Eating Disorder : Bing Eating Disorder

mrsaepts
Aug 18, 2022
5 min read

BY Thanyatorn Boonmasue, Aisida Iramaneerat, Vorajate Suntratonpipat

Edited by Napasjutha Kongsonthana, Napai Pattamjintathumrong

What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a life-threatening eating disorder in which a person feels a need to consume large quantities of food in a short period of time, which often causes pain and discomfort. These episodes of binge eating may consistently occur every week to every 3 months, depending on the severity of the case.

Causes/Risk factors and Symptoms

Risk factors

There is no definitive cause of binge eating. However, some risk factors may lead to developing the disorder–ranging from psychological to environmental to biological.

Psychological

Many individuals with this disorder tend to have a negative view of themselves (whether it be their body image, accomplishments, or social life), high levels of stress, traumatic experience(s), or previous mental issues–such as depression and anxiety.
Dieting also plays a role. Following a restrictive diet may cause hunger urges to overeat, and stresses along with social pressures which can lead to binge eating as well.
Binge-eating is triggered by negative emotions and provides temporary relief from them. Difficulties with emotional regulation and a lack of emotional awareness have been linked to binge eating disorders.

Environmental

The self-confidence that fluctuates easily with external influences, the unattainable societal body-image standards, and frequent negative remarks on the body can cause heavy stresses that may spur binge eating.

Biological

A history of family members or close relatives having BED sometimes leads to having the disorder. Likewise, some genetics (e.g. mutations that cause food addiction) and hormone imbalances or irregularities can be an influence.
Those with increased sensitivity to dopamine are

Age and Gender

Binge Eating Disorder can happen to anyone, being most common in women (roughly ⅔ of cases). As for age, the late 20s, or the college years, where cases present the most–though minors and older adults can have it also.

Co-occurring disorders:

According to one study, 73.8 percent of patients with binge eating disorder had at least one additional psychiatric disorder in their lifetime. Mood disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders such as OCD and social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, sexual dysfunction, and suicidal ideation are the most common psychiatric comorbidities associated with eating disorders.

BED is also commonly associated with other eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. A patient may starve themselves for a long period of time, then they may uncontrollably consume excessive amounts of food, and then self-induce vomit afterward.

Note that even if you have these risk factors, it doesn’t mean developing the disease. And, vice versa, if you don’t have them, you still could. Risk factors are just something that raises the likelihood of developing a certain disease. Whereas, causes (which BED does not yet have) are a certain factor that undoubtedly gives a clear indication of a condition.

Symptoms

Several behavioral and emotional signs can indicate Binge Eating Disorder. Some of these may have a significant impact on the victim's life, while others may go unnoticed. Most binge-eating disorder patients have little to no control over their eating habits and thus, symptoms are compulsive. Some common symptoms may include;

Consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time
Excessively eating until the point of discomfort or pain, even when not hungry or during meal times.
Being ashamed, guilty, depressed, or disgusted after a meal
Frequently eating alone (as a result of embarrassment in eating patterns)
Feeling like not being in control of personal consumption
Desperate attempts at dieting that are ineffective

Treatment

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is a psychological treatment usually recommended after diagnosis and involves weekly sessions, either group or individual, with a therapist who will help identify what triggers the patient’s binge eating, manage connected thoughts and emotions, and plan out meals and new eating habits. Additional medication may be prescribed and taken while the patient is receiving psychological care.

2. Medications

Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX), sold under the brand name Vyvanse, is the only FDA-approved medication to treat binge eating. It is a central nervous stimulant that increases the amount of dopamine, causing the patient to feel more alert and aware. Side effects of LDX include vomiting, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, etc.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that may be prescribed to patients who have co-occurring mood disorders as they increase the amount of serotonin and dopamine the brain produces and may help reduce episodes of binge eating. Side effects of SSRIs include dizziness, sexual problems, vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, etc.
Anti-seizure medication (Topiramate/TPM) is a type of anticonvulsant that can help reduce the urge for binge eating by affecting linked chemicals in the brain. These medications must be used with caution as some serious side effects include bloody urination, irregular heartbeat, bone issues, and other bleeding problems. Common side effects include loss of appetite, lack of coordination, drowsiness, tingling in hands or feet, weight loss, etc.
Weight-loss medications may be taken to treat the effects of binge eating, such as obesity, though they are not officially approved as a treatment. Side effects of weight-loss medications include increased blood pressure, fatigue, nausea, constipation, raised heart rate, etc.

Prevention

Despite there being many beneficial treatments, the best way is to prevent the problem in the first place–as it is much easier to not start than to stop, sadly there is no clear-cut screening for this. The best way is to detect the symptoms early, even if you are unsure, and seek professional help or confide in a trusted associate at least. Also, fostering and reinforcing a healthy body image is key.

Fostering a healthy body image: Encouraging healthy body image behaviors and views helps to reduce the notion that self-worth is linked to body shape or size. Being comfortable with one's own body reduces the likelihood of engaging in unhealthy eating habits (like BED or anorexia).

Avoiding Triggers:

Overeating is commonly driven by the need to be comforted in circumstances of negative emotional triggers. The majority of food eaten in this instance is usually unhealthy. Foods, such as desserts or fried snacks, remind the person of positive memories or emotions, triggering a comforting memory as a distraction from current negativity. Some triggers leading to emotional eating episodes may include:

Stress and anxiety
Boredom
Childhood habits or trauma
Social eating

Environmental triggers that encourage unhealthy behaviors and lead to binge eating have a significant impact on a person's relapse. It is always best to avoid social gatherings or friend groups that encourage these behaviors through peer pressure. Simply being around food at events may cause people to eat even if they are not hungry.

References

Eating Disorder : Bing Eating Disorder

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