Binge Eating Disorder Prognosis

Binge eating disorder is a devastating but treatable disorder and is more common than most people think. It involves bouts of eating excessively and uncontrollably, a behavior known as bingeing. Those who have it often feel ashamed of their behavior and suffer with an array of emotional and physical symptoms.

Definition

• Binge eating disorder is a psychiatric disorder that involves frequent episodes of eating far past satiation or comfort due to emotional triggers, a behavior known as bingeing. To the person who has the disorder the binges feel unstoppable. They often hide their behavior out of guilt or shame, and may eat normal amounts or even restrictively in the presence of others.

Prevalence

• Binge eating disorder affects an estimated 1 to 5 percent of the general population, and affects more women than men. Since many cases go undisclosed, it's difficult to determine precisely how many people are battling the disorder.

Causes

• Binge eating disorder may be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, compulsive dieting, lack of alternate coping skills (people often turn to food for stress relief, which can trigger the disorder) and pressure from oneself or others.

Treatment

• The disorder is best treated through a combination of behavioral therapy, which addresses the actual bingeing behaviors, and interpersonal therapy, where the feelings that trigger the compulsions are addressed. Nutritional therapy is recommended as well, and on some occasions medications are prescribed to help manage the impulse to binge or the underlying depression.

Long-Term Effects

• If left untreated, binge eating disorder may lead to worsening depression, anxiety, obesity, heart disease, thyroid problems and/or diabetes. The good news is that all of these conditions are treatable and preventable if the eating disorder is addressed and treated. Treatment is available and should be sought.

How to Get Help

• If you feel that you or a loved one is suffering from binge eating disorder, contact your family physician and a trusted therapist. Many communities offer free support groups as well, if insurance or financial situations make attaining treatment difficult.