Binge Eating Disorder
Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a serious condition. It always involves feeling like you're not able to stop eating. It also often involves eating much larger than usual amounts of food.
Almost everyone overeats on occasion, such as having seconds or thirds of a holiday meal. But regularly feeling that eating is out of control and eating an unusually large amount of food may be symptoms of binge-eating disorder.
People who have binge-eating disorder often feel embarrassed or ashamed about eating binges. People with the disorder often go through periods of trying to restrict or severely cut back on their eating as a result. But this instead may increase urges to eat and lead to a cycle of ongoing binge eating. Treatment for binge-eating disorder can help people feel more in control and balanced with their eating.
If you struggle with BED symptoms, or wonder if you have it, Andrea can provide the answers and support you need. She understands how BED can take over your life and provides the support and tools you need to regain control. Andrea treats adults 18+.
Call Total Clarity Psychiatry today or schedule an appointment with Andrea online to get treated. Click on the “Book Now” to see her availability.
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FAQs
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Eating disorders are serious illnesses marked by severe disturbances in a person’s eating behaviors. Although many people may be concerned about their health, weight, or appearance on occasion, some become fixated or obsessed with weight loss, body weight or shape, and controlling their food intake. These may be signs of an eating disorder.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent binge eating episodes during which a person feels a loss of control and marked distress over his or her eating. Unlike bulimia nervosa, binge eating episodes are not followed by purging, excessive exercise or fasting. As a result, people with binge eating disorder often are overweight or obese.
If a person is eating large amounts, but doesn’t feel upset about it, this wouldn’t meet criteria for BED.
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Signs and symptoms of binge-eating disorder include:
Eating unusually large amounts of food in a short amount of time, for example, within two hours
Eating rapidly during binge episodes
Eating even when full or not hungry
Eating until uncomfortably full
Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment
Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about eating
Dieting frequently, possibly without weight loss
It’s important to note that if a person is eating large amounts, but doesn’t feel upset about it, this wouldn’t meet criteria for BED.
Over time, binge eating can lead to serious health consequences, including:
Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular problems
Sleep problems
Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as acid reflux, bloating, and diarrhea)
What mental illnesses can co-occur with eating disorders?
People with eating disorders are at risk for co-occurring mental illnesses, which most often include depression, anxiety, ADHD, and substance use disorders. People with eating disorders are also at a higher risk for suicide. It’s critical to treat any co-occurring conditions as part of the treatment plan.
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Andrea conducts a thorough psychiatric diagnostic evaluation during your BED screening. She reviews your medical and mental health history, as well as your family history. Since all visits are telehealth, you will be asked about your current weight and past weight history.
Andrea uses the information gathered during your evaluation and screening to develop a diagnostic impression and determine whether you meet the criteria for a BED diagnosis.
New Patient Intake/Diagnostic Evaluation appointments are typically 60-75 minutes long.
Follow up visits are 15-25 minutes.
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Binge eating disorders (BED) can be treated successfully. Early detection and treatment are important for recovery. Treatment plans for BED include:
Individual, group, or family psychotherapy to identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors about food. Learn more about psychotherapy.
Medical care and monitoring to treat the health consequences of an eating disorder and monitor overall well-being.
Nutritional counseling helps people eat well and reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Medication to treat the symptoms of some eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, and to reduce symptoms of co-occurring anxiety or depression. There are currently no medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the symptoms of anorexia nervosa or ARFID.
A person’s family can play a crucial role in treatment. They can encourage a family member with eating or body image issues to seek help and can provide support during treatment. Research suggests that family-based treatment can improve eating disorder treatment results, particularly for younger adults.
Talk with Andrea about your concerns regarding your disordered eating behaviors and patterns today.
Psychopharmacological genetic testing (PGT) can be order and is covered by some insurance carriers to determine how you metabolize certain medications. This can be helpful if you have failed or had serious side effects on medications in the past. If you have questions, or want to order this test, ask Andrea for more details
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National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA):
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/get-help/
National Alliance for Eating Disorders:
https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/
Families Empowered and Supporting the Treatment of Eating Disorders:
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Don't wait any longer, book now.
Call Total Clarity Psychiatry today, or schedule your BED evaluation online now.
Don't struggle anymore—let Andrea help you to develop a healthier relationship with food to start living your best life without guilt or shame!
Andrea is an out of network provider that does not accept insurance and accepts credit cards, debit cards and HSA/FSA at time of service.