Binge eating disorder

What is it

Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent binge-eating.

In each episode, the individual eats much more food than the majority of the population would eat at the same time and then experiences a feeling of guilt. It does not respond to a feeling of hunger, but to situations of anxiety, discomfort, and emotional instability.

Another relevant aspect is that, unlike those who suffer from bulimia, those affected by binge eating disorder do nothing to compensate for this overeating ( neither induction of vomiting, nor purgatives, nor intense exercise ).

Causes

As in other eating disorders, the causes of binge eating disorder are multifactorial.

Neurobiological alterations related to increased vulnerability have been described. Therefore, it can be stated that there is a biology that can determine this disorder.

But there are other possible causes, and you can't always determine which is more important. It is worth highlighting the psychological ones, such as lack of self-esteem, anxiety, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, problems coping with stress ...

Also, in many cases, it is possible to speak of family causes. Here the abuses suffered in childhood stand out , but also the conflicts in the family.

Finally, social causes are not negligible , reflected in the cultural pressure that exists around thinness . However, Adelaide Naturopath Christina clarifies, "that social pressure would be less significant in binge eating disorder than in anorexia or bulimia."

Assess your symptoms

Symptoms

• A binge-eating episode is characterized by the following elements:
• Ingestion in a given period of a quantity of food clearly higher than that which most people would ingest in a similar period under similar circumstances.
•  Feeling of lack of control over what is ingested during the episode.
•  Binge eating episodes are associated with three (or more) of the following events:

1. Eating much more quickly than normal.
2.  Eating until you feel unpleasantly full .
3.  Eat large amounts of food when you are not feeling hungry .

•  Eating alone, due to the shame you feel about the amount you eat.
•  Then feel uncomfortable with yourself, depressed or very ashamed.
• Additionally, people with the disorder experience intense discomfort from bingeing.

Finally, a defining factor of this disorder is that it is not associated with the recurrent presence of compensatory behavior (vomiting, purging, etc.).

Prevention

• The prevention of binge eating disorder should be supported by the following aspects:
• Alert about unhealthy diets and behaviors for weight control. Make it clear that to lose weight you do not have to stop eating.
•  Promote a positive body image.
•  Avoid abuse associated with weight in the school environment.
•  Promote emotional education from childhood.
•  Instill in children the importance of healthy eating.

Diagnosis

To be able to make the diagnosis of this psychiatric disorder, binge eating has to occur at least once a week for three months.

Many affected go first to the Adelaide Hypnosis to treat their obesity and it is this specialist who detects the disorder and refers them to the psychiatrist. "In other cases, as there is already a certain awareness and the disorder is better known, they go directly to the psychiatrist.

Treatments

People with this disorder must be treated by a multidisciplinary team specialized in eating disorders, which includes psychologists, psychiatrists, nutritionists, and doctors. The psychologist adds that a global intervention is required that would encompass various aspects of the patient's life, the management of emotional and nutritional control, review of unhealthy habits and routines, provision of tools for stress and emotional management, and work-family and social framework.