Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious illness that is characterized by abnormal eating behaviors. It is defined as the inability to resist eating food at unusually large amounts in short periods of time. Symptoms of BED are usually related to emotional distress and can result in digestive problems, headaches, and depression.

The condition is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Because the disorder involves a variety of factors, it is important to seek professional help when it is diagnosed. A doctor can provide treatment, but patients may need inpatient care for medical stabilization or nutritional rehabilitation.

Early treatment of BED is key to preventing medical complications, maintaining good health, and improving the quality of life. Treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy. These approaches have been proven to reduce symptoms, comorbidity, and severity.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, focuses on the patient’s needs and emotions. It teaches sufferers to cope with distress by communicating their needs. This is particularly important for individuals with co-occurring disorders. Psychotherapists use specially designed assessment tools and interview methods to identify and treat BED.

Medications such as antidepressants are commonly prescribed for those with BED. They are used in combination with psychological treatments. People with BED may not display obvious symptoms, but they should be alert for them. Many people with the disorder may seek food to cope with uncomfortable emotional states. In addition, some patients experience suicidal thoughts.

Genetic factors, environmental factors, and social influences can all contribute to the development of the disorder. Preliminary studies have suggested that impulsivity and reward sensitivity are associated with the development of the disease. However, genetic research is in its early stages.

Patients who are suspected of having a BED disorder should be examined by a psychiatrist. Doctors can also refer them to a psychologist, who can help them explore their behaviors. Additionally, BED is known to affect individuals of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Approximately two-thirds of patients with BED have clinical obesity. If the illness is found to be the cause of obesity, inpatient treatment may be necessary.

BED and NES are both categorized under the category OSFED, which is “disordered eating”. The difference between the two disorders is that patients with NES tend to have less depressive symptoms than patients with BED. Both types of disorder can be treated, but the likelihood of recovery increases with a combination of treatments.

Medications such as antidepressants, CBT, and pharmacotherapy are effective for treating binge eating. Patients should ask their treatment team if they are using evidence-based treatment methods. Research has shown that these approaches can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of BED symptoms.

When searching for treatment options, it is essential to know that most people recover from eating disorders through community-based treatment. Evidence-based treatment has been proven to reduce the severity of BED and other weight-related comorbidities.

There are a number of medications approved by the FDA to treat BED. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), for example, is a prescription drug that is used to help individuals manage their symptoms.