Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by a sense of loss of control. Individuals with binge eating disorder may feel ashamed or guilty about their eating behaviors and may try to hide their eating from others.

Binge eating disorder is not the same as occasional overeating, which many people experience from time to time. Instead, it is a chronic condition that can have significant physical, emotional, and social consequences. People with binge eating disorder may experience a range of physical health problems, including obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. They may also experience depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

The exact causes of binge eating disorder are not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. People with a history of trauma, such as childhood abuse, may be more likely to develop binge eating disorder, as well as those who have experienced weight stigma or other forms of discrimination related to their body size or shape.

Binge eating disorder is often misrepresented in the media as only being about a 'lack of willpower', or 'being fat'. While these connections to societal pressures and conventional beauty standards can be important to explore in treatment, not everyone with binge eating disorder lacks willpower or is overweight.

Treatment for binge eating disorder typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Medications, such as antidepressants or appetite suppressants, may also be used to treat binge eating disorder, particularly in combination with therapy.  

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), binge eating disorder is usually characterized by recurring episodes of:

1. Eating more than most people would eat in a similar time period and circumstances
2. Feeling out of control over what and how much is eaten, and when to stop

Binge-eating episodes also include three or more of the following:

1. Eating much more rapidly than normal
2. Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
3. Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry
4. Eating alone because of being embarrassed by how much one is eating
5. Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after overeating

These episodes occur at least once a week for 3 months, there is marked distress about them, and there are no compensatory behaviours to 'make up' for overeating (eg. purging, fasting, excessive exercise).

Exploring your binge-eating patterns can be uncomfortable and unsettling. Working with an informed and sensitive therapist can help.

As with any mental health challenge, people are more complex than any one issue they may be living with. Our approach is client-centered and integrative. This means that based on your unique situation, a range of techniques will be utilized. This includes approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and attachment-based approaches. This provides the opportunity to work on other issues beyond just binge eating disorder symptoms. 

Given how misunderstood binge-eating can be, individuals with binge eating disorder may feel more comfortable working with a therapist who has a more intimate understanding of their unique challenges. At Blossom Psychotherapy, several of our Registered Psychotherapists have experience, training and passion for working with people with binge eating disorder.

We understand that struggling with an eating disorder can be a difficult and isolating experience.    Our approach to therapy is focused on helping you develop a healthy relationship with food and your body, while also addressing the underlying emotional issues that may be contributing to your binge-eating behaviors. We know that recovery is possible, and we are here to support you every step of the way.