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Binge Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Binge Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Binge Eating Disorder is a certain type of disorder where an individual consumes large quantities of food even when not hungry. Binge Eating Disorder or BED is a mental disorder and like every other disorder its origins also vary from person to person.

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

Eating a lot of food quickly and in excess of regular amounts or a sense that your eating is out of control can be identified as symptoms of an eating disorder. Other symptoms that are present  during the episodes of binge eating are:

-Uncomfortably stuffed
-Eating more quickly than usual
-Eating without being hungry
-Feelings of contempt, shame, or melancholy
-Eating alone out of embarrassment

Dangers of Binge Eating Disorder

The most common complication in Binge Eating Disorder is obesity. More than half of the people affected by this disorder are obese. The other complications in this disorder are-

-Anxiety
-Depression
-Diabetes
-Heart disease
-High blood pressure
-Stroke

Diagnosis of Binge Eating

An individual should be concerned if a habit of binge eating starts to significantly affect  life. People must also exhibit significant discomfort, refrain from compensatory actions like purging, and have at least one episode of binge eating every week for three months in order to be diagnosed with BED. While some individuals may have milder symptoms and binge about once per week, others may suffer more severe symptoms and binge at least 14 times each week.

Origins of Binge Eating

The exact origins of Binge Eating Disorder is still unknown but the main cause seen repeatedly is genetically. According to research, there may be a significant hereditary component to binge eating disorder. If someone in your immediate family also has an eating disorder, you may be far more likely to acquire one yourself.

Conclusion

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have both shown to be successful in treating binge eating disorder. The main goal of CBT is to recognise and alter unfavorable thought processes that lead to undesirable behaviors. Some drugs have the potential to be an important component of care. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and medications that assist regulate hunger and compulsions are just a few of the medications that may be prescribed in this disorder.

If you are someone who is struggling with this disorder and want to get out of this illness, feel free to connect us or download the Solh Wellness App.