Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Do I Have BED?

Binge eating disorder or BED is characterized by uncontrollable eating, followed by feelings of guilt and shame. While individuals who are overweight do not necessarily have BED, it is important to note that BED requires remorse or guilt about the quantity of food consumed. This is not to suggest that every Thanksgiving we all contract BED; science has not yet defined any temporal requirements to this label. It may be prudent to further characterize BED as involving at least two purges per week, over six months. It is diagnosed as follows:

Binge eating, with an awareness that the eating pattern is abnormal;

Depression;

Fear of an inability to cease food consumption;

Self deprecating feelings after binges;

On average, bingeing occurs two days a week, over 6 months.

Physical Symptoms

The physical symptoms of BED can be none, or many. Most victims are overweight, and can experience weight fluctuations of 10-15lbs. You may observe the individual to be withdrawn, secretive, consume little food publicly despite weight gain, among others. Most with BED are, "always dieting", and hop from one fad to the next. They limit their public activities to allay embarrassment, and can experience depression due to their condition.

Emotional Symptoms

BED takes an emotional toll on the victim, often described as a shame spiral. Poor self image leads the individual to overeat, which compounds the self image problem, repeating the loop iteratively without exit. Those afflicted feel that by being thinner they will be better regarded by society, and as such they fixate on their weight perpetually, resulting in much self abuse.

Psychological Symptoms

Psychologically, BED causes feelings of inadequacy and isolation. The biochemical effect of eating sates their emotional need temporarily, yet upsets the long-term objective of the individual, causing a shame spiral. BED is often a lengthy disease, and requires therapy intensively at first to extinct behaviours, and then periodically over the life of the individual to prevent recurrence.

Who It Effects

BED can affect anyone, at any time in their life. 1-4% of the population has reported symptoms of BED, and the statistics include a substantial portion of males. BED has been witnessed running in families, which may be correlated to genetic dispositions, but more likely is due to an overemphasis on food and an edible rewards system within a household.

Treatment

Treatment for BED involves therapy not just to counter tendencies to overeat and to reward oneself with food, but also to treat the underlying emotional issues. Often the individuals require an outlet for emotional expression, or need to find other ways to reward themselves. Treatment consists of counselling by a qualified counsellor, in regular conjunction with a medical doctor. It is also advised for family members to seek counselling as well to learn how to aid in the recovery process. There are myriad treatment options available - check the finding treatment section for treatment options near you.

* If medical attention is needed, immediately seek the care of medical professionals in your area. Do not attempt to self-diagnose.