, doctors help patients change unhealthy eating habits and reduce overeating. Examples of psychotherapy that are generally done are

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Cognitive behavioral therapy can help better address problems that can trigger episodes of overeating, such as negative feelings about your body or a depressed mood.
• Interpersonal psychotherapy. This type of therapy for binge eating disorder focuses on the patient's relationships with other people. The goal is to improve relationship skills with other people, including family, friends and coworkers.
• Dialectical behavior therapy. This form of therapy can help patients learn behavioral skills to deal with stress, regulate emotions, and improve your relationships with other people, all of which can reduce the urge to overeat.

Taking medication

Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), a drug for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a drug treating moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults.

Common side effects include dry mouth and insomnia, but more serious side effects can occur.

Several other types of medication can help reduce symptoms of an eating disorder, including:

• Topiramate (Topamax). Usually used to control seizures, topiramate has also been found to reduce episodes of overeating. However, there are side effects, such as dizziness, nervousness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.
• Antidepressants. Antidepressants can reduce overeating by influencing certain brain chemicals related to mood so that overeating can be controlled.

Treat binge eating disorder at home

Apart from doctor's treatment, patients with this eating disorder also need to undergo home care, including:

• Much of your desire to eat is emotional, so try to distinguish between true hunger. Then, stick to your diet schedule, for example 3 meals a day with a few snacks in the afternoon.
• In addition, when the desire to eat arises, you can take a deep breath and then ask yourself why you should eat now, why not later, why this food, why now, how do you feel. Thinking about all these questions will reduce your appetite and stop eating.
• Ideally, living a healthy lifestyle will work too. Exercising, getting enough sleep, or joining a community with people with the same eating disorder can really help. This will make you feel better about your day.

Prevention of binge eating disorder

There is no sure way to prevent overeating disorders. However, health experts recommend cultivating self-love, especially in body shape and weight.

In order not to overeat, you also need to adopt a healthy diet, namely managing the right time and eating portions. Increase self-education to maintain a healthy weight and stay active and do sports.