Binge eating disorder is a common type of eating disorder. People with this type of eating disorder may lose control during eating episodes and eat non-stop. Patients may consume two or three times the amount they would normally consume within 1-2 hours. This type of disorder is usually seen in obese people with obesity, which can lead to many different diseases.
One of the features that distinguishes binge eating from other eating disorders is that people do not engage in behaviors such as vomiting, exercise or prolonged fasting after bouts of eating. Patients experience feelings of guilt and shame after binge eating episodes. These individuals, who often show symptoms of depression, may choose to eat again to get rid of the guilt and distress they experience. They usually consume the food consumed during food attacks by hiding from their family and friends.
Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
The symptoms of an eating disorder can manifest themselves in many different ways from person to person. The most common symptom of this type of disorder is eating attacks, which come on suddenly and cause the person to eat much more than usual.
People may also experience other symptoms and signs. The symptoms of binge eating disorder can be listed as follows:
- Eating the food consumed during eating attacks much faster and binge eating than normal
- Inability to prevent eating behavior during eating attacks
- Eating until you feel uncomfortable
- Disappearance of the feeling of satiety
- Feelings of guilt and shame after eating bouts
- Withdrawal from family, environment and society after feelings of guilt and shame
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
The cause of binge eating disorder is not known for certain. As with other disorders, it is thought to be caused by psychological factors such as depression, stress, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A different factor seen among the causes is genetic factors. Individuals who have a family history of the disorder or who have problems with being overweight and overeating are at higher risk of developing it.
Another factor that causes this condition is a lack of self-confidence. People who lack self-confidence may turn to food. People with low self-esteem often experience individual dissatisfaction and try to compensate for this by overeating.
Complications of Binge Eating Disorder
There are many disorders, diseases and complications that can occur after overeating, which people cannot stop themselves and cannot stop themselves during eating attacks. This condition can cause many health problems and can lead to life-threatening risks if left untreated.
Complications of binge eating disorder are as follows:
- Obesity
- Poor quality of life
- Social isolation
- Heart diseases
- Joint problems
- Type 2 diabetes
- Respiratory Disorders
- Digestive system disorders
- Sleep disorders
Diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder
To be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, an individual needs to have binge eating episodes at least once a week for three months. If, during these episodes, the person loses the feeling of satiety and eats until they feel uncomfortable, there is a high likelihood of having this type of disorder.
Upon visiting a doctor, the specialist will ask the person some questions. A medical history is taken to determine the condition and severity of the disease. The patient's complaints and symptoms are described in detail to the doctor, who then performs a physical examination.
Some tests and examinations may be requested to check for any disease that may occur in the person. Different tests such as blood tests, sleep tests and urine tests may be performed. When no disease is found, different factors that cause this disorder can be examined. Since these factors may include psychological and spiritual factors, the person may be referred to mental health specialists.
Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder
The treatment of binge eating disorder depends on the underlying cause of the disorder and the diagnosis. The main goal of treatment is to control and prevent eating attacks for a long period of time.
During the treatment process, medication with a psychiatrist or the use of antidepressants may be necessary depending on the underlying psychological cause. Such medication can only be recommended and prescribed by specialists. In addition, the person should receive psychotherapy from a specialized psychologist or psychiatrist.
When the underlying cause of the illness is found to be psychological, treatment can usually be done with psychotherapies. There are also many techniques and methods for treating this type of eating disorder. These can include different methods such as psychotherapy and medication.
These methods are as follows:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
It helps to better cope with problems that can trigger eating attacks, such as negative feelings towards one's body or depressive states. It is an effective therapy method for controlling behavioral states and regulating eating habits.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
In this therapy, the patient's relationships with different people are discussed. The aim of the therapy is to improve the patient's interpersonal skills. Family, friend and environmental relations are tried to be made healthier. Eating attacks that may occur for such reasons are tried to be prevented.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
In dialectical behavior therapy, people are taught how to control their stress and emotions. Eating attacks and overeating that occur during stress and emotional states are tried to be reduced.
Medications
Along with therapies, antidepressants may be among the medications that can be given on expert advice. Antidepressants can reduce overeating. They can help prevent eating attacks during emotional transitions and mood swings.
In addition, after psychological treatment, the person can change his/her eating habits with the support of a nutritionist.