Binge Eating Disorder: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza

Overeating is a common occurrence, as most individuals have taken an extra serving or two of a delicious meal or consumed an abundance of sweet treats during the holiday season. However, frequent and uncontrollable overeating may lead to medical and mental health issues. Binge eating disorder involves regular consumption of large amounts of food exceeding the average calorie limit. This amount is far more than the majority consume within a day. Those with a binge eating disorder typically eat quickly and cannot stop eating even when uncomfortably full. These individuals binge at least once a week for several months. Binge eating disorder may be caused by various factors, such as genetics or stress from life’s obstacles. Sometimes people eat to cope or when feeling stressed, and the desire morphs into an involuntary need.

Those with a binge eating disorder often feel embarrassed or ashamed about the amount of food consumed during the binge period. Many attempt to restrict themselves calorically to lose excess weight and reduce binging. However, rapid restriction may increase urges, creating a loop of restrictive binge eating. Binge eating disorder is commonly associated with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors. Psychological treatment can provide mental support and guidance through this challenging time. Proper treatment enables an individual to take control of the disorder and maintain a well-balanced diet through therapeutic techniques. A psychologist can reduce and eliminate binge periods, allowing healthy weight loss and mental stability. Psychological treatment breaks through guilt and shame to aid struggling binge eating and have a better quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353627