A binge eating disorder is a mental illness where patients usually eat or drink excessively over a very short period of time. Patients eat due to psychological reasons and not because they are hungry. Addressing these psychological concerns is the only way to have the condition properly treated.
Is Binge Eating Disorder Treatable?
Treatment is possible although the process is rather long. Patients usually lie and hide their binging behavior to keep their condition as a secret. They will hide food supplies in unusual places to have continuous access to food without anyone noticing. Some people will prefer to eat outside, in the car or anywhere away from eyes to avoid talking about their condition. Most of the time, patients are very successful that even close friends and family members don’t know that they are binging.
How is a Binge Eating Disorder Treated?
The treatment of Binge eating disorder will address several concerns at the same time. The big picture treatment plan will help the patient gain control over their eating behavior.
Medical Treatment:
The treatment plan might involve the use of certain medications that are approved to treat Binge eating disorder. They are also approved to overcome depression and ADHD. They significantly reduce the number and frequency of binging episodes. This means putting the patient at a lower risk of the serious side effects. However, these drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare specialist. They have several side effects including dry mouth, jittery feelings and troubles sleeping. Although they have proved potent in treating binge eating disorder, such drugs have a serious risk of stroke and heart attack.
Some doctors use an anti-seizure drug to treat binge eating disorder patients. However, it can cause memory problems, troubles speaking, loss of focus, sedation, and tingling feeling in the extremities.
Psychological Treatment:
Psychotherapy involves counseling that helps the patient change their thinking and behavior. Cognitive therapy aims at helping patients deal with the way they look at their weight and body image. Behavioral therapy changes the way they respond to their thoughts and beliefs.
Although the patient might go out of their way to hide their condition, the support of family and friends is crucial. Family therapy helps them understand the symptoms and causes of your condition so that they can show you the proper kind of support and understanding. Group therapy encourages patients to communicate with others who share the same problem and symptoms. This will help them open up and talk freely about their feelings and fears.
Working with a nutritionist will help patients cope with their binging needs. A nutritionist or a dietitian will create a healthy, balanced and realistic meal plan that will help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Although Binge eating disorder is a serious illness, it can be easily treated by following the right treatment plan. The plan will first focus on changing your outlook towards food, then help you cope with the triggers that push you to binge. Patients eventually learn to change their eating habits to overcome their binging attitude and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
