Recognising the Signs of Binge Eating Disorder and Finding Effective Treatment

Have you ever found yourself eating large amounts of food, feeling utterly out of control? Maybe you eat rapidly, consume food even when you’re not hungry, or feel a sense of guilt and shame after eating. If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing Binge Eating Disorder (BED), a serious mental health condition. You’re not alone, and there’s help available. At Myrtle Oak Clinic, our team of trained and experienced eating disorder credentialed clinicians is here to support you every step of the way.

Recognising the Signs of Binge Eating Disorder

Imagine this: it’s late at night, and you’ve had a stressful day. You find yourself in the kitchen, mindlessly consuming food, eating faster than usual, and continuing even when you’re full. You might eat in secret because you’re embarrassed, and afterward, a wave of guilt and self-disgust washes over you. These are common experiences for those with BED.

Consider a typical scenario: you’re sitting down to dinner, but instead of enjoying your meal, you’re rushing through it, barely tasting the food. The faster you eat, the less control you feel. Before you know it, you’ve eaten to the point of being uncomfortably full, and the physical discomfort is matched by emotional distress. You weren’t even hungry when you started eating; you were trying to soothe an emotional ache with food.

You prefer to eat alone, hiding your eating habits from others. The secrecy becomes a way to shield yourself from the embarrassment of how much you’re eating. After the binge, you’re left feeling guilty, depressed, and disgusted with yourself, trapped in a cycle that’s hard to break.

It’s important to remember that many of us turn to food for comfort from time to time. It’s a common way to cope with stress or emotional upheaval, and it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem. However, when using food as a coping mechanism becomes a frequent occurrence or starts causing significant distress, it can be an indicator that it’s time to seek help. Being too harsh on yourself only adds to the emotional burden; recognising when it’s becoming a pattern is the first step towards finding relief.

How is Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosed?

Seeking help is a brave step. Diagnosis often begins with recognising the signs and understanding the medical criteria. Healthcare professionals use the DSM-5 criteria, which include frequent binge eating episodes at least once a week for three months, featuring several key symptoms like eating rapidly or feeling guilty afterward, significant distress about binge eating, and the absence of regular compensatory behaviours.

A comprehensive diagnosis involves discussing your eating patterns and overall health through a thorough medical and nutritional history. A physical examination ensures there are no other underlying health issues. Psychological assessment through questionnaires and interviews evaluates your mental health.

Who Can Help?

Overcoming BED is a team effort, involving various healthcare professionals. General Practitioners (GPs) can provide initial assessments, refer you to specialists, and continue supporting you through medical monitoring. Psychologists and Psychiatrists offer therapy and, if needed, medication. Dietitians specialising in eating disorders guide you towards healthier eating habits, while counsellors and therapists provide emotional support and coping strategies.

Treatment Options for Binge Eating Disorder

Recovery is possible, and it starts with the right treatment plan.

Psychological Therapy

Talking to a mental health professional can be transformative. Effective therapies include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps change negative thoughts and behaviours related to eating. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationships that might contribute to binge eating, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness and emotional regulation.

Medication

Sometimes, medication can help manage symptoms. Antidepressants, such as SSRIs like fluoxetine, can reduce binge episodes and improve mood. Antiepileptic drugs, like topiramate, may help decrease binge frequency.

Nutritional Counselling

Working with a dietitian helps rebuild a healthy relationship with food. They assist with meal planning to establish regular eating habits, provide nutritional education to challenge distorted food beliefs, and teach mindful eating to become more attuned to your body’s hunger and fullness signals.

Support and Resources

Connecting with others and accessing resources can provide immense support. Joining support groups like the Newcastle Eating Disorder Day Program or online groups offers a sense of community. Websites like the Butterfly Foundation provide valuable information and support. Mental health services, such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline, offer crisis support and resources. Many services are subsidised through Medicare with an Eating Disorder Management Plan from your GP.

Lifestyle Changes

Incorporating healthy habits supports overall well-being. Regular physical activity, if safe for you, can help manage stress. Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or journaling can reduce binge urges. Ensuring adequate sleep is crucial for mental and physical health.

Taking the Next Step

If you recognise these signs in yourself, reaching out for help is the first step towards recovery. Speak to your GP, who can guide you to the appropriate resources and specialists. Recovery is possible, and with the right support, you can lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Ready to Find Relief and Enjoyment with Food Again?

At Myrtle Oak Clinic, our team of trained and experienced eating disorder credentialed clinicians is here to help you navigate the challenges of BED. You’re not alone, and together, we can work towards a brighter, healthier future.

For more information and support, check out these Australian resources: