BINGE EATING SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is more than just "eating too much" it is accompanied by the feeling of not having control when eating and feelings of guilt and distress around overeating (Marzilli, Cerniglia, & Cimino, 2018). There are many different possible causes for BED such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, lack of control in life, family factors such as a focus on weight, or disharmony in the family, or social pressure of looking a certain way (“Binge Eating: Breaking the Cycle A Self-Help Guide Towards Recovery,” 2015). BED often onsets at adolescence where when changes in one's body occur and a big concern around body image, and acceptance from peers. Though all genders at any age can experience binge eating. With binge eating, comes many other symptoms, obesity/overweight, depression, anxiety, self-harm, impairment in social and family interactions (Marzilli, Cerniglia, & Cimino, 2018). We at Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy Inc has many resources to help with being eating and the symptoms that follow. The mind and body are connected (“Binge Eating: Breaking the Cycle A Self-Help Guide Towards Recovery,” 2015), this is why multidisciplinary treatment can be beneficial, where a medical doctor, as well as a therapist and naturopath Doctor, Dr. Newry, from Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy Inc can join in your circle of care.
Psychotherapy approaches include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with a big focus on the feeling of less control, and changes in behaviour such as diets that can trigger binge eating. All our therapists at Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy, are well trained in CBT. Another approach that our therapists are trained in includes, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, which puts focus on the emotions behind eating, identifying, expressing, and understanding how to manage one's emotions in a healthy way (Marzilli, Cerniglia, & Cimino, 2018). Some exercises you can do on your own can include looking in the mirror and identifying things you do like about your body, this can be hard if you have told yourself negative thoughts enough time, but our therapist with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy Inc. also offer family counselling where the therapist can teach members about eating disorders and how to support a family member recovering from an eating disorder (“Binge Eating: Breaking the Cycle A Self-Help Guide Towards Recovery,” 2015).
Moreover, Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy Inc has a fantastic Naturopath doctor, Dr.Newry. A naturopath can help with supplements if clients are missing certain nutrients in their diet. Moreover, naturopaths believe in educating clients, the naturopath will provide info on nutrition and diets to allow clients to make educated choices about food. Also, as mentioned, other symptoms of BED include anxiety and stress, a naturopath may advise, massages that can help. A Naturopath may also mention exercises, exercises can help one feel good about their body and help their overall health. Overall, A naturopath can help create a well-suited plan created by both the Doctor and client in regards to food, diet, and exercise. (“Naturopathic Treatment for Eating Disorders.” n.d.).
References
Binge Eating: Breaking the Cycle A Self-Help Guide Towards Recovery. (2015). Body Whys: The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland. Retrieved from https://bodywhys.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/BEDBookletUpload.pdf
Marzilli, E., Cerniglia, L., & Cimino, S. (2018). A narrative review of binge eating disorder in adolescence: prevalence, impact, and psychological treatment strategies. Adolescent health, medicine and therapeutics, 9, 17–30. https://doi.org/10.2147/AHMT.S148050
Naturopathic Treatment for Eating Disorders (n.d.). Shamans Market. Retreived from https://www.shamansmarket.com/pages/naturopathic-treatment