Treatment Issues of
Binge Eating Disorder
Although binge eating disorder has only recently been recognized as a medical condition, it is probably the most common eating disorder. Among participants in self-help or commercial weight los programs, 10-15 percent have binge eating disorder. The disorder is even more common among those with severe obesity.
Patients with binge eating disorder should not try to "go it on their own" since strict dieting seems to worsen binge eating. Most people with this disorder hide their illness and are ashamed of the way they eat. They believe they lack willpower and are "weak" because they're not successful losing weight. However, studies show that people with binge eating disorder have a much more difficult time losing weight and keeping it off than other overweight people. Even if they are able to lose weight, people with binge eating disorder are more likely to regain weight and to regain weight more quickly.
Binge eating will not just go away on its own. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment greatly improve chances of recovery. If you believe someone you care about has binge eating disorder, confront them about their illness. Share your concern. Encouragement, caring, persistence, and information about eating disorders and their dangers may be needed to convince the ill person to get help, stick with treatment or try again.
Treatment approaches
Since the causes of binge eating disorder are not yet fully understood, treatment of this eating disorder focuses on helping the patient develop ways to change their eating habits as well as the way they respond to stress and difficult situations.
Effective treatment requires a multidisciplinary team of professionals who specialize in the treatment of persons with eating disorders. The team should be able to address the medical, psychological, psychiatric, and medical nutrition needs of the patient.
Researchers are still trying to determine the best treatment approach for binge eating disorder. According to NIMH studies, anti-depressant medication provides an effective treatment for binge eating disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also very useful in helping individuals with binge eating disorder overcome long-standing abnormal eating behaviors. Individual psychotherapy help people examine their realtionships with friends and family, responses to stress and anxiety, and to make changes in problem areas.
Family involvement
An eating disorder is no one's fault; however, it is essential that the patient and the family learn to communicate verbally rather than through food.The treatment team should involve the patient's family throughout treatment to help the family understand treatment goals, and to learn about the eating disorder and the functions it serves for both patient and family.
- Learn as much as you can about eating disorders so you can help the person who is binge eating to understand their problem.
- Contact a qualified professional for advice on the best way to approach the person you're concerned about.
- Keep telling them how much you care and how frightened you are about the way they are risking their health.
- Provide information about eating disorders and the danger to their health to convince the ill person to get help, stick with treatment or return to treatment.
- Encourage them in any effort they make. Be persistent without becoming a nag.
- Seek out a family support group for yourself.
On-going recovery
Even after the end of treatment, outpatient follow-up is extremely important and should provide sustained contact between the treatment program and the patient. Many patients with binge eating disorder benefit from participating in self-help groups like Overeaters Anonymous during their on-going recovery.
Learn more about binge eating disorder
Symptoms and Signs
WHEN IT'S SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT | TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
TO LEARN MORE | DISORDERED EATING MAIN PAGE
BACK TO
HEALTHWORKS |
RETURN
TO TV HOME PAGE
© 1999 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.