Depressive Binge-Eating Disorder

The federal Weight-Control Information Network claims that binge eating is the most common eating disorder in the United States, with more than half of the people who struggle with it also suffering from depression.

Definition

• Regularly eating abnormally large portions of food while feeling incapable of controlling yourself is a sign of binge-eating disorder. People with binge-eating disorder eat even when they are full and often experience feelings of guilt and depression.

Causes

• The link between binge-eating disorder and depression isn't clear. Because binge-eating disorder has been successfully treated with antidepressants that regulate serotonin and norepinephrine, the disorder may be related to abnormal levels of those neurotransmitters. Genetic predisposition, societal pressures and hormonal imbalances also may cause binge-eating disorder.

Effects

• Effects of binge-eating disorder and depression can be devastating. Aside from the health risks, the emotional toll is steep. People may isolate themselves to hide their problem, turn to negative behaviors such as drug or alcohol use to cope with feelings of guilt or even contemplate suicide.

Treatment

• The Mayo Clinic suggests that both therapy and medication are necessary for treating depressive binge-eating disorder. Therapy helps you deal with the self-esteem, self-image, and emotional issues that contribute to depressive binge-eating disorder, while medications treat the chemical causes.

Warning

• Binge eating can lead to many health problems: headaches, muscle pain, problems with menstruation, joint paint, problems with digestion and weight gain. Weight gain can lead to heart disease, diabetes and gallbladder disease, so seek treatment for binge-eating disorder before it gets out of control.