Treating binge eating disorder is a complex process involving several health professionals. Since the patient can have continual relapses, as happens with any addiction, comprehensive psychotherapeutic assistance is essential.
Likewise, its goal is to teach the practice of healthy habits as a way to adopt healthy eating patterns. At the same time, aims to alleviate overweight and obesityconditions closely related to this eating behavior problem.
The downside of getting prompt intervention is that sick patients are often ashamed of their problem or unable to accept it. Here because It is important that friends and family know this. and participate in the process.
What is binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder is a compulsive behavior in which a person eats large amounts of food on a recurring basis. It is part of the diseases of eating behavior and, in fact, it has some similarities to bulimia.
The difference with this disease is that a person with binge eating disorder does not attempt to compensate with fasting, purging, or vigorous exercise. Even if he comes to feel guilty or afraid of gaining weight, You feel a constant urge to eat uncontrollably.
It is also Usually the problem is accompanied by symptoms depressive and anxiety attacks. Furthermore, it usually goes hand in hand with overweight and obesity, alterations that can affect pathologies such as diabetes, hypertension and joint problems.
Criteria for the diagnosis of binge eating disorder
- Intake of food in a short space of time (e.g. every two hours), in larger than normal quantities.
- Feeling out of control when eating or not being able to stop eating until you feel too full.
- Binge eating at least once a week for a three month period.
- There are no compensatory behaviors (purging methods, fasting, intensive training).
What is the treatment for binge eating disorder?
Treatment strategies for binge eating disorder are focused on decreasing the number of binges per day and, incidentally, facilitate weight control. However, as overeating is related to self-esteem issues, the measures also target this and other psychological factors.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, It can be done in individual or group sessions. Through this, he tries to guide the sick person to change habits that are unhealthy for others which will help reduce binge eating.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This therapy aims to help deal with issues that may trigger binge eating episodes, such as low self-esteem or depression. Also Helps to gain better control of behavior and adapt eating patterns.
interpersonal psychotherapy
These sessions focus on the patient’s relationship with others. His goal is to improve interpersonal skills to establish better bonds with family or friends. In this way, binges whose triggers are bad relationships decrease.
dialectical behavior therapy
Groups together a set of behavioral strategies that increase tolerance to stressful or frustrating situations. Promotes control of emotions and it helps to be aware of the harm that binge eating does.
pharmacological measures
The first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment for moderate to severe binge eating disorder is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse). It is a drug that is also used to control attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Contains stimulant components that can be addictive and addictive. It also produces mild side effects like dry mouth to insomnia. However, some patients develop more serious side effects. Other medications used in the treatment of binge eating disorder are:
- anticonvulsant topiramate (Topamax): It decreases binges but causes side reactions such as dizziness and kidney stones.
- Antidepressants: those known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are helpful. They can be addictive.
Behavioral weight loss programs
Most people with this eating disorder try to lose weight on their own. However, by neglecting their disease, they face failure time and time again. Why isn’t it good to go on a diet without checking the problem first?
Weight loss programs are not implemented until the binge eating subsides, as the diet triggers more anxiety to eat. Then, once deemed appropriate, weight loss plans are worked out under medical supervision.
The professional, who is usually a nutritionist, designs a plan based on everyone’s needs. It also helps establish a healthy relationship with food to avoid relapses.
Lifestyle
It is very difficult for a person to overcome this condition on their own. However, in addition to other binge eating disorder treatment measures, You can follow some habits that help improve the prognosis.
- Attend all therapy sessions
- Follow dietary recommendations to the letter
- Avoid dieting without professional supervision
- Breakfast every day
- Keep “tempting” foods hidden.
- Ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients
- Keep in touch with family and friends
- Get regular exercise
Coping and support strategies
Having an eating disorder carries a constant risk of relapse due to daily contact with food. But that doesn’t mean that overcoming it is impossible. Here are some final tips to deal with it:
- Don’t accept self-criticism, rather relax.
- Identify situations that can influence dangerous eating behaviors.
- Engage in activities that boost self-esteem.
- Talk to a family member or friend who can understand the situation without judgment.
- Do activities that generate pleasure, fun, or relaxation.
Feeling understanding and emotional support in battling binge eating disorder can keep you motivated to overcome it. As a result, family members and support groups are the key to dealing with it and prevent its recurrence.
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