Navigating Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

What is Binge Eating Diroder? 

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious mental health condition characterized by recurring episodes of consuming a quantity of food that is larger than what most people would eat in a similar period of time under similar circumstances. It is important to recognize that people with BED can represent a diverse range of body shapes, sizes, and weight.

A defining characteristic of Binge Eating Disorder is the profound sense of lack of control. Other Binge Eating Disorder symptoms include eating more rapidly than usual, consuming food until uncomfortably full, eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry, and feeling guilty or disgusted with oneself related to food choices. In addition, people with Binge Eating Disorder may experience feelings of embarrassment about one’s food portions.

Impact on Daily Life

Binge Eating Disorder can impact several aspects of an individual’s life, presenting challenges such as:

• 
  Emotional Distress Related to Food: The ‘control myth’ is the misconception that episodes of binge eating are due to a lack of willpower versus the symptom of an unmanaged eating disorder. As a result, people with BED often experience significant guilt, shame, and regret with a negative internal dialogue following a binge.
• 
  Lack of Control: For those struggling with this disorder, this can mean feeling unable to control their food intake during a binge; hiding, stealing, or avoiding foods; or being stuck in a cycle of food restriction that results in binging episodes.
• 
  Constant Exposure to Triggers: The unavoidable presence and need for food in our daily lives as human beings means that one has to continuously be able to manage food triggers, creating a significant mental and emotional toll. As such, recovery from BED is more complex than just focusing on resolving eating patterns.
• 
  Shame and Isolation: Shame is a common aspect of BED, which can stem from receiving comments made by family and friends, not feeling in control over food-related behaviours, or struggles with body image. Shame can serve as a barrier to opening up, which can contribute to isolation from family and friends.

Strategies & Coping Mechanisms

• 
  Self-Compassion: Developing strategies for improved self-compassion can be essential in managing shame and the negative internal dialogue associated with BED. Working with a therapist is one way to learn how to develop self-compassion, but there are also accessible online resources and podcasts to introduce the concept of self-compassion.
• 
  Build a Support Network: A crucial aspect of recovery from Binge Eating Disorder is building a support system. This can include health professionals you are working with, along with family and friends.
• 
  Work with a Mental Health Professional: If possible, explore the option of working with a mental health professional specializing in Binge Eating Disorder. There are specific therapeutic approaches that have been proven effective with BED, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
• 
  Learn Emotion Regulation Strategies: These strategies can include different techniques such as mindfulness to bring awareness to the present moment, which provides us with more control over how we respond to a situation. Emotion regulation strategies can also include coming up with a list of strategies to manage stress, anger, loneliness, and other challenging emotions.

Understanding the Diagnosis Process

Obtaining a diagnosis can be helpful in connecting to the right supports and gaining a better understanding of Binge Eating Disorder treatment. While a diagnosis may not be mandatory to seek support for BED, obtaining a diagnosis can be a useful tool in mental health management . The diagnostic process requires individuals to share emotions, thoughts, reactions and sometimes challenging life experiences. It is crucial to make an informed decision about pursuing a diagnosis and consider if it aligns with your mental and physical health needs.

Benefits of a Binge Eating Disorder Diagnosis?

• 
  Accessing Appropriate Support: A formal diagnosis can facilitate connecting to the appropriate support, including working with health professionals that specialize in Eating Disorders and are trained in evidence-based approaches in the treatment of BED. 
• 
  Validation and Reassurance: A diagnosis can enhance understanding and awareness of Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms. This can be a crucial part in decompensating myths and stigma related to binge eating that result in feelings of loneliness and shame for People with Binge Eating Disorder.
• 
  Tailored Therapeutic Interventions: A formal diagnosis will act as a guide for providers in designing a specific treatment plan whether regarding psychotherapy or medications.
• 
  Greater Awareness: A diagnosis can help to answer questions and gain a more comprehensive understanding of BED, which can aid in managing triggers and symptoms. A greater understanding of BED can also support individuals in educating family and friends about their experience, as social support is a core aspect of recovery.

What to Expect in the Diagnostic Process  

Obtaining a BED diagnosis involves sharing in-depth information related to emotional management, daily mental health challenges and food-related patterns. Key components of the diagnostic process include:

• 
  Assessment: An initial meeting with a qualified mental health professional (typically a psychologist or psychiatrist) to discuss symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder, history and experiences.
• 
  Clinical Interview: As follow up to the assessment, the clinical interview is an in-depth discussion delving more into thoughts, emotions, behaviours, with a specific emphasis on food and eating patterns.
• 
  Psychometric Testing: Some providers will also use standardized questionnaires as an additional tool of the assessment process, referred to as ‘psychometrics’. The questionnaires are used to gather specific information about symptoms that cannot always be clearly expressed during the assessment or interview.
• 
  Binge Eating Disorder and the DSM-5: All diagnoses are made based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The assessing professional compares your information and symptoms against a checklist of criteria outlined in the DSM-5. The criteria in DSM-5 for BED are related to eating habits and patterns, emotional distress related to food, as well as frequency and length of time of such experiences.
• 
  Collaboration: The diagnostic process should be a collaborative approach. It is okay to express your thoughts, ask questions, and advocate if you disagree with something that is being proposed. Upon receiving a diagnosis, you should be provided with proper information and resources.

Preparing for Therapy Services or Diagnosis:  

• 
  Request a consultation: If possible, research and consult with a few different mental health professionals, specifically those experienced in working with Binge Eating Disorder. Determining who you feel most confident in and who you feel most comfortable with is part of making an informed decision about services.
• 
  Take your Time & Ask Questions: Feeling nervous while discussing vulnerable topics is quite normal, so take your time when answering the questions. If at any point you are uncertain about the purpose of a question or how the information will be used, you have every right to seek clarification, and should expect to receive a reasonable response.

Conclusion

Binge Eating Disorder, like other eating disorders, is rooted in complex emotional experiences. Binge Eating Disorder treatment and recovery  involves managing emotional distress, learning how to be compassionate with oneself, and establishing a support system. Working with a therapist, seeking a diagnosis, or connecting with eating disorder resources are a few pivotal tools to help individuals struggling with BED. With the right support in place, Binge Eating Disorder recovery is possible.

If you are wondering whether you or someone you know may be struggling with BED, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for guidance and support.

FAQ

Reference