Post by Tim Wescott on May 25, 2004 14:04:49 GMT -5
Binge Eating Disorder Worsened By Stress!
Up to two million Americans suffer from the most recently described
eating disorder, known as Binge Eating Disorder, and psychological
stress may actually precipitate episodes of binge eating in those affected.
Described by doctors more recently than the eating disorders Anorexia
Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder is likely the most
common of all eating disorders, affecting approximately 2% of adults
in the US, or 1-2 million people. Persons suffering from this condition
have recurrent episodes of binge eating, which is characterized by:
eating unusually large amounts of food
eating rapidly
feeling "out of control" when eating
eating whether or not one feels hungry
eating alone or attempting to hide the amount of food consumed
continuing to eat even when one is full
feeling ashamed of the eating episodes
Unlike the condition known as Bulimia Nervosa, the binge eating
episodes in Binge Eating Disorder are not followed by so-called
"purging" behaviors such as induced vomiting, fasting, strenuous
exercise, or laxative and diuretic abuse.
Most people with Binge Eating Disorder are overweight or obese,
but the condition also occurs in individuals of normal weight. Whites
and African Americans are affected in roughly equal proportions,
and the condition is slightly more common in women than in men
(three women are affected for every two men).
The cause of Binge Eating Disorder is unknown. As with other eating
disorders, certain psychological factors may predispose individuals to
its development, including dysfunctional relationships with family
members or others, personality traits such as low self-esteem, or
feelings of helplessness. Up to 50% of persons with Binge Eating
Disorder have experienced depression at some point in their lives.
Sufferers from Binge Eating Disorder report that binge eating episodes
are often brought on by mood changes and states such as anger,
sadness, worry, and boredom. Psychological stress can also trigger
binge eating episodes, and impulsive behavior is a common personality
trait in persons with this condition. The role of dieting in the development
of Binge Eating Disorder is unknown.
In addition to the negative psychological effects of Binge Eating Disorder,
affected persons are at increased risk for obesity and its associated health
problems including increased incidence of diabetes, hypertension, heart
attack, and musculoskeletal pain and injuries. Overall health is also
compromised by the poor nutritional status of binge eaters - although
large amounts of food are consumed, binge eating generally involves
foods high in fat and sugar and low in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin
deficiencies can result, further impairing overall health and ability to
fight infections and other bodily stresses.
There is help for persons suffering from Binge Eating Disorder.
Individual or group psychotherapy by a psychiatrist, psychologist,
or social worker who specializes in eating disorders can help identify
and correct binge eating triggers and patterns. The form of therapy
known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to change unhealthy
eating habits by examining the specific emotions and thoughts that lead
to a binge eating response and altering these patterns to produce healthy
behavioral responses to moods and thoughts. For some people,
psychotherapy aimed at improvement of relationships or self-esteem
can also help. Drug therapy with antidepressant medications has also
been of value in some persons with Binge Eating Disorder.
Up to two million Americans suffer from the most recently described
eating disorder, known as Binge Eating Disorder, and psychological
stress may actually precipitate episodes of binge eating in those affected.
Described by doctors more recently than the eating disorders Anorexia
Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder is likely the most
common of all eating disorders, affecting approximately 2% of adults
in the US, or 1-2 million people. Persons suffering from this condition
have recurrent episodes of binge eating, which is characterized by:
eating unusually large amounts of food
eating rapidly
feeling "out of control" when eating
eating whether or not one feels hungry
eating alone or attempting to hide the amount of food consumed
continuing to eat even when one is full
feeling ashamed of the eating episodes
Unlike the condition known as Bulimia Nervosa, the binge eating
episodes in Binge Eating Disorder are not followed by so-called
"purging" behaviors such as induced vomiting, fasting, strenuous
exercise, or laxative and diuretic abuse.
Most people with Binge Eating Disorder are overweight or obese,
but the condition also occurs in individuals of normal weight. Whites
and African Americans are affected in roughly equal proportions,
and the condition is slightly more common in women than in men
(three women are affected for every two men).
The cause of Binge Eating Disorder is unknown. As with other eating
disorders, certain psychological factors may predispose individuals to
its development, including dysfunctional relationships with family
members or others, personality traits such as low self-esteem, or
feelings of helplessness. Up to 50% of persons with Binge Eating
Disorder have experienced depression at some point in their lives.
Sufferers from Binge Eating Disorder report that binge eating episodes
are often brought on by mood changes and states such as anger,
sadness, worry, and boredom. Psychological stress can also trigger
binge eating episodes, and impulsive behavior is a common personality
trait in persons with this condition. The role of dieting in the development
of Binge Eating Disorder is unknown.
In addition to the negative psychological effects of Binge Eating Disorder,
affected persons are at increased risk for obesity and its associated health
problems including increased incidence of diabetes, hypertension, heart
attack, and musculoskeletal pain and injuries. Overall health is also
compromised by the poor nutritional status of binge eaters - although
large amounts of food are consumed, binge eating generally involves
foods high in fat and sugar and low in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin
deficiencies can result, further impairing overall health and ability to
fight infections and other bodily stresses.
There is help for persons suffering from Binge Eating Disorder.
Individual or group psychotherapy by a psychiatrist, psychologist,
or social worker who specializes in eating disorders can help identify
and correct binge eating triggers and patterns. The form of therapy
known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to change unhealthy
eating habits by examining the specific emotions and thoughts that lead
to a binge eating response and altering these patterns to produce healthy
behavioral responses to moods and thoughts. For some people,
psychotherapy aimed at improvement of relationships or self-esteem
can also help. Drug therapy with antidepressant medications has also
been of value in some persons with Binge Eating Disorder.