Articles by Linda Blakeley | Overcoming Binge Eating

"I fought the binge for a few days but I knew I was going to do it over the weekend. I went to the store, bought my favorite junk food and ate until I thought I would die. I never went out the entire weekend."

Rachel suffered from guilt and shame over her late night binges. After bingeing, she was confused and filled with remorse. Although Rachel graduated from college with honors, she was unsure of what she wanted to do. She quit a number of entry level jobs in a variety of career fields. They all left her feeling dissatisfied. She had few friends and rarely dated.

Her story is all too familiar. She struggles with a Binge Eating Disorder (BED). BED sufferers are robbed of their self-esteem and confidence, which prevents them from having satisfaction in both their professional and personal lives.

At an early age, I struggled with binge eating myself. As a clinical psychologist eating disorder specialist for over fifteen years and national speaker, my mission is to assist women find inner peace and self-love. My goal is to help them identify their unique voices so they can create a solid foundation for their lives and for the lives of their children.

Find out if you have a Binge Eating Disorder

Today, specific criteria are used to determine Binge Eatmg Disorders. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (4th edition/text revision (DSM-IV- TR) an episode of binge eating is characterized by 2 key criteria:

Eating within a discrete period (i.e., any 2-hour period) an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances
A sense of lack of control over how much one is eating and the feeling that one cannot stop eating

Everyone overeats once in a while, but to be classified as BED, binges must occur on an average of at least 2 days per week for at least 6 months. Loss of control is a key factor in the diagnosis of BED. At least 3 of the following 5 indicators of loss of control must be present:

Eating much more rapidly than normal.

Eating until feeling uncomfortably full.

Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry.

Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed or very guilty after the episode.

BED is not associated with the use of compensatory behaviors, such as purging, fasting, or exercising excessively.

Factors Contributing to BED

Jamie, twenty-eight years old, entered treatment for BED. She binged on large quantities of food, unable to stop. Having lost over fifty pounds, she regained it again within a short period of time. Feeling hopeless, unlovable, and confused, she decided to seek treatment.

During the course of the initial evaluation, I determined she was suffering from depression. I found out that her fiance had broken off their engagement five years earlier. Her father died the day before her senior prom. With the breakup of her engagement, the flood-gates opened and she reverted to binge eating. Unable to tolerate the strong emotions that the death of her father and the break-up of her engagement brought up in her, she began to numb herself out using food.

Jamie was unaware of how the incidents related to her eating. When she was invited to be a bridesmaid at her best friend's wedding, she made a commitment to take off the weight. The upcoming special occasion set her in motion and she lost the fifty pounds by joining a group dieting program.

By the time of the wedding, she felt hopeful and positive about herself. However, during the ceremony, Jamie "cried hysterically" when she was reminded that her father would never walk her down the aisle at her own wedding. Embarrassed and ashamed at her display of emotion, she told herself she would never cry that way again. Soon after the wedding, she started bingeing again and quickly regained the weight she had worked so hard to lose.

BED is found among all ethnic groups and in many countries around the world. Approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with BED are women. A significant number of individuals identified as having BED are overweight. Often, there is a genetic, environmental, or family predisposition towards obesity. The rate of depressive disorders is aften higher in their families. It is not uncommon for these individuals to have one parent who has alcohol or substance abuse problems. Many come from divorced families where conflict over custody disrupted their lives for many years after the divorce.

There tends to be a high degree of negative self-evaluation and perfectionism associated with BED. According to the National Department of Health, there is a 95-98% chance that an indi- vidual will regain all of the weight they lost plus more within one to three years. Studies show dieting and restriction may trigger binge eating. Super-sizing food, a sedentary lifestyle and the media's celebration of thinness can also be a factor. Commonly, individuals who develop BED are exposed to negative comments or teasing about their shape and/or weight.

Ending the Cycle of BED

If you or someone you love is suffering from BED, it is important to locate a psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of BED in your area. Many eating disorder specialists work as part of a team that includes a physician, psychiatrist, and nutritionist. Referrals to qualified mental health professionals can be found online at www.NationaIEatingDisordersAssociation.com.

Consider joining an ongoing support group. Participation provides additional comfort and support. The National Association of Anorexia and Associated Disorders has developed a Na- tional Support Group Network that you can tap into by contacting them at www.ANAD.com.

Researchers and clinicians both agree that the greatest hope for overcoming binge eating can be found in psychological treatment. Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) has proven to be successful. Psychotherapists help patients address concerns about shape and weight, per-fectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, and low self-esteem. Behavioral components focus on tackling disturbed eating patterns. Medication has proven to be effective in reducing underlying depression. A psychiatrist trained in treating BED can prescribe the appropriate medication. The following is a list describing the psychological treatment for BED:

Stage 1 of Treatment: Patients learn to pay close attention to eating behaviors with the expressed purpose of increasing awareness about overall eating and binge patterns. Developing regular eating patterns often reduces bingeing and the urge to binge. Recognizing factors leading to a binge can help individuals to identify triggers. Practicing alternative methods to resist these urges to binge will aid in helping individuals learn to tolerate strong emotions.

Stage 2 of Treatment: Psychodynamic and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on relationship factors contributing to binge eating. Unresolved childhood issues, repetitive negative thoughts, and poor stress management skills may cause roadblocks that trigger binges. As these are resolved, bingeing is usually reduced.

Stage 3 of Treatment: When chaotic eating patterns are resolved through increased awareness and the use of cognitive behavioral strategies, important questions on how one wants to live surfaces. Discovering ones hidden potential, focusing on a long term vision provides hope for a positive future. Continued use of cognitive strategies to enhance self-esteem and self-confidence makes it possible to take steps towards realizing goals.

Stage 4 and 5 of Treatment: Reinforcement of positive strategies are ongoing in order to promote positive high self esteem, the number one quality for success in all areas of life. Through the practice and awareness of healthy eating patterns, new habits will form. The attention paid to triggers that may lead to binges is continuous. As realistic goals and expectations are identified, the use of effective stress management tools support individuals for taking action and reaching their goals.

Women must unite, joining their voices together to help all women, no matter their size, ethnicity, or race to reach their full potential valuing themselves for who they are. The fear of discrimination because of weight and external appearance is a major obstacle, preventing many women from discovering their unique voice. As I help women increase their self-esteem they uncover their personal truths and gain confidence to travel their unique paths of life with dignity and self love.