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Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and compulsive overeating are eating disorders characterized by uncontrollable, frequent overeating. In general, those with binge eating disorder consume unusually large quantities of food in a short period of time while feeling overwhelmed with feelings of disgust, powerlessness, and helplessness. Binge eating is often followed by feelings of guilt and embarrassment. BED is the most common eating disorder frequently occurring in both males and females of all ages, including teens and adults. Binge eaters and compulsive overeaters may not eat regular meals or graze-eat throughout the day.
There are a number of different treatment methods available to help individuals with binge eating and compulsive eating symptoms. At Webster Wellness Professionals in St. Louis, we offer a variety of effective treatments for individuals looking for binge eating disorder treatment programs.
Everyone overeats occasionally, such as on Thanksgiving, when they may have a few extra servings of turkey, mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie. However, those with binge eating disorder, overeat on a much more frequent basis, as much as several times per day. An individual with binge eating disorder may eat larger portions than the average person would. This binge eating cycle is typically shrouded in secrecy due to feelings of guilt or shame, leading to hoarding and hiding food in order to binge in secret. Unlike with Bulimia Nervosa, individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in the compensatory behaviors after the binge episode, such as compulsive exercise, self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills.
The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder in adults and adolescents:
Many of the medical complications that are associated with binge eating disorder are those linked to obesity. As the major long-term consequence of compulsive overeating is weight gain, this eating disorder typically leads to medical complications including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. In addition, kidney disease and/or kidney failure, stroke, and sleep apnea tend also to result over time from binge eating disorder when it remains untreated. While binge eaters are not necessarily obese, obesity is a frequent outcome if the binge eating and compulsive overeating behaviors continue over long periods of time.
As with other types of eating disorders, it is important to seek professional help in order to treat binge eating disorder as soon as possible to avoid medical complications. The first step in binge eating disorder treatment includes establishing a healthy energy balance and a healthy eating pattern, such as three meals and one to three small snacks per day. In addition, it is important to note patterns in an individual’s binge eating and purging. The next step in binge eating disorder treatment identifies relevant psychological issues, often involving interpersonal relationships. In some cases, the individual’s primary care physician or psychiatrist may prescribe certain medications to help treat any co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Many of the same medications effective with bulimia nervosa are effective with BED.
Learn more about How to Stop Binge Eating.
DBT-EO is designed for those struggling primarily with binge eating or emotional overeating. It consists of an initial individual pre-treatment session, followed by weekly skills training groups where you will learn and practice MINDFULNESS, EMOTION REGULATION, and DISTRESS TOLERANCE skills. Individual DBT sessions and coaching as listed above may be offered, but are not required for group participation.
To learn more about how Webster Wellness Professionals provides effective eating disorder and emotional overeating treatment from a Dialectical Behavior Therapy perspective, please call us 314-737-4070. As a leading eating disorder treatment center in St. Louis, our professional staff can help determine the best treatment for each individual by using a combination of effective, evidence-based techniques and therapies.
If you are interested in receiving binge eating disorder treatment and help for controlling your compulsive overeating habits, contact Webster Wellness Professionals in St. Louis. At our eating disorder treatment center, our experienced professionals, therapists, psychiatrists, and family medicine physician are available to help provide treatment for individuals suffering from binge eating disorders. We will use innovative and effective treatment programs to help these people overcome dangerous eating disorders and learn long-term healthy weight control and eating habits.