Eating Disorders Blog

If you or someone you know is struggling with binge-eating disorder, finding the most effective treatment may be something that you think about a lot.

Though few people would argue that someone with an eating disorder needs professional help, there is considerable disagreement on what constitutes the best treatment for this potentially devastating disorder. The debate is fueled by several factors, including the following:

• First, binge-eaters are often overweight or obese, which means that their physical health is in jeopardy.
  

• Second, unlike alcoholism or drug addiction, the person with binge-eating disorder can't simply cut out the source of their addiction. They can't stop eating. So their challenge is unique in that they have to learn to develop a healthy attitude towards the thing to which they're addicted.
  

• Third, binge-eating is often a symptom of underlying psychological or emotional issues that need to be addressed.
  

The debate often involves determining which aspect of binge-eating disorder should be treated first. Some researchers and doctors believe the disorder itself has to be treated first, because it's putting the person's health at risk. They will argue that nutrition, meal plans, and exercise routines should be the focus.

Others argue that psychological and emotional issues take priority because they're causing the overeating. Their reasoning is that teaching nutrition and healthy living won't make any difference to someone who hasn't developed a healthy relationship with food.

Regardless of the order in which they happen, treatment for binge-eating should include nutrition and health education, and some type of therapy. Three types of therapy are generally considered the best for treating binge-eating disorder: cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps the binge-eater recognize triggers and learn how food is used to deal with emotions. Eating habits may be tracked in a diary or journal, and time may be spent learning healthy ways to deal with stress.
  

• Dialectical behavior therapy is a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and a form of meditation. The goal is self-acceptance. Patients learn to appreciate themselves regardless of how they look or what they do. Emphasis is also placed on stress management and the regulating of one's emotions.
  

• Interpersonal psychotherapy emphasizes personal relationships. In particular, time is spent exploring the relationships that play a role in the patient's binge-eating. The counselor helps the patient learn how to develop healthy relationships, communicate better and recognize unhealthy relationships.
  

From the outside, binge-eating disorder may appear to be similar in every person who struggles with it - but in truth, the causes and triggers vary, which means treatments will vary as well.

Individuals who are affected by binge-eating disorder needs to talk to a professional counselor or therapist to develop individualized treatment plans that will give them the best chance of overcoming their disorders and regaining control over their lives.

Posted By: jgarcia