Binge-Eating Disorder(BED)
With binge-eating, there is consumption of very large amounts of food within short time periods ( less than 2 hours) until one feels pain or discomfort. Unlike bulimia, there are no compensatory behaviours(purging, exercising, dieting, fasting or use of laxative, enemas, diet pills, etc). Usually, binge-eaters are either overweight or obese.
Causes
The exact causes for this eating disorder are unknown though several contributory factors associated with it include:
- Psychological issues-If one does not express their feelings or emotions, they can develop this disorder especially if they resort to food to cope with those emotions or feelings.
- Biological factors-The hormones that control appetite i.e. ghrelin and leptin may be imbalanced thus increasing risk for this disorder.
- Socio-cultural-The cultural pressure to attain a certain thinness can lead to dieting, which in turn can result to bingeing. If the individual is constantly hungry due to dieting , they may tend to binge regularly, which can turn out to be a habit.
- Abuse-Persons who have undergone sexual or physical abuse are likely to develop this disorder.
- Genetics-A family history of this eating disorder increases the probability of developing it.
- Sensitivity-Individuals who are very sensitive to others’ remarks or criticism concerning their body shape or weight can also develop this eating disorder. They may be unable to express themselves and in turn use food to control their emotions.
- Weight cycling-If someone is prone to weight cycling, perhaps due to dieting, there is likelihood that after losing some weight and re-gaining even more of it, they can become discouraged and resort to just over-eating.
Signs of Binge-Eating Disorder
- Consuming significant quantities of food
- Eating privately
- Eating hurriedly during a binge
- Anxiety/ Depression
- Hoarding of food
- Eating until feeling uncomfortable
- Fast weight gain
- Eating when bored, angry or stressed out
- Hiding wrappers, food containers or boxes
Diagnosis
To establish the presence of BED, several tests can be performed including:
- Laboratory assessment– To assess whether glucose or cholesterol levels in the blood are within normal range.
- Psychological assessment –An interview that evaluates one’s previous consumption patterns and whether they are influenced by one’s emotions. Normally, the health professional will use a particular set of questionnaires to differentiate the mental concerns recognized in a patient with eating disorder.
- Physical evaluation-Certain parameters such as BMI, blood pressure, heart rate can be examined.
- Other tests-The patient may also be examined to determine if they have sleeping or breathing problems.
In addition to the tests, certain signs can also be assessed to determine the presence of BED. According to the DSM manual, the following signs can indicate BED:
- Binge-eating is not accompanied with compensatory behaviours
- There is an emotional element associated with the disorder
- Repeated occurrences of bingeing- at least twice a week within a duration of 6 months.
- Eating until uncomfortable
- Eating quickly
- Eating privately
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after bingeing
Although, all symptoms do not have to be present.
Health Complications of Binge-eating
- Blood pressure
- Joint and muscle pain
- Gastrointestinal complications
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hypercholesterolaemia
- Sleep problems
- Gall bladder disease
Treatment
Therapy
It can be done either individually or in form of a group. The therapy sessions aim to train on new strategies that can be reinforced to manage the eating disorder. Patients can attend either:
- CBT-This therapy targets to detect how emotions and feelings of the patient trigger the disorder and what new skills can be learned to manage those emotions and feelings.
- Interpersonal therapy– This therapy allows patients to focus on enhancing their relationships and communication skills. The patient is taught how to manage and express his or her feelings and emotions rather than control them with food.
- Psychoeducational training -Through this therapy, the patients are imparted with knowledge on how to cope with the disorder by avoiding triggering situations.
Medications
- Weight loss drugs -For obese persons, a prescription of weight loss drugs can be provided.
- Antidepressants– These medicines can be provided to manage depression that could have triggered the disorder.
In essence, patients are required to follow professional help for increased recovery. They should also avoid any form of dieting and instead prioritize eating normal meals. Additionally, they should aim to avoid environments or situations that cause them to binge.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders.