Binge eating disorder is a complex condition that must be treated comprehensively in order for recovery to be successful. It can be difficult to know exactly what constitutes a diagnosis of binge eating disorder and whether attending a binge eating treatment center is warranted. Working with a trained medical professional is very beneficial as she or he will work with you and the eating disorder recovery center to understand the individual’s disorder and work to develop a treatment plan.
Binge Eating Disorders Defined
In spite of what might be heard in the media or from family and friends, if you have a binge eating disorder, it is not because of a lack of willpower. Successful binge eating recovery relies on understanding this fact. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, binge eating disorder is a condition that is both life-threatening and treatable. It is marked by repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food. This is often done quickly and in such large quantities that it causes discomfort. Afterward, there are feelings of distress, shame, guilt — or a combination of all three. It is important to note that binge eating disorder does not normally involve regular purging in an effort to counter the effects of the binge, as is the case with bulimia nervosa.
One of the newest eating disorders to be formally recognized in DSM-5, binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. Previously, it was listed only as a subtype of Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS).
Do You Meet the DSM-5 Criteria for a Binge Eating Treatment Center?
It can be hard to tell when a set of behaviors qualifies as a disorder that meets the criteria necessary for admittance to eating disorder centers.
If your binge eating happens at least once a week for at least three weeks, you experience distress while you are binge eating and you don’t use methods of purging associated with other eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa, it is likely you will meet the criteria set by the DSM-5 for binge eating disorder and that you would benefit from a binge eating disorder treatment center.
Signs and Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder
Are you concerned that your binge eating episodes are increasing and becoming a disorder? Or, are you concerned that a friend or family member is showing emotional, behavioral and/or physical symptoms of a binge eating disorder? Some of the behaviors associated with binge eating disorder can be:
- If there are large amounts of food that disappear in just a short amount of time or if you notice empty food wrappers
- Avoiding eating in public or around others, such as family members
- Creation of lifestyle rituals and/or schedules so that time is blocked out for sessions when binge eating can occur privately
- Withdrawal fromfriends and activities
- Stealing and/or hoarding food
- Looking for perceived appearance flaws in the mirror
- Displaying an extreme concern for her or his body’s shape and/or weight
- Frequently dieting in an effort to lose weight
- Fluctuations in weight — either up or down
- The disruption of normal eating patterns, such as a lack of planned mealtimes, eating throughout the day, skipping meals, sporadic fasting, taking small portions of foods at mealtimes or repeated dieting
- Gastrointestinal complaints(i.e. stomach cramps, acid reflux, constipation)
- Lack of ability to concentrate
Finding Eating Disorder Treatment Near Me
Have you Googled the question, “How do I find binge eating disorder treatment near me?” Finding the best eating disorder treatment center for binge eating disorder recovery involves in-depth research of the level of care you need, experience of treatment professionals and the philosophy and treatment that is provided.
Successful treatment of binge eating disorder needs to involve a range of different options. No two people who have binge eating disorder are going to have the exact same treatment plan. Utilizing different therapeutic modalities, receiving medical and psychiatric care and participating in supported real-world experiences provides a great chance for binge eating recovery.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can provide the skills you need to better address those issues that can trigger episodes of binge eating as well as give you a sense of control and help you manage your eating patterns. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can provide you with the skills you need to regulate your emotions, mitigate stress and improve your relationships. Interpersonal psychotherapy can also provide you with skills that can help you to better cope with your relationships, including your friends, coworkers, and family.
While therapy is a cornerstone of any treatment you receive regardless of how you answer the question “is there eating disorder treatment near me”, there is sometimes an additional need for medical or psychiatric treatment to help treat your symptoms. There are several different medications that, when used in conjunction with therapeutic interventions, can be beneficial in the treatment of some of the underlying causes of eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder. Like any other medication, even those that have proven to be effective come with side effects that must be taken into consideration when prescribing them. It is recommended you work with a medical professional with experience in the eating disorder field before beginning any treatment.
At Monte Nido, eating disorders, as well as any co-occurring disorders, are addressed in an environment that places its focus on people first and patients second. This approach tends to the soul while utilizing state-of-the-art therapeutic and medical approaches to lead individuals to a fully recovered and healthy self. Contact Monte Nido today for more information.