Understanding Binge Eating Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious eating disorder that affects an individual's relationship with food. Pretty much everyone overeats on occasion, like having extra servings during the holidays. For some though, excessive overeating feels out of control and regularly occurs crossing the line to binge eating disorder.
Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States making up almost half of all diagnoses. It is also one of the most underdiagnosed eating disorders. Healthcare providers diagnose eating disorders by asking detailed questions about your behaviors, thoughts, and feelings related to your food and body. It is often diagnosed when an individual experiences recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food in a short period of time. This is accompanied by a feeling of loss of control over the eating behavior. If you binge eat regularly—at least once a week for 3 months, you may have binge eating disorder.
When you have binge eating disorder, you may feel embarrassed about overeating and vow to stop. You feel such a compulsion that you can't resist the urges and continue to binge more. Different from bulimia, after a binge you don't compensate for extra calories consumed by making yourself vomit, use laxatives, or exercise excessively. You may however try to diet or eat normal meals. Research shows that restricting your diet is often a precursor to binge eating behaviors.
The severity of a binge eating disorder is determined by the frequency of binge episodes per week. If you feel that binge eating disorder is present in your life it may be time to start Binge Eating Disorder Treatment in New York, NY with me at Bianca VonBank Therapy.
Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by several key behaviors. These include eating large quantities of food in a short period even when not feeling hungry. Individuals with BED often feel a lack of control over their eating during these episodes and continue to eat until they feel uncomfortably full or experience physical discomfort. They may also eat alone due to embarrassment or shame about their food consumption. After a binge episode, feelings of shame, guilt, or disgust with oneself are common. Additionally, individuals with BED may eat too quickly to notice how much they're consuming or pay attention to how it feels in the moment. Other signs of BED can include hoarding food, experiencing distress related to eating habits, or using food as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. It's essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is showing signs of BED to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Other Signs & Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder:
Hiding food or eating in secret.
Organizing your schedule around binge eating sessions.
Obsessive thinking about food and specific food cravings.
Rapid weight gain or fluctuations in weight.
Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss
Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks due to preoccupation with food and eating.
Experiencing mood swings or changes in emotional state related to binge eating.
Treatment Options for Binge Eating Disorder
Effective treatment options for BED include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal therapy. Medication and support groups have also been shown to have successful outcomes. With proper diagnosis and treatment, full recovery from BED is possible.
If you suspect you or someone you know may have Binge Eating Disorder, it is important to seek professional help for diagnosis and treatment. A healthcare provider or mental health professional can help determine if Binge Eating Disorder is present and develop a treatment plan tailored to individual needs. Early intervention and proper guidance can make a significant difference in managing BED. Seeking support is an important step towards regaining control over eating behaviors and achieving lasting recovery.
Break Free from your Binge Eating Disorder
at Bianca VonBank Therapy in New York, NY
Ready to regain control over your relationship with food and break free from binge eating disorder? At Bianca VonBank Therapy, I specialize in offering compassionate and effective treatment for binge eating disorder in New York, NY. My approach focuses on addressing the underlying emotional, psychological, and behavioral aspects of binge eating to foster lasting recovery and a healthier relationship with food. If you’ve been struggling with binge eating disorder and are ready to get treatment, I can help. Take the first step on your journey towards healing and liberation from binge eating by following the steps below:
Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Speak with a compassionate binge-eating therapist.
Break free from binge eating today!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Bianca VonBank Therapy
in New York, New York, and throughout NY + FL
At Bianca VonBank Therapy, I offer a range of services aimed at supporting your mental health and well-being. In addition to my expertise in Binge Eating Disorder Treatment, I provide therapy for other various concerns. These include Therapy for Anxiety and Therapy for Women. Common topics discussed in therapy are body-image issues, burnout, perfectionism, and relationship issues. I am trained in evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Whether you're seeking help for a specific issue or looking to improve your overall mental wellness, I am dedicated to providing personalized and effective care to help you thrive. Reach out today to learn more and begin your journey towards a happier, healthier life.