Assumed to be one of the most common eating disorder subtypes, binge eating disorder (BED) is a highly misunderstood condition. According to a study referenced by The National Eating Disorder Association and published in Biological Psychiatry, 3.5 percent of women and 2 percent of men had binge eating disorder during their lifetime. BED most often shows up in either the late adolescent years or the early 20s, but people can need binge eating disorder recovery at just about any age.
The disorder itself can be really complicated; not just about overeating, and binge eating disorder symptoms can vary according to the individual and their personal experiences. Therefore, treatment in binge eating treatment centers for the condition has to be just as complex. Take a look at the most important components of a good binge eating disorder treatment program.
Correcting the Most Dangerous Medical & Psychiatric Symptoms
The very first thing that will happen when a client enters a binge eating disorder treatment center is a team of professionals will assess the individual’s personal situation and determine what dangers are present that are most concerning. For those with binge eating disorder symptoms, some of the most pressing medical and psychiatric symptoms can include things like:
- Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
- Sleep apnea
- High blood pressure
Even though there are a lot of health risks associated with BED, many of the binge eating disorder symptoms affecting someone physically must be addressed in a longer-term manner.
Interrupting Binge Eating Disorder Behaviors
People who have BED usually have a loss of control over their eating habits. They may consume large amounts of food in an almost panicked or “checked-out” state, and then have severe feelings of shame and guilt afterward. The primary goal of binge eating disorder recovery is to interrupt these behaviors and retrain the individual to react differently; overcome their binging tendencies.
Helping to Establish Normal Eating Patterns & Nutrition
Part of the time spent in a binge eating treatment center will be spent on helping the client establish a more normalized eating pattern or routine. The best places employ a nutritional expert who is skilled in the field of eating disorder treatment who will work with the clients individually and at meal times to encourage better behaviors and choices.
Treating Disordered Thoughts & Behaviors Through Therapy
Underlying the typical binge eating disorder is a complicated mess of disordered thought processes that support the development of obsessive or compulsive behaviors. Through different forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, these disordered thoughts are recognized so the individual can gain better control and learn how to cope in other ways with emotional triggers.
Addressing Co-Existing Medical & Emotional Health Problems
It is not uncommon for people with eating disorders to also have co-occurring conditions that have to be treated along with the binge eating disorder symptoms. For example, people who have BED are more at risk of also having depression and anxiety, or even substance abuse problems.
Establishing a Long-Term Plan for Recovery
Once a stint in a binge eating disorder treatment center has come to an end, it is important that the client who has been in treatment continues to focus on taking steps to continue positive behaviors and stay on the right path. Therefore, one critical part of treatment is establishing a long-term plan for binge eating disorder recovery. For example, some clients transition from a residential program to continued outpatient counseling for several months or years after treatment.
Monte Nido’s Binge Eating Treatment Centers
Monte Nido is a leader in eating disorder recovery and we offer binge eating disorder treatment centers in multiple states across the country. Reach out to us if you would like more information about BED treatment for yourself or for a loved one.
